I am a newbie enjoying my Sportster (1200) with Cozy Euro,
How much weight do I need in an empty car?
Locally was told 100# for me pulls too much, I gather I need to find my wt zone but would like some opiions from the seasoned rider, Thanks
A good weight ratio to start with is 2/3rds motorcycle to 1/3rd sidecar.
That will keep you on 3 wheels.
Some more experienced hackers may go to a 75% to 25% ratio.
That will keep you on three wheels part of the time.
Lonnie
Lonnie
Not a seasoned rider, but a newbie (myself). I've gradually decreased the ballast I need from almost 100# down to about #35 so far. My rig is well balanced already - at 200# dressed-out I can't even budge the sidecar by using the footpeg and handlebars test method (what's the terminology for that again?)... anyways, practice is most important, build your experience and knowledge of how the rig handles for ~you~ then worry about going faster or decreasing the ballast.
Cheers!
Tony
'83 R100RT w/Ural sidecar
licensed JUN 07
purchased and driven since AUG 07
SMILING EVERY DAY!
No question experience with gained knowlege first!
Just was getting a feel for what the seasoned rider thinks...
I have decreased very comfortably to 50# waiting for the 70# tube to come in, will give that a try also, I just had too much fight, err pull with the higher wt. Learning the hilly, winding roads speed will come...
Drive safe with the shiney side up!, L
there is no set weight
sounds like u r on the right track
pick some thing and work your way down
generally i carry about 25 lbs if the chair is empty
but lately have had no ballast just running a couple miles to work once in a while
and i do go a little slower / or "hot dog" just a tad lol
stace
Too much pull (to the right?) with the extra weight usually means too little toe-in/lean-out, or both. Align the rig for neutral steering regardless of ballast or passenger weight. check your sidecar tire tread wear down the road a bit. Look for even wear with no scrubbing either way.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Hey Lonnie,
hope all is well!
Thank you for the suggestions, I will bring my rig in to
the installation shop, owner has a Harley w/ HD side for the possible tweeking...mean while tomorrow promises good weather, take it as it comes!
Safe driving, L
Hi Liz,
Your wrench has a Harley/Harley rig. Many of the Harley rigs use a negative lean or a lean-in. That is not the case with the Sporty/Cozy outfit. You will need some positive lean-out to achieve neutral steering.
I would suggest that you not try to lighten the ballast load too soon. Your bike probably weighs well over 700# with you aboard and the Cozy is a light sidecar. You mentioned a using 70# ballast weight in your posts. If that is a sand tube be sure to place it as far to the rear of the sidecar as possible to prevent nose dive in the case of a sudden stop or to prevent rear wheel lift in a quick stop when doing a left hand turn.
Have fun with it,
Lonnie
Thanks Lonnie.
Presently still with 50# (crushed rock) placed on seat handling well, the 2nd 50#I think sets the car off balance as you hinted nose heavey possibly.
I am taking it slow learning turns stops etc.
The sand tubes are on back order, hope I can "wrap" the tube on the floor front of seat do you suggest wt on wheel side or left inner?
Again taking my time being a new bike rider (just did 2 wheels for MCSF course and licence test)
I apprieciate the advise, than you, Safe Riding, Liz
Try to keep ballast as far out and to the rear as possible as was noted. Also it is no big deal to make ballast a permanent thing if it works for you and keeps things stable. There are some who feel they are better sidecsarists or have a feather in their hat for running lighter. DON;T WORRY ABOUT IT just have fun, be safe and keep practicing. All ballast is is weight added to make up for a sidecar that may be a little too light for the bike.
Pulling to the right is not due to ballast it is due to the setup being wrong when ballst is added.Taking out ballast could make it run straighter but if the sidecar is too light then adding ballast and re adjusting the setup makes much more sense.
Widening the track width is also a good way to add stability.
Claude,
Thank you. Funny is when I have a human in the side w/ no extra ballist easier handling, had my rig checked out by a seasoned rider, thinks that my wt distrabution is off. (with the 2nd 50# on floor)
Anyways I am out riding having fun with her.I have been here on the forum picking your experience since I am new and don't really know anything yet...
Everyone has been helpful! Thank you! L
