I here what you are saying about making things because you want to and not as a business.
I worked in fabrication and construction for most of my life.
Though farming and trucks etc were a substantial part as well.
Utilising learned skills and knowledge is a pleasure in itself.
Selling same, not so much.
Keep up the good work.
Look good, but I may have done it a little different. I've would have made it so the bracket would have been bolted to the mount instead. I think it would make it a little cleaner. But that just me. You are doing a good job.
I did give thought to that...But my SC with its electric camber control drive mechanism sort of dictates just how high the rear upper mount can go, and it can not go as high as my new through bolt it would still need to hang further down, if its going to do that might as well also have the lower mount point. I originally had done sort of as you mention, but it was well below the webbed area of the frame where I Just felt it was not as sturdy. So came up with this approach.
That and the way I figured it, J Sweet who has been building sidecars for over 50 years gave me his personal design. Although I changed it a bit, he was using that 2 point design on many GW's back during a time when no one else was. Never a failure or any issues.
Thanks.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike that looks great, once painted and everything is together it might just blend in to the point that it looks like part of the frame
are you going to calculate and cut the top bolt length so you can use a cap nut or just get a nice nut cover so it matches your shock nut
Well my goal was to try and make it follow the same lines as the frame in the area of the side cover, but at the same time be meaty enough to not flex and wide enough to weld the big SC mount to. It actually lays right on top of the frame in that area about 1/8" away from the plastic side cover.
As for the bolt, one thing I have learned in creating new things wood or metal. If you have something that sort of does not look right, let it be for a bit.
I was going to chop it off even after I found its final place, but then I got to thinking....wait a minute, that's a new frame mount spot, you might want to use that for something....ya never know. At the moment, just have the little excess covered with a large rubber vacuum nipple. But a deep well chrome lug night might sort of make it look like the acorn nut on the shock does. Still thinking. LOTS of still in my head on this build that I have not finalized the plans. That's the fun of such projects to me
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike @mkc1962, a small suggestion for covering that exposed end of the threads of that bolt, and for covering ALL exposed nuts and bolt heads is that I buy boxes of these small black rubber caps from Amazon, and use the various sizes to cover every exposed nut, exposed threads, and exposed bolt head on my sidecar rigs, for two purposes.
1: it covers all exposed hardware so that there will be little to no corrosion on that hardware, from road grime, rain water, salt air, etc, so when the time comes that I may need to remove that nut or bolt, the threads are always fresh.
2: it just looks better having all the nuts, bolt heads, and exposed threads covered in matching black rubber caps, as a finishing touch to the sidecar build.
I simply use a drop or two of superglue inside each of these black rubber caps, and fit the black rubber cap snugly over the exposed nut, or exposed threads, or exposed bolt head, and the superglue will hold that black rubber cap in place...until you decide to give that black rubber cap a little twist...and then the black rubber cap will easily come off.
For sidecar pilots that go off-road, or go to Alaska, Yukon, NW Territories, it saves the exposed hardware from being coated in Calcium Chloride, and all the gravel road debris, and saves the exposed hardware.
For "street" sidecar rigs, it looks like a nice finishing touch, as all the exposed hardware is covered in matching black rubber caps.
Amazon sells various sizes, in kits. It you run out of a particular size, you can order a full box of just a specific size.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Mike @mkc1962, a small suggestion for covering that exposed end of the threads of that bolt, and for covering ALL exposed nuts and bolt heads is that I buy boxes of these small black rubber caps from Amazon, and use the various sizes to cover every exposed nut, exposed threads, and exposed bolt head on my sidecar rigs, for two purposes.
Yep, have lots of them and that is what I am using for that bolt at the moment.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Yep, have lots of them and that is what I am using for that bolt at the moment.
Well, dang it, I was thrown off my that Barney Fife avatar, as Barney would have never thought of this himself.
You are ahead of the game, and should be using this as your avatar...
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Yep, have lots of them and that is what I am using for that bolt at the moment.
Well, dang it, I was thrown off my that Barney Fife avatar, as Barney would have never thought of this himself.
You are ahead of the game, and should be using this as your avatar...
LOL, ole Fife never got enough credit for the joy he gave so many in life growing up. he has been my Avatar for decades on many tech forums.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Back at it.
All paint/stripe/etc such work is over and ready for install. But, I needed to finish some new wiring and such on the bike. Part of that was to get the electronic cruise control installed and working before re-attaching the sidecar.
