New to this. Are laeading links important?

Leading link front ends and raked triple tree modifications are to ease steering effort.
Many rigs and pilots do not wish to or need to add this expense to the rig.
If steering effort is overwhelming that is the time to consider these modifications.
Bear in mind that the bike will need to be converted back to original track to be used safely as a solo bike if these modifications are performed.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

Ride first. I think it's safe to say that the vast majority of sidecar bikes out there do not have steering modifications of any kind. If, after a few thousand miles, you feel the need for easy steering there are a number of options available. What motorcycle do you plan on using?

Thanks for the insight. I have a 2005 Honda Shadow Aero.

Originally written by sunburnt gringo on 2/16/2009 9:45 AM

Thanks for the insight. I have a 2005 Honda Shadow Aero.

I didn't find it necessary on any of my Goldwings. At one time I thought about a leading link for my Valkyrie, but the only time it bothered me was snaking through traffic or parking lots at speeds under ten mph.
I would think you will be fine unless you have physical limitations that require it.
The Aero would look good with a car on it.

Does anyone know anything about The Warkshop in Marietta, Ohio? Any thoughts on Dpner? Both are near me here in Cleveland.

Bob Wark is a good guy. Long time sidecarist and great painter.

Originally written by sunburnt gringo on 2/16/2009 1:56 PM

Does anyone know anything about The Warkshop in Marietta, Ohio? Any thoughts on Dpner? Both are near me here in Cleveland.

I haven't bought any Dnepr parts from Yuri in Cleveland, but from comments I've read on the Russian bike sites, he's a good source for parts, but not so good on complete rigs. They are assembled, poorly, from mismatched, parts and are difficult to title. They require a complete tear down and careful rebuild before they are roadworthy.

Dave

i have had 3 rigs in 20yrs. a suz gs850l/hitchhiker didn't need ft end mods. a yam xs1100/hitchhiker steered like a truck. a hon gl1500/hannigan no ft end mods. Bob Wark has an excellent rep. rumor has it yuri is not on the top of everyone's xmas card list.
fly

I had Bob Wark rerig my nighthawk velorex rig.I am very happy with his work and the difference in the handeling is great.

This thread was timely. The salesman from Hannigan sidecars called me yesterday asking if I was interested in an EZ Steer system for my Rocket. I told him I'd better wait and see as it costs $1100.00.

Hopefully once I get the rig installed (about 2 weeks to go now), it won't be problematic to steer the bike.

I really want to be able to convert back and forth between a 3x and 2x wheeler, so going without is likely the best solution.

You'll find that converting back and forth from 2 to 3 wheels isn't as fun as it would seem and you'll probably settle down to be a hacker.

(I was logging at Cornelius Pass in 1949 & 1950).

Cheers,

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

I'm secretly hoping that I love the sidecar so much that it never comes off the bike! We'll see. That said, I did go ahead and pay for quick disconnects for the brake lines and the electrics.

They say it can be disconnected in less than 15 minutes. I'd be ok with never discovering whether that is true :^)

With regard to Cornelius Pass in 1949 and 1950, I cannot be certain, but I'm guessing it looks quite different now! Lots of homes and subdivisions all the way up to the "urban growth boundary."

Spencer

Keep a rig and get a second bike when you wish to go 2 wheels. Taking a sidecar off and on is one big royal pain in the a$$!!!!!The reality: quick disconnect yes, quick re-connect never!

Mods to front end?I agree with others: unless you have an issue, do not bother. An expense for nothing.