Finally got my rig and after practicing in the neigbhood I started out on the road last Friday and haven't stopped. I love it. Took some getting used to but I expected that, but I love the difference between 2 up riding and driving a rig.
Installation wasn't hard but some of the holes were drilled wrong but nothing I couldn't fix. Had to move the tub back so I set it so the passenger was seated just in front of the car axle. Seems to have been a good choice. A also have 95 pounds of ballast in the car in the form of 2 45# dumb bells. One just behind the seat and one on the front of the seat and the floor. Will be looking to mount the ballast under the car permanently as my wife is light and I just leave the weight in it when she's with me.
I love it.
Good for you tony! I am jealous!
My Velorex for my Helix from Lenny arrived in great shape. I picked it up yesterday after being out of town.
How is your car's frame attached to your Helix?
Is it a pair of square tubes (size?) attached to the two bottom Helix tubes... uh, like straps around the Helix tubes, then bolts through crossmember squares which are welded to the car's frame?
Take it easy!
Bruce
Hi Bruce
Yes that's just how it's hooked up.
One thing I found out is the Helix has a weak alternator so don't get to crazy with extra lights unless you which them to LED's. I've got 2 brake light replacement bulbs and a 6" light strip coming from CRF in Tallahassee. !/4 w as opposed to 23w.
texas sidecar recomended at least 75 pounsd of ballast when riding solo. I had a 45# dumb bell so I got another 45#er and it rides nice.
Can still cruise at 55 but I think 60 is about the limit. Plus I'm doing a mpg check right now. Will have to fill up tomorrow or Friday, I'll post that when I know.
Make sure to do a lot of practicing before getting out into traffic. It's a totally different ride and takes some getting use to. But boy what fun.
Hey, Tony, thanks for the info and tips.
Have you considered, or do you anticipate now, a need for a damper? I have seen pics where they seem fairly easy to add, using the VW shimmy part.
60+ MPH with your sidecar? Wow! Terrific. I have had my Helix up to 70+, but never wanted to stay there... it is a scooter after all... and mine becomes what feels likes, unstable. (BTW readers, around Houston it keeps up with and can beat the non- highway traffic, 40-50 MPH with great ease.)
So I am wondering if the third wheel adds to the high speed stability. We will see!
Cheers, and be careful
Bruce
Bruce,
I wouldn't add a damper unless absolutely neccessary. They slow the steering down and make the rig harder to steer at low speed.
Don't expect better high speed stability. A single track vehicle uses a gyroscopic effect for straight line stability. You will have to control your two track vehicle with the handlebars.
Lonnie
Something else you'll want to address. The shocks on a Helix are junk form the factory according to the Helix chat group. I've got 18,000 Miles on mine and they diffenatly are shot. I get on and automatically lean over to the left as the shocks compress about 2". I ordered Hagon's from dave Quinns motorcycles. Guys in England riding Helix'a really like them.
Thanks to Claude and Lonnie and Hal and others I have a much better handle on why and how much tire offset, and have been amused to boot! You guys are so kind and generous to share your skills and experience.
Tony: How is it going? Hope it continues to be a very positive experience!
Three questions:
---How much offset are you using in your Helix/Texas sidecar rig?
---How close have you mounted it to the Helix, (since we have a foot shelf and no shifters... close?) I am thinking as close as possible is best. Boy, some cars really hang out there a long way, and it seems this would complicate some to the dynamic challenges.
---And, how is she doing in turns, and at what speeds?
I am thinking about putting my velorex as close as possible with a 10 inch offset (sidecar wheel lead) for starters.
Also, I am considering putting a trailer tires on my Helix wheels. Dont laugh, some people swear by them (others ridicule)--- and in this application it seems especially reasonable.
Cheers,
Bruce
Hi Bruce
About the only thing I can comment on is how far it is from the bike. I'd just 7 to 8 inchs. Theres enough room to put your foot down and still be able to push back. And thats not hard to do these bikes are so light.
Well I can comment a little on turns. It handles fine either way. I just take it slower going right especeily with these loose shocks. I don't know what speeds going left but it is faster than going right which is about 17mph max right now. Once I get the new shocks on I may be able to go faster but I'm taking it slow. While I seem to have little trouble so far I'm still a beginer and not one for pushing things.
As for the angles you asked about, Texas sidecar is just NE of Dallas. I'm sure they have the answer. It's all built in so you don't have to line anything up. Makes it reall easy to put on.
Well got to go get pictures developed of me and the dog in it.
Hi Tony was looking at your message re lights you made ref to C R F in tallahassee please be more specific thanks, Jon
Sorry for the delay, I don't get the the computer much over the weekend.
cfrlights.com
850 942 2022
8662538675
The guy who answered the phone was very helpful and the sevice was excellent.
Tony
By the way we had a bike fest were they collected toys for kids Saturday. By the time we were all lined up I was in the middle of about 400 big iron bikes, my little scooter-the only thing with a sidecar.
Since the run was through a town and the out skirts I had no trouble keeping up, even with the rig. Bet that surprised a few people.
Tony
