Well, many years of not having a sidecar, I finally found one in great shape and affordable, less than fifteen miles from home! Picked it up this afternoon, it is a Friendship2, and after a little research, I am quite sure it was built in 89 or 90. Have already contacted Claude and Jay about mounts for my bike, which is a 2008 Kawasaki vulcan Classic 2000LT. No lack of power there!
Any one else have a combo like this? Only thing I don't like is the torsion arm suspension, but as long as it is set up right, don't think will be a problem.
Almost forgot, still have my old Velorex 562, probably put it on Craig's list for cheap.
Pictures. Man you got to put pics up.
If it has the torsional suspension it is a 1988 or earlier model. These also originally had the marble sized lower ball mounts (unsafe). You will need the Heim joint mounts, maybe a new brass bushing (DMC has these) and check the torsion straps for breakage. (modified VW Beetle FE torsion straps).
Lonnie
bikermikearchery - 5/9/2013 10:00 PM
Pictures. Man you got to put pics up.
Still got to get out of back of truck, man its heavy! My old Velorex is a lightweight compared to this.
Hack'n - 5/10/2013 9:44 AM
If it has the torsional suspension it is a 1988 or earlier model. These also originally had the marble sized lower ball mounts (unsafe). You will need the Heim joint mounts, maybe a new brass bushing (DMC has these) and check the torsion straps for breakage. (modified VW Beetle FE torsion straps).
Lonnie
Chatted with Jay this afternoon, He is making me what I need to mount it to my bike. According to a vendor in FLa. some of the later Frindships did have the torsion suspension, and because of California not keeping records, I know it is tough to come up with exact years of manufacture.
My first sidecar ever was a California Companion. Man, it sure seemed small.
In 1989 CSC finally upgraded to lower Heim joints and coil over shock suspension on all Friendship and Companion models. I don't know about the soon to be discontinued Commutor.
A few of their cars with the old style ball and collet mounts had separated from the tug due to the flimsy lower mounts.
L.
Hack'n - 5/10/2013 9:32 PM
In 1989 CSC finally upgraded to lower Heim joints and coil over shock suspension on all Friendship and Companion models. I don't know about the soon to be discontinued Commutor.
A few of their cars with the old style ball and collet mounts had separated from the tug due to the flimsy lower mounts.L.
Is that ball and collet the gismo where a split coupler clamps over the ball? Can't remember for sure, but believe I have seen that somewhere. Mine definitly is not that. Maybe on my old Companion, but that was a loooong time ago.
Really looking forward to getting the components from Jay to get mounted to bike!
The 2000 Vulcan/FSII will make a good combo for you and the opening nose makes them waaay better for a monkey than the (climb over the top) FSI.
L.
I Had Jay make my sportster mount for my FS1 rig, I also got the heim joints and ditched the old unsafe type i used to run on my kz rig. Jay will hook you up with everything you need. can't wait to see it mounted.
newenglandjim - 5/22/2013 2:38 AM
I Had Jay make my sportster mount for my FS1 rig, I also got the heim joints and ditched the old unsafe type i used to run on my kz rig. Jay will hook you up with everything you need. can't wait to see it mounted.
Yep, I'm anxious to get it hooked up! Time sure goes slow when when I'm waiting for parts, bad as a little kid at christmas time!
I have an older CF1 chair with original torsion suspension and newer heim rod joints,. sub frame I fab'd and serviced in my shop, it has served me well for 7 or so seasons now , smaller profile car tire on chair required some minor adjustments to align with the lower chassis height of the 02 Marauder it is bolted to , causing me to have to raise the body tub 2 " above the frame for wheel clearances when loaded . otherwise it has been trouble free for at least 30 000 miles,.the boys here should have some parts and knowledge for you to pick from,... good luck!,.. cheers crawf.
