Frankcanuck - 10/26/2013 11:55 AM
A 96 1200 sporty runs a "w" cam set which give you good low RPM torque ,a set of SE 497's would be better for performance with a stage one ,but the W's will work.
The 883 front sprocket (28 tooth) will give you better take off and highway cruising since it will increase your RPM's at speed...keeping you in the torque band ,but your MPG will be less.
Also if you keep the same final drive belt ,you will be right at the end of adjustment ,since the 883 sprocket is smaller in diameter ,I would use an 883 belt so you can have some adjustability....If you need some advice on a stage one upgrade or parts ,let me know,I'll be glad to help in both departments
Thanks for the specific info Frank -- as you can tell, I understand the concept and results better than the technical aspects. We had a local shop install an aftermarket 1-tooth smaller front pulley on the 883, resulting in both better take off and highway cruising. But, interestingly, by keeping the engine in the torque band, fuel economy actually increased 2+ mpg. I don't know about 1200's, but with the 883, fuel economy is best when cruising at 2800-3100 rpms.
By the way, our 883R only has a stage "1/2" upgrade; that is, a new breather and matching carb rejet, keeping the stock 2-into-1 exhaust to keep it quieter for the passenger. The bike runs noticeably better than stock, but is still does not "breath well" above ~3800 rpms.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
What year is your R and what make is your 2-1 exhaust?
Frank, our tug is a 2002 XL883R with the 2-into-1 OEM exhaust for the 02-03 883R models.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Very nice scoot them 02/03 R's ! but the heads were not very good back then ,very restrictive... they changed in 04 for the better Buell heads.
Short of doing a head swap I'd say drill a 1/2" hole in the baffle muffler plug and maybe a better ignition....going with a 42 Mikuni would be a waste,same for going with a cam change ,since them heads don't breathe very well.
Look on Ebay for some Buell XB heads they do come up for a good price, once in a while.Then you will be able to make that scoot into a powerful rocket! 🙂
I have a 1980 GL1100 Gold Wing with a Vetter Terraplane mounted to it. The terraplane uses a 3 point mounting system which allows the use of a 'trim adjuster'. This also allows me to pull out 3 bolts and have the car off
in about 10-12 minutes by myself. I made a small cart to put under the car mostly to make it easier to move around when off the bike. I can scoot the car/cart up to the bike, slip in the bottom 2 bolts, tighten them, then pull out the cart, tilt the bike straight up and put in the top bolt and be on the road in less than 15 minutes. It does steer a little bit harder with the car on, but not so that anyone with reasonable upper body strength could not drive it. If you saw me you would know what I mean. I am NOT a Arnold type guy.
thanks DMC for your many knowledgeable replies, so it seems that cruiser bikes would be a better fit for a sidehack. i currently have a base 2012 bonneville + liking triumphs would like to stay with them. i also want a bit more comfort so i was considering a streetmaster cruiser but it has a single downtube, another choice would be a T100 or the scrambler. what are your thoughts on these options. possibly a medium metric cruiser may have the dual down tubes, no harleys though
First, check the dates on the original thread, this one is going back a few years.
First, the bike that is best for a sidecar is the one the speaks to you. Be it a cruiser, dual sport, touring or other wise.
The Bonneville works out well and we have mounts for these as well as the scrambler. When choosing a bike it is always best to go with a bike that proper not universal mounts are made for unless you plan no doing custom fabrication. It is also nice to have a bike that triple tree's are made for should it become a full time sidecar bike. And if it is to become a full time sidecar bike a bike that you can run an automotive rear tire on the stock rim is nice. If you are looking for some thing on the "cheap" for the Triumph you should take a look at the Sputnik 's we have. $2995 including the proper bike specific mounts for the Bonneville which will also fit the scrambler with one slightly different part.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
