I just bought a 2007 GL1800 w/ the Dauntless Liberator sidecar. The bike had 217 miles on it when I picked it up. My wife and I took our first trip w/ it from Tucson to Albuquerque and back, about 950 miles. The bike now shows about 1680 miles and the wear bar of the sidecar tire is showing already. I contacted Jay from Dauntless. He said that even when this rig is perfectly aligned the sidecar tire will only get about 3k miles. I just sold a K1100LT w/ a Friendship III and put 40k on the sidecar tire. 3k just doesn't seem right. He said that I could get better mileage if I removed the steering linkage and install a new sidecar swingarm which they sell for $200. Has anyone had any experience w/ this?
Thanx in advance,
Paul
I had the Liberator installed a couple years ago and had a similar problem with tire wear. I went to a larger diameter tire (175X13) and that helped but eventually had the fix installed and now I am really happy with the rig. Also the extra effort to turn is gone now that the link to the front wheel has been removed. I have found Jay's team to be very supportive when I've had questions or concerns.
so what kind of mileage are you getting since you removed the steering mech and went to a standard swingarm? what's your car attached to? Did you need a steering damper after removing the linkage?
wow! am I just loaded w/ questions or what?
there's another one!
thanx!
Paul
I only have abouot 3000 miles on the current sidecar tire but it is showing no appreciable wear (175X13 trailer tire). Since I have a leading link installed, it steers very well and I don't need a damper. My bike is an '02 Goldwing.
Well it's been a few years. Have 37k on the rig now. Currently using a Discount Tire 155/80 13 on the car. Removed the steering mech. Handles great but only get about 4k out of the sidecar tire. Mark, you said you put a 175/13 trailer tire on yours. What brand, model, etc? Do you have any problems w/ the body hitting the tire? It's an inch and a quarter more than the 155/80.
Thanx in advance,
Paul
I was able to play with the profile height on mine,..I run a 155/70/13,...if I wished, the profile could change to a 155/60/13 or a 155/50/13,..but I liked a little side wall , with a lower air pressure, it softened the ride a little for my daughter, tire wear is not an issue at 25 000 miles it still lookes great,...good luck, crawf.
I also changed my swingarm out and it seems to handle much better....also bumped the intial lean out about 2 degrees and moved the leading link out to its furtheset setting. Still only getting about 8K out of my sidecar tire. The 175X13 trailer tire has just the slightest contact (inside tire lettering) when loaded and turning to the left. I will replace next time with a 165X13.
I've been running a 155/80-13 car tire. Looks like I might get a little better mileage going to a trailer tire. I'll try the Carlisle 165/80-13 next time and leave a message with my mileage.
thanx guys.
Good morning, can you please advise me some more tips than this video has: I need them for finding
makers of trade show displays in Boston.
Thanks!!
