I never heard back from Champion so I decided to do some math calculations and go for it.
I used a big ratchet strap and pulled on the swing arm using the frame as the anchor point. I pulled the swing arm beyond parallel two times and on the second attempt I got the swing arm to stay parallel to the frame.
With the swing arm parallel I put the wheel on and measured the far points of the rim to the frame. There was a difference of an 1/8 of an inch. The rim was 17” lip to lip. An 1/8” over 17” is the equivalent of 1/2” over 72”. Needing 5/8” to 1” of toe-in, the adjustment in the mounts will be slight.
At that point I put the fender on, took some pictures and called a day. I remembered proportions from math class and they came in handy again.
The photo that shows the rear view makes the rim look off center, it’s not just the angle.
Sweet! Glad it worked out without messing up the new beautiful powder coating. 🤩
Also really like the tombstone tail light, and the idea posted earlier about having it serve brake/turn and running light. Sure would make for a clean look. 👍
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
There was a difference of an 1/8 of an inch. The rim was 17” lip to lip. An 1/8” over 17” is the equivalent of 1/2” over 72”. Needing 5/8” to 1” of toe-in, the adjustment in the mounts will be slight.
Actually, your math is incorrect.
An 1/8" variance over the length of 17" is equal to 1/2" variance over the length of 68".....not 72".
Fortunately, at the length of 85", you will have a variance of ....5/8ths of an inch..... therefore and ergo you are now perfectly within the parameters that you were seeking.
No Pi was involved in this equation, although I did eat Pie last night whilst cruising the river through Prague, Czech Republic.
BTW, if you are asking where this length of 85" comes into play .... measure the length of your motorcycle....and that is your 85". The motorcycles length is the fulcrum point to which one could use as the anchor for measuring toe in on the Sidecar wheel.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Nice work.
Them straps a handy for gentle application of force.
My calculator must have malfunctioned🤪, using .125, 17 and 72 it came up with .52 either way it will be easy to get the proper toe.
The 72 I used was a rough approximation of axle to axle of the bike. Is the 85 related to wheelbase?
I’m a couple weeks away from mounting the frame and appreciate all information, techniques, formulas and tips. I’ve read a little on set up but can’t find a reference to Pi in any formulas. My wife has me on a diet and said I can’t use pie either on. Is it possible to set up a sidecar without Pi/pie?
Not sure how I would make it work for a turn signal too, likely just tail and stop. Looking for good place to mount a separate turn signal. One possible location is the top of the shock mount which would put it close to the height of the bike directional.
All you have to get is a module and plug it in.
I’m going to show my ignorance. That sounds simple, but the bulb is a two filament one for running light and the other for the stoplight. Sounds like magic to me??
Your brake light side of the bulb will act as a signal light when you put your turn signal. A lot of cars and trucks come that way especial the older ones.
Thanks, I will definitely investigate the possibility.
do you have a preferred type or brand that you could suggest?
Right now I being using Custom Dynamics. In the next day or so [I'm really back up right now] I will see what options you will and try to send you an PM. Or send me your # and I can explain it to you.
Wiring
Today will be continuity testing the wires and labeling everything. Only one wire on the bike side harness was still labeled(taillights) it was brown but that color does not exist in the sidecar harness and may change to green. Saw a few other things that made me think it was worthwhile to test everything and assume nothing
Manual supplied by Champion has a wiring diagram that is not accurate for the Avenger.
Wiring is the easy all you need is a test light, battery and a couple of jumper leads
Wiring is the easy all you need is a test light, battery and a couple of jumper leads
AND....solder, butt connectors, shrink wrap, tie wraps...dielectric grease, a Red Bull, roll around shop chair....
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
No success today and a lot of frustration. I’ve decided to cut it all out and start over. Too many issues and not a lot of confidence in the current harness.
Test light
Battery
2 Multimeters
Jumpers
Some one else may have been in here after it left Champion??
Wiring is easy for some, I’m certainly not one of them. As Clint Eastwood once said, “ a man’s got to know his limitations.”