Motorcyclist's for some time have installed electronic cruise control systems on their bikes, BUT every bike is different. The old Audiovox CCS-100 used to be the system of choice, but has not been available new for at least about 15+ years. The only universal system out there these days is the Rostra 250-1223 Universal Electronic Cruise Control.
I have installed dozens of the old Audiovox systems since the 70's, but never one to a bike. I had one new in the box, but was having issues with it so went with this newer Rostra. near identical in install and function, the Rostra is a bit nicer.
I am not going to clutter up this forum or this thread with that detailed writeup (unless asked to do so) , but if at all Interested in step by step details for adding one to a Honda GL1000 you can go to this link on another tech forum I am on.
Now time to start putting this total package together.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike @mkc1962, just when I thought we could be friends, you have to go install the no-no on your 1976 Goldwing.
I am adamantly against Cruise Controls on any motorized vehicle, especially a motorcycle, so......
No STROOPWAFFLES for you 
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Mike @mkc1962, just when I thought we could be friends, you have to go install the no-no on your 1976 Goldwing.
I am adamantly against Cruise Controls on any motorized vehicle, especially a motorcycle, so......
No STROOPWAFFLES for you
Oh well....I do plan to try one of those stroop waffles one day, but only once as I figure my diabetes wont agree with it.
I did say it was a heavily modified bike when I first started all this. CC is on everything I own and its the only way to long distance travel, which I do LOTS of.
Whats your beef with CC? one hang up on ya once and make you crap your pants.....inquiring minds just gotta know.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike, first....I had to laugh 😅 in a good, polite way.
And, I really like riders that do lots of long distance travel, it's almost like you are my much younger brother 😜
So, keep on riding, or piloting your sidecar rig.
And nothing startled me so bad on the rides that I crapped myself, not even the Lightning Strike of September 2013.
My issue with Cruise Control is....I firmly believe in maintaining the neural link between the throttle hand and the rider's brain. Almost every motorcycle and car I own (not my 1959 Morris Minor Traveller) has factory Cruise Control, but I use it only .0001 percent of the time, only when I need to use my right hand to access something, rather than throttle.
It's far too easy for bad things to happen when riding, so I am adamant that the throttle hand should stay in contact with the rider's brain, 99.999 percent of the time.
Bottom line is this is your bike, so you get to make the choices.
However, I control all the Stroopwaffles on the planet, so ...
No Stroopwaffles for you
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
I fully respect the presence of those that have many miles in the saddle or in a cage. I have done way more than my share of iron butt (1000+ days) but never felt the need to get a piece of paper to say I did, nor act like a fool on the road doing so. Oh yes, I had on at least 2 occasions while out traveling on my bike, had 2 other riders/bikes pass me at what was probably near 100 mph as I cruised along at 72, all in the name of just gotta get that ticket/receipt/etc to prove their IB point. 1 damn near run me over as he passed me forcing me onto the shoulder as he lane split between me and a cage. Both times we both ended up at the same gas stations next exit, to meet 2 different people that were clearly not in their right minds as they ran about like a chicken with its head cut off, very breifly speaking. NOPE, that to me its lots more unsafe than any CC would ever be. But, yes, I did consider doing the rally a time or two, but after witnessing those two events decided it was just a piece of paper I did not need. Nor any other certification
Just commuting alone over 40 years I quit counting at around 1.2 million. 3 new cars with over 400k when I got rid of them for the next car that got that. 41 years of back and forth to visit my family in VA 900 miles 1 way in 12-13 hrs, up to 8 times a year. That's another 15k a year. For 20 year now 10-12 times a year to our mtn home in NC, 720 round trip often done on one of my bikes.
As for bikes, I used to average about 50k a year for well over 22 years, a new bike every 3 years. Traveling in all the lower 48, multiple LD trips a year, whenever my career and spouse would tolerate it. I was on one of the bikes whenever I was not commuting. I quit keeping up at around the 1 Mill mark. lost count of the 1000+ mile days. I have been traveling more than town to town on Bikes since I was 15, riding 2 wheels since 8. My father died when I was 14. he tolerated me riding others, but would never let me have one. Soon after he passed I got my first bike capable of more than around town travel and the rest is history.
I might be a bit younger than you guys, and don't have some silly paper that says I am bonafide/certified or whatever....I know what i've done, and a few that have ridden with me (most are dead now) knew/know it too.
