Difference between Toe-in/out and lean-im/out?

Hi Bubba:
The quick answer is: Your bike is adjusted for lean-in, or lean-out using the TOP struts. The Toe is what the sidecar does in relation to the bike. The general rule of thumb is that the sidecar toe-in 1/4 to 3/4 inch. Toe is usually adjusted using the BOTTOM front strut. Perhaps your Spyder is different, but many bottom front struts have a pinch bolt arrangement so that the mounting strut can be slid into the sidecar frame and thus moved away from, or toward the bike, changing the toe in. I am sure you will be hearing from more mechanically adept than I, so good luck - it will all make sense - eventually -
Cheers - ride safe.
gp

gpers2,

Thanks much. I went out and looked and I think you may be right. I'll check it out further tomorrow morning.

Bubba

Bubba,
Remove the seat bottom. Under the seat bottom you will see where the two lower mount tubes are clamped to the frame with 4 bolts.
Loosen these to adjust the rear mount tube out or in for the proper toe-in measurement (3/8" to 1/2") then re tighten.
Place a (blocked up) straightedge against the sidecar wheel. Place another against the rear wheel of the bike. Measure toe in directly in front of and in back of the bike wheels.
After the toe in is set readjust the upper struts for your lean out angle (approx. 1 degree with bike and sidecar loaded for the road). More lean out may be needed if driving on high crowned roads most of the time.
Now check the toe in again to see if it has changed. If so readjust it, if not you are good to go.

Happy Trails,

Lonnie

Lonnie,

Thanks much. I've got it wired now. It wasn't as hard as it looked either...

Bubba

Bubba, you didn't read your manual on the Spyder Sidecar, shame on you. LOL I've got one too and put it on myself, so I read and re-read the manual.
Coyote