Thanks Timo. Upon closer inspection of the manual after some much needed sleep, I do see that the lower frame tie is only applicable to the 09-> models. I guess most people don't bother with the front frame tie then? I'll stop in my local HD dealer to see if they sell the mount components individually, but I think I'll be calling upon DMC for the two frame specific pieces.
As far as the wheel goes, it's a 21x3, 52 3/8" spokes. I'm running a 120-70-21 Dunlop E3 tire. If it will feel unstable with the hack, I will definitely be going back to a stock 16" wheel. I don't want to put my kids in jeopardy over appearance.
I've found that narrow front tire will sideslip in hard turns. Not a big enough footprint for good lateral traction. This is not a problem with a solo bike since they bank in the turns and all the pressure is applied directly to the ground instead of sideways.
Being a 2-track vehicle, a rigid mounted sidecar rigs forces are the same as with an auto in the turns. The rig and riders are being pulled away from the turn. With minimal fromt tire traction the rig will not hold the turn line.
Lonnie
im running a 500 r 16 radial car tire on the rear of my bike - 4000 miles last year - 4800 miles so far this year [work sch is different] and the tire shows almost no wear.
when i got it they claimed it needed a 4" rim, now they say it will mount to a 3" rim - i "think" it will fit the front, my front hd dunlop is wearing out pretty fast, at this rate it will be done by the 4th of july - im thinking of putting a radial on the front - but still unsure. any opinions???
im also thinking of going back to the stock rear wheel when it needs a new rear tire - the 4" x 16" that i have is a pita to check air, is 80 spoke, and is heavy. the stock 9 spoke cast is a super strong wheel.
in fact as i change out tires im thinking of working my way back to all cast spoke wheels
either way - to this thread - i DO sometimes find the front skidding on paint lines etc, especially in left hand turns, makes me nervous. id never run a smaller front tire - i would however think a narrow tire on the hack would be just fine.
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Timo, what kind of tire is the 500r16? The only tire I can come across on HDForums is the Austone taxi tire, which I plan on running out back at the bare minimum. If my 21 front doesn't feel right, I'll be trying the Austone up front as well.
On a side note, I did speak to Jay at DMC and will be ordering the mounts tomorrow. I was going to try making them up my self, but as everyone says, "why try to re-invent the wheel?". All my struts and sliders are sandblasted with fresh paint baked on and it's looking darn fine.
Is it necessary to remove the body off the frame to fit the car? I know it's going to be a whole lot easier, but am hoping to not have to disturb the body off the frame.
coker excelsior 500r16 steel belted radial, ran it last summer and so far this summer [spring came two months early this year so lots of 2012 miles]
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http://www.cokertire.com/brands/excelsior/500r16-excelsior-stahl-sport-radial.html
this one will "probably" fit in the 08 and earlier rear fender - its a bit taller
http://www.cokertire.com/brands/excelsior/550r16-excelsior-stahl-sport-radial.html
the one i got two years ago had a very slightly different description..
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