Why is it that Harleys often seem to need major alterations to make them suitable for a sidecar ?
I’ll bite…
I know little about Harley’s latest models. If we talk about 2011 and earlier , I don’t agree with you.
Using HD factory parts , there are no major alterations necessary to mount a Harley factory sidecar to my 97 FLHP.
The only “alterations” I may have to make are to undo customizations I made, that may interfere with the attachment.
Perhaps you misconstrue customization with inherent problems.
One of my sidecars is my old -89 Softail Custom: I replaced the 21in front wheel by a 16 (on the advice of different "gurus"), bought some nice raked custom
triple trees, longer fork and a damper. The old Evo (68K miles) is still happy pulling the California Companion GT and is not too heavy in the twisties.
The Harley sidecar weight lists ~250 lb. There is practically no difference between the hack on my 69 and the one that will mount on the 97. So if my tired old 1969 FLH ElectraGlide can still dutifully tug the hack around, I too have no doubts the 97 FLHP Evo (only about 20k miles on it) can do the same. SPec'd at ~68 hp, ~70 foot-pounds torque output I think.
Although, the 69 does have a 22 tooth motor sprocket on it for sidecar duty, as opposed to a 24 tooth for Solo duty. Adds extra grunt, but lowers top speed... No such thing was available (or needed apparently) for the 97.
If you end up needing extra grunt, drop it down 1 tooth. Your bike will end up running a little cooler too.
Why is it that Harleys often seem to need major alterations to make them suitable for a sidecar ?
I’ll bite…
I know little about Harley’s latest models. If we talk about 2011 and earlier , I don’t agree with you.
Using HD factory parts , there are no major alterations necessary to mount a Harley factory sidecar to my 97 FLHP.The only “alterations” I may have to make are to undo customizations I made, that may interfere with the attachment.
Perhaps you misconstrue customization with inherent problems.
I know for certain that people make major alterations to Harley 's when fitting sidecars, I just don't know why. I fitted a sidecar to a sportster with ease.
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Just checked my 97 parts manual, only 1 sprocket listed, 25 tooth. I don't think Harley offers anything else for the Evo motor? I'll have to investigate this more.
I run the factory specified 22 tooth sidecar sprocket on the 69. As long as I feed it premium gas, it's perfectly happy.
The early EVO's ran a 24-tooth part # 40269-85A. With that you be able to run in 5th easier. Your bike will thank you for it. Also, Baker drive train makes those sprockets also. Even on the earlier TC's I would drop one tooth.
The early EVO's ran a 24-tooth part # 40269-85A. With that you be able to run in 5th easier. Your bike will thank you for it. Also, Baker drive train makes those sprockets also. Even on the earlier TC's I would drop one tooth.
Thanks! I'll not opt to do this from the outset, but will definitely keep this in mind if I find the motor lugging.
So this is direct swap? Will the chain tensioner take up the slack?
Many, many, many years ago I rode a 1965 Panhead with a factory sidecar. Don't remember a single detail of that ride other than it was fun and cool! Forward to two years ago when I put a DMC sidecar on my 2008 FLHTCU dresser. No modifications to the bike at all. Just followed DMC's instructions and installed the sidecar. It rides just fine. The only thing I notice is a very slight wobble at about 12 mph as I accelerate. Other than that it is a piece of cake.
Ride on!!
Joe
Sounds awesome Joe! I've got a '64 pan, but its kick only, of course and no sidecar.
Try to dig up a picture of you and the panhead + steel sidecar and post for us!
Sounds awesome Joe! I've got a '64 pan, but its kick only, of course and no sidecar.
Try to dig up a picture of you and the panhead + steel sidecar and post for us!
I sure wish I had a photo of it. Alas, I do not. The only photo is the one in my memory. This would have been back in the day when there were no phones with cameras, and we didn't have room on our Choppers to carry cameras with us. Not many photos of our shenanigans back in those days, which is most often a good thing!!
I had a 64 Pan for a long time. Ex Dubuque IA Police bike. Pretty cool. It had the adjustable front fork for sidecar use, but I didn't have a car for it. It was a fun bike though!!
Ride on!!
Joe
Yes no problem with the chain tensioner. You may have to flip it like it shows in the Harley manual.The early EVO's ran a 24-tooth part # 40269-85A. With that you be able to run in 5th easier. Your bike will thank you for it. Also, Baker drive train makes those sprockets also. Even on the earlier TC's I would drop one tooth.
Thanks! I'll not opt to do this from the outset, but will definitely keep this in mind if I find the motor lugging.
So this is direct swap? Will the chain tensioner take up the slack?
@2FLTC what is H-D using as a primary chain adjuster these days?
Back in '89, whilst I was doing road testing of the fuel injection system for Billy Budd... future system for H-D....I was also testing a spring loaded primary chain adjuster for Harleys, invented by a guy named Tom Hayden... not the same Tom Hayden that was married to Jane Fonda.
That Hayden primary chain adjuster was GREAT. Smoothed out the entire drivetrain very well. It had two springs, a smaller one inside a larger one, and on top of the two springs was a thick and dense Teflon shoe that pressed up on the primary chain, with the spring suspension under the Teflon shoe. It worked remarkably well.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
My -89 Softail, which I bought in the US (SFO) in -89, had the US model rear wheel belt sprocket for the US (40221-85A )with 70 "teeth": as I moved with her around the world (France, Dubai, Hong Kong) I installed the "international"sprocket (40236-88A) with 61 teeth to be able to sustain higher speeds (specially on highways). When back in the US and adding my CA Companion GT, I went back to the stock US one as the intl' one was definitely not appropriate for the extra weight... never changed the belt (65000 miles as now).
Here is a pic of the latest style adjuster on a 06' Harley Dyna. A model with many first year designs, and many first year problems. Self adjusting, but only tighter, via a toothed spring loaded bar. Many aftermarket alternatives available, including Hayden Enterprises.@2FLTC what is H-D using as a primary chain adjuster these days?
Back in '89, whilst I was doing road testing of the fuel injection system for Billy Budd... future system for H-D....I was also testing a spring loaded primary chain adjuster for Harleys, invented by a guy named Tom Hayden... not the same Tom Hayden that was married to Jane Fonda.
That Hayden primary chain adjuster was GREAT. Smoothed out the entire drivetrain very well. It had two springs, a smaller one inside a larger one, and on top of the two springs was a thick and dense Teflon shoe that pressed up on the primary chain, with the spring suspension under the Teflon shoe. It worked remarkably well.
Also here's what Billy Budd was doing in the 70's.
...
That Hayden primary chain adjuster was GREAT. Smoothed out the entire drivetrain very well...
Harley uses a compensator sprocket on the motor shaft to smooth out the drivetrain pulses. At least I think they still do... Once you get past 2000 or so, I quit paying attention to most of their new stuff.
