Originally written by ChopperDoug on 8/16/2007 8:48 PM
That weight is pritty much what I had in mind. And that's exactly where I want to bolt it up. I don't want the tub to hit the weight when ever I hit a bump, and that offset should move it over enough so that nothing hits.
You could also get close to the same weight with a similarly-sized steel bar from a steel warehouse. Then if you welded up the cantilever bracket, you would be on your way without melting the lead.
Happy Trails.
as for the harley- i can "Fly The Chair" easily if i want to
but like 109 i don't do it often. the tle ultra is very heavy
in comparison to other sidecars. i had a test rider here in
alabama at harley's talladega test facility tell me that's the
worst thing you can do with a hd/hd setup. i used to own a honda
shadow with a jawa sidecar and it was fun to ride it at a 45 degree
angle down the highway. different rigs. as far as ballast- i have a
tool bag filled with about 60 lbs of tools in the sidecar. that way
i have ballast and can assist others in case of a breakdown.
For ballast I have several items that can vary. Always the car battery and battery box is behind the seat and a small gas can. Scooter unit is a BMW 1978 R100 w/ Velorex 700(high back)which does fair with nothing else speeds up to 55. Is set with hack axle 6" forward, 1/8 toe in and 1/8 lean out.Made my own subframe and stiffener. W/O spouse or cargo it does pull slightly on road with big crest in center. I can do the fly practicing in pasture for longish spells which is not unlike the old Yam racing 3-wheeler. On pavement can, but choose not to , like the guy said, unit does not like it and tells me. With Becky aboard, it would take a significant dart to
fly, and I never want to put my rider in unnecessary peril anyway, traffic is enough. My car brake set up works very well and can assist in right corners to help hold a line. Brake also eliminates side pull when straight braking
even w/o front brakes. 2 pedals; made that too. The other ballast is a 5x5x12 steel block with custom made handle for picking it up. I just set it in the seat when Becky does not ride. Sometimes I haul cast nets and fishing gear and coolers for fish in the car...ballast.
Finally, I am mounting a BMW rear snowflake mag w/ disk and matching the bike to the car which weighs
much more than the Velorex spoke wheel. I have even thought of filling it with water like a tractor tire. hmmmm antifreeze too.
If you do fly the chair be ready for touch down; it could change direction
and snatch you about or off. Use a steering dampner too, not just for speed change wobble but also for assistance in that unexpected flight. Pump iron to keep your shoulders strong...............I ride mine near daily. I just foam at the mouth wanting to rant about it.
Some practice /learning sessions will do you much good. Jon
