I've put a little over 5K miles on my first outfit and have a few questions;
Having no previous hack experience I have no point of reference to compare with. I was wondering how much strength / effort is "normal" in driving a hack. Driving my outfit is definitely an upper body work out. I am using a considerable amount of strength and energy when driving.
I feel the alignment is pretty good, but I have nothing to compare it to. Below is a basic summary of how it drives:
* Pulls a little to the right. I have to apply constant pressure to the right side
* At low speed, 10-15mph, I can take my hands off the handle bars and it will go straight for a little bit (contingent on road conditions)
* No wobble
* Tires are wearing evenly
* Doesn't really pull when breaking (unless I'm stopping quickly at higher speeds)
It's a Moto Guzzi 1000SP w/ Watsonian Monza
It's sweet spot is between 60-65mph, but has no problem going 70-80mph (other than needing to exert more strength)
So I guess my question is: Does driving a hack simply require more physical strength and effort, or do I need to play around with the set up to improve performance?
With nothing to compare to, I feel like it drives really well, but I have no idea how good, or bad it could be.
I would like to get as many thoughts and opinions from y'all
I LOVE driving a hack! I'm totally hooked and now fantasize about racing AHRMA and the acquisition of a newer bike and a CSM chair. I met some local folks with a BMW Adventure bike with a CSM chair. I was REALLY impressed with the set up.
Thanks for your time and experience,
A
Add some lean-out from the sidecar to eliminate the pull to the right at speed.
You should have neutral steering at an even speed on a normal roadway if the bike from sidecar leanout is correct.
Don't drive with hands off the bars. A bump could cause a tank slapper.
Even tire wear shows you are not out of alignment as far as toe-in is concern
A pull right when on the throttle and a pull left upon braking is normal for an asymmetrical vehicle.
There will be extra steering effort needed if there is a steering damper and no trail reduction alterations in the front end.
Lonnie
Hack'n - 9/28/2010 12:28 PM
Add some lean-out from the sidecar to eliminate the pull to the right at speed.
You should have neutral steering at an even speed on a normal roadway if the bike from sidecar leanout is correct.
Don't drive with hands off the bars. A bump could cause a tank slapper.
Even tire wear shows you are not out of alignment as far as toe-in is concern
A pull right when on the throttle and a pull left upon braking is normal for an asymmetrical vehicle.
There will be extra steering effort needed if there is a steering damper and no trail reduction alterations in the front end.Lonnie
Thanks Lonnie! I'll start tinkering with the leanout next week.
There is a steering dampener, but I have no idea what, if any, alterations to the front end were done by the previous owner. Any tips? What should I be looking for?
* I don't make it a practice to drive with my hands off the bars. Only did it once, and briefly on a little back road to see if it would go straight.
Steering mods would be leading links, leading legs, raked triple trees, or aftermarket trees.
With other than easy steering probaly none of these exist on the bike.
Lonnie.
Welcome aboard. New to sidecars this year myself. Have 5000 or so miles so far this year. I was the same as you, thought effort a little high, but nothing to compare to, so read this board, asked questions. Decided I was going to dedicate bike to being a sidecar rig only and installed 8* triple trees. It is like installing power steering to the rig. I can ride all day and it feels like I was just riding the bike.
By the way, I lived in the Charlotte area for about 8 years. Great riding roads.
Good luck, Paul
