Originally written by claude #3563 on 11/30/2007 5:39 PM
Originally written by gregbenner on 11/30/2007 8:09 PM
I have a Suzuki 1000 V Strom with a Ural sidecar. The work was done by Jay (Dauntless). I have since added a swaybar. V Stroms are pretty nice bikes with miserable resale (they are sorta ugly).I have had it on dirt roads several times, doesn't seem to turn real well in the dirt (understeers),i.e. the front tire doesn't have enough traction compared to the weight of the rig. However, I have only limited experience on other rigs offroad (my Ural Retro, it did the same thing, although less power so less pronounced).greg
Probably should nto say this as it can get one in trouble. Understeer such as you have can be overcome with a ton of throttle which can induce oversteer. Do not attempt it in the real rough stuff or if your swaybar is not heavy enough to take care of the nose dipping in left handers or you will at best have a large pucker moment and at worst end up with some sheet time. Nuff said you are on your own.
Greg, you riding that thing up this way anytime in the foreseeable future?
Greg. I too have significent under steer due to the 15 inch lead on the sidecar wheel. I put an Avon sidecar tire on the front to improve the contact patch. I moved the tool box from the sidecar trunk to space between the sidecar and the motorcycle. I also learned how to pull myself up onto the gas tank to shift my weight forward and to break the rear end out with either gas or rear brakes. No one of these changes cured the under steer, but all together I can crank a hard left and keep the rig going where I want to go.
Boy, the more I post, the more i realize how much I don't know. I think the front wheel on the v Strom is a 19 (I'll check next week). I wasn't aware there were real choices in tires that would help give greater contact (???).I have thought of putting a knobby on it as soon as i bring it home from Florida.I'm not sure I understand why moving weight from the sidecar to between the boke and the car would help understeer?
Greg, you riding that thing up this way anytime in the foreseeable future?
Actually the rig is now in Florida. I am working part time in JAX (week a month) and needed transportation, plus, Connie and I plan to take it to the Keys during January. I will probably bring it back this spring?For sure we will ride up this summer, maybe a couple weeks in July, might bring the GW though.
The BlackDog is in June for 2008. Bring the Strom 🙂
Greg,
If you imagine the 3 wheels forming a triangle, you want to keep you center of gravity inside the triangle. My tool box being in the trunk put about 20 lbs outside the triangle to the rear. If the line between the sidecar wheel and the rear wheel is the fulcrum, a long enough crow bar would lift the front wheel off the ground. By moving the tool box inside the triangle, I reduced the tendency of the front tire to loose grip on those left hand turns.
Originally written by RedMenace on 12/6/2007 7:26 AM
The BlackDog is in June for 2008. Bring the Strom 🙂
Damm, we'll be in Alps in June (riding from the UK to Croatia and back).
Greg....
When you go through Miami, give us a holler. Sergio, Me (jim), Glenn and David all ride weekends and week days when possible. We all ride BMW's with various hacks, but we all ride. Ups, Glenn rides a two wheeler.
Jim
Originally written by Jim Van der Veen on 12/14/2007 5:15 PM
Greg....When you go through Miami, give us a holler. Sergio, Me (jim), Glenn and David all ride weekends and week days when possible. We all ride BMW's with various hacks, but we all ride. Ups, Glenn rides a two wheeler.Jim
Jim, this is likely too late, but we leave Cocoa bech to Miamo Beach tomorrow (Sat). Leaving Sunday (noon or so ) for Marathon Key. If you get this, call us at 818-633-6370 (Connie's cell), greg
