Hey guys - I just found you'all and need the help of the tribe. I had a spinal injury 2 yrs ago and my balance is not getting better; not good enough to ride like I use to. I have been riding since I was 10, minibikes then, Hondas and Kaw's through my teens and twenties and Hogs since I was in my mid-thirties. I need advise on getting my '76 Harley Shovelhead FLH set up for a sidecar. If I could just get the correct fittings for my frame and then add a sidecar frame and wheel, I could ride. I've built surfboards and ultralite airplanes, so I'll figure out something to put on it after I get going. I noticed NWSidecar had a Ural frame rig with no tub but I need to know what rig will ride well. I had a guy from Alabama tell me that my Electraglide would need some different triple trees to kick the rake out so my bike would track better with a sidecar; he sounded like he knew his stuff too. Anyone out there with a 'great' idea and/or the stuff I need, heave ho ! -thanks- Mike captmcbk@yahoo.com
Mike,
You can locate the HD frame fittings from various sources e-bay which at times the frame parts go farily cheap just be sure to ask questions about the condition of them if purchasing from there and V-Twin Cycles is another source.
For HD frames there is a top mount that that fastens to the top of the front frame tubes which is what holds the top "J" bar in place to the sidecar frame and helps in adjusting the lean out for alignment purpouses when attaching a sidecar.
Next directly below the top mount is the lower mount that mounts to the front of the bottom of the frame tubes using u-bolt clamps this connects the sidecar frame to the bike in the lower front area.
Last is the lower rear mount that on your 76 HD attaches to the right side of the swing arm this mount is in two pieces and is machined for the square swing arm frame also when you attach this mount you will have to relocate the rear break line due to the position of the mount which is no big deal this mount holds the rear portion of the sidecar frame to the bike and this is where you will also make the adjustments for the toe in.
The adjustable HD triple trees can be found at the same locations that I had mentioned earlier I installed a HD set that I had on my 72 HD and they do make a difference I also used a stearing dampener that is located on the top of the fork clamp by tightening it this would reduce the head shake in the forks at low speed.
Also another source is Liberty motors in Washington State for modified trees not sure but there may be something for your 76 HD you can view the products there by looking for the banner ad here for Liberty motors it is the green one and clicking on it will take you to their site.
As for NorthWest Sidecars Lonnie Cook the Owner can steer you to other things and when it comes to knowing things,part numbers ect. about HD sidecars he would be the person that I would suggest to.
Mike,
You might check Ebay or Craigs list for the Harley adjustable trees. Factory Shovel's with sidecars had them and I think the Servicars had them also.
The URAL is a good match for your '76 FLH.
Chassis wise most full size sidecars with full suspension will handle much better than the rigid Harley chassis. Especially on rough roads.
I had a URAL mounted on my Custom '50 Panhead bagger with a 1977 frame and it was a great rig. I sold the bike without the sidecar but I still have the URAL sidecar mount set for it hanging in the shop.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks alot guys - I have been looking around and it looks like I need to get some triple trees [5 degree rake] first and Liberty does have them at $850. I thought about trying to find some at a little better price before I shell out for premium new ones. Their web site says to only use them for sidecar/servicar and 'not' use them for solo riding. Seems like it would not effect the handling that adversely during riding with no sidecar; but what do I know. I wrote them a note to that effect and am waiting on a reply; what do you'all think ? I'm sure the forum of riders here should know how a cycle will handle with no sidecar attached. Is it that bad or are they just trying to cover their butts because folks are installing parts that are not OEM ? Anyway, thanks again and any other suggestions from you'all or anyone else will be put to good use. Mike
Mike,
heres a set on e-bay now current price is $50.
Item number: 200114110798
Good luck
Solo use of a bike with reduced trail for sidecar use can result in extreme front end wobble, what is known (to the survivors) as an uncontrollable "tank slapper".
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
if you use the hd sidecar trees for your 76 - they are adjustable for solo vs sidecar use - i belive that the old factory trees are the ONLY ones that did so. all other trees are sidecar or solo - not both.
if you run on paved roads a old hd sidecar will be the simplest to attach and operate - i think you need a LE rather than a RLE or a TLE. they tend to be less costly since a LE CANNOT be attached to a bike newer than 84. if you run on lots of really rough roads a non hd sidecar with a swingarm could be a good idea
there are three speed with reverse transmissions availiable for a 76 with a sidecar & a smaller engine sprocket for more power at lower speeds - all that said a 76 bike with sidecar set up as a factory pair would have been good for about 60 continuously - but will be very reliable, stable, and safe.
most factory parts can be had on ebay for a 76 - get a 83 or older sidecar service manual [not the owners manual] and a 76 bike parts & service manuals so you find the right parts.
later
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