2000 Ural Tourist Sidecar Alignment

I've finally gotten to the point that all the nitpicky stuff is done on the rig. So, today it was time to check rig alignment. I have to go read up on the process again and do a few web searches. But I thought I'd share what I found today and solicit comments.

First, it was a rough, cursory check. I used the technique in the Ural manual. My shop floor is level so I put a level across the bars and got about 1/2" of leanout according to the bars which equates to 1 degree per the manual. Did not bother to do the trig. I also put a machinist's protractor across the rear tire and measured 1 degree. This of course was with no rider weight on the bike.

Looking at the manual, it appears that the sidecar wheel should be plumb. I checked mine and that is not the case. The wheel leans out at the top, away from the bike, also about 1 degree.

Now, although I'm a total newbie with maybe 60 km under my belt on a rig, it does not seem to pull in either direction when going down the road. I also let go of the bars at about 40 mph and it went straight. I looked at the tires today and they seem to be fine, other than the one I put on the sidecar (was the spare) is a bit cupped. I assume that suggests too much toe in. The tire that was on the sidecar was just about bald, but worn evenly to the point of the tire being of square cross section now. I do wonder why that spare was cupped and it could be that is why it was move to the spare location.

I assume that if I bring in the sidecar leanout, it will also bring in the bike leanout. So, I'm wondering if the 1 degree is relative to the sidecar, in which case if the car and bike both lean out, then 1/2 degree on each would be correct.

Or, maybe because it goes down the road straight