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?
