Need Photos of a Sidecar Reverse System

What size is sidecar wheel? A car starter turns over pretty quick for recrse so check on it first.

6_wheeler
P.S. I though about it to since I'm in a wheelchair. But B&D lawnmowers came out with a 12V. starter motor if you could adapt that, good torque to.

My tire size is 16 inch. I a T2-T8 incomplete paraplegic. Had radiation done to beat cancer, gave me a rare side effect called radiation mylitis. I still have the desire to ride though. I know HD made this option on a sidecar for awhile, but heard they discontinued it. Did you use the B&D motor? If so, do you have any pics of it? Thanks, Mike.

I picked it up years ago off broken lawn mower, the motor has a nylon gear that engages/disengages like a starter. I'm still waiting on my side deck then I'll see if it's use-able. I'm sure there still available and with a good machinist they should be able to make a nylon piece to match a small engine starter ring gear, and mount to sidecar wheel.

I suppose a torque test would be wise before spending to much. Black & Decker may still have spec's, stranger things have happened. Like 6 ravens in a school field playing a game with a Mac's drink cup, looked like volley ball but catching the cup and passing, Never seen birds that smart before. When cup went over the fence only one went after it, and back to game. Weird.

Brian

Thanks for the reply. I guess I need to do a little investigating on my end.

ps. you lost me a little on the bird thing. Take care.

I put a starter on the sidecar wheel. It does turn too fast but it backs you up (little wheel spin). The big problem I had was the reverse spikes on the electral system wiped out my electronic igintion. Be happy to send photos if you like.

Yes, please send photos! I think I will be making my own reverse. HD doesn't sell them anymore and I think they were pretty expensive too. I was told by HD to use a Sportster starter. I need to look into more. In order to adjust the jolt you are having, have you tried adding a rheostat? Since the starter runs on DC voltage, my guess is it should work. Never tried it before, but I'm guessing I going to have to on mine. Talk to you soon.

A rheostat might not be the answer.
In order to engage the starter a relay is usually placed in the system to allow full voltage (shock?) for engagement of the drive. The use of a rheostat would not allow this to occur. A low battery will keep even keep it from engaging. You will get a bunch of clicks though.

I'm no electrician, but I've done some shocking stuff ! LOL

Lonnie

Northwest Sidecar

Sorry it's taken so long to respond, my computer went down. Here's a URL that shows the gory details.
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Ebb200/reverse.html

Number one, nice job on the explanation, photos and CAD drawings. You get an A++.... Now I need to pick your ingenious mind:
#1 - What model, make and year is the starter and flexplate/flywheel?
#2 - What is the diameter of the flexplate/flywheel?
#3 - How fast does the starter move the tire? tire spin?
#4 - Do you have a second battery in the sidecar for the starter?
#5 - Do you have an alternator upgrade?
#6 - What model, make and year of bike do you have?
My friend has a car with a Mallory ignition on it and they have an optional electric device to prevent and electrical spike to the ignition. I'm not sure if this help you out in your situaiton or not. Might want to call them. ps. If you are available, I would like to talk to you. My phone is (216) 218-7667. Thanks again for all your knowledgeable information. Nice Job!!!!!!

#1 - What model, make and year is the starter and flexplate/flywheel?
I have no idea.
#2 - What is the diameter of the flexplate/flywheel?
The wheel/tire is a 15" VW if that helps
#3 - How fast does the starter move the tire? tire spin?
Not fast, you can elimitate wheelspin by pulsing.
#4 - Do you have a second battery in the sidecar for the starter?
No.
#5 - Do you have an alternator upgrade?
I addapted a car alternator to the BMW. They have a wimpy alternator stock. I made the change long before the reverse. I don't think you have to worry about recharging the battery.
#6 - What model, make and year of bike do you have?
Mostly BMW, R69 frame, 72' R75 motor. the sidecar is a 72' Jupiter. It has 15" car wheels all around.
Ben.
P.S. I tried to send a PM but this thing wouldn't belive my PW.

Thanks again for the info. By any chance could you measure the diameter of the flexplate? And, I know you mentioned in your photos that you were using a Toyota starter. Could you please see if there are any model/serial numbers on it. I would be very grateful if you could find this info out. Thanks again for everything you have sent. If I wasn't paralyzed I would probably be pushing it back myself, because it seems that I will be doing the same amount of work that you did, but with your help it should be a little easier. Thanks again.

By any chance could you measure the diameter of the flexplate?
Not a chance..... I sold the rig.

I think just about any starter flex plat would work. The FP's are all about the same dia. Some of the new cars (Saterern for one) have little preminet magnet motors on the starters, that might be neat. I don't know that it would make any difference, might be less current. A speed control would be nice but they're expensive, they work by pulsing the DC real fast (PWM). A rheostat or series resister big enough to limit that much current would have to be pretty big. Starter motors are current hogs.

Nice looking sidecar you got there 🙂