Even though I have full respect for those that have ridden many miles for a bit longer than I have, I do get a good laugh on occasion when I meet a IB rider that has to talk about his certifications, or show his stickers, only because I met a few in life that probably should never have been on bikes....But that is not all of them, just a few. I do respect your Accomplishments, dont take that any other way.
For what its worth, I've made all my long term best friends in life due to this 2 wheel hobby. I have buried most of them but not all. My wife for a long time could never understand the bonds made, but I think she is starting to get it. Regardless of choices in life, political affiliations, or what ever, I have never not continued to call a friend a friend. BUT, I have had a few that no longer call me friend due to political differences...to that I say, their loss not mine....Should we ever meet I will never hold your Stroopwafel fetish against you. 😀
I dont have any issues with brain connection to either of my hands or my feet....yet....when the day comes I question that, I'll quit traveling.
As for CC on a bike, most times I do not use it but when I want to, I do. I also suffer from very painful cramps in my right hand caused by upper neck stenosis, This been going on now for about 10 years. My lower spine and hip several other issues, partly why I am going to that 3rd wheel. Most would have given up riding long ago. I Just cant seem to let it go, and probably will be around them till I croak.... I promise you, if you had my right hand issue, you would either use CC at times.....Or....OR....I get it now.
You cram Stroop waffles in the void between your Grip and control housing....that's your cruise control , and your on the road snack on the go.
As your taking 120 to the PA rally (wish I could make it, maybe next year) just how many actually make it cross country? Safe Travels.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike, I don't have the miles (started very late due to a mother with issues about motorcycles), but I can definitely agree about the lunatics. I don't dawdle, but when three guys on expensive baggers pass me on the right at 100+ to get to the first bar stop and their card draw, that really sours me on riding with anyone.
I know definitively that I am not in the top 50% of riders in the world, but around here, I'm in the top 1% and that is concerning. I don't have a tin but much less an iron one, but I give respect to those who do without being flagrant.
Hmmm. come to think of it, people who brag about anything really aren't all that much fun to be around. Guess that's why I tend to be a loner, and I bet that goes for you, too. Happy to know you. Looking forward to meeting in person.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Thane, yes the very same reason I most of the time rode alone. My mom never really approved of it either, talking about it all the way up until she passed at 94. But, at the same time she knew the hobby made me happy, and she wanted her children to be happy. 2 or 3 wheels, this guy always rides in full gear and that helped her accept and tolerate.
However, I have been blessed to have 3 great friends whom I frequently long distance traveled with over the past 35+ years. Sharing similar views in life as well as riding styles. 2 are dead and gone, one whom i've only known for about 6 years, but so far all is great and we have serious traveled about 6 times most recently cross country as well as help one another with just about anything as much as possible.....Most never find even 1 such riding buddies.
Other than rare occasions I am thinking mine has been reduced to the level of just above dull soft copper....When you've done it as long and hard as some have, the older you get it starts to lose some of its glimmer, but I still wont hesitate to do a 5-700 mile day on occasion. Since retiring 4 years ago, back to riding more often again. I Just enjoy the solitude of the open road and seeing the sites.....Bike, truck, car or RV matters not.
Those that claim to much to me, are sort of like those that have on occasion only called me friend due to some skill I happen to possess that they wanted to take advantage of....But, you learn to sniff those out the older you get. I'll still associate with them on occasion, but as you say not with much fun hanging around in the heart.
This sidecar approach, like the bulk of my 2 wheel approach, seems so far to be a solid set of like minded individuals. I am hoping in the next few months or year to start to travel on this rig some and hopefully be able to meet some of you folks I have chatted with here. From my searching, it does appear that the SC crowd tends to have a few meets around America annually. I quit the rally scene long ago when I was a GWRRA life member and that crowd started dying out. GWRRA is no more, and most of them out there now are more posers than true riders. Most seem to be like the folks we mention above. My wife wont ride anymore due to physical issues, but hoping my young hound "Ollie" will like this sidecar as much as he enjoys other travels, we will soon find out.
enough chair time today, back to the shop and bike.
Mike
1976 Honda GL1000 & Motorvation Formula II
2009 Honda GL1800 Roadsmith
2022 MotoGuzzi V85TT
Mike, all 120 Stroopwaffles will make it to the PenNy Hackers Campout, because I have packed them away, not to be touched until Thursday afternoon.
Okay, you have busted my balls enough....you are now awarded a box of...Stroopwaffles. 😀
Once I get home from this trip, I will ship a box of 40 Stroopwaffles to you. They may each have a bite taken out of them....maybe.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort