Hello,
I recently found this site and have been searching and reading the forums. Alot of useful info here.
I am looking for any experience folks have had with Sportster 883's and Motorvation's Spyder sidecar. I would mainly use this around town and on county highways, with occasional freeway (65mph) usage (typically 15 - 30 mile trips city to city). Would this be a good combination for such usage?
Thanks
I currently have a Motorvation Spyder attached to a HD Ultra. I got it from a friend that used it on two different Sportys. It was designed with a Sporty in mind with the useage that you have discribed. It's well built and the factory is helpful. Two notes: It is attached to the bike by way of two slider, do not poound the male slider into the female past the saw cut in the female. It will bind and you'll play hell getting it out. If you want the sidecar to stay in close to the bike, and I think you will, you'll have to cut the male slider to get the proper track. I cut 5 1/2 inches out to get the track where I wanted. Note 2: The Brooklands screen looks really cool but it has no practical use. Buy a real windscreen or go nekkid.
There is no reason that you shouldn't be able to keep up with traffic on the freeway, I do.
Oh ... there is quite a bit of leg room. I occasionally carry a friend of my in the thing and he is 6'4" 260lbs. It takes a shoehorn to get him in and one to get him out but he's a good sport. Looking at someone that big in the sidecar makes him look like he is wearing a tennis shoe.
Sam Jones
Be aware that Sam's Ultra has about 50% (or more if it's a twin cam)more cubic inches than the 883. You may not be able to maintain 65MPH for 30 miles if loading, hills, or headwinds are part of the equation. A 1200cc conversion utilizing the 883 heads makes a lot better tug which will be better able to handle this chore. Or perhaps a lighter car such as the new 562 Velorex Cruiser.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecar
i can highly recommend the spyder sidecar. i have one on a '98 moto guzzi V11EV. i think it would go well on your sporty. i have a '88 sporty and it is about the same size as the guzzi but narrower and with less power. motorvation has all of the mounts you will need. they are in sibely, iowa and you can find a link at this website.
friend of mine in wisconsin ran a spirit eagle sidecar on a '94 belt drive 883 sporty for 30k miles or so with no problems. sporty 883's do not have the top end power but they do have lots of low and mid range torque. the spyder is one of the prettiest hacks out there and quire aerodynamic as there is no external frame. i have had mine to 108mph (indicated) on the guzzi speedo. a thrill to say the least.
get it, you'll love it.
al collins
(dadbeem, on the west coast of illinois)
Liberty makes a sidecar just for the Sportster....if you aren't 100% set on the Spider....just another option. I don't own either, but have looked over a Motorvation or 2!
Dundertaker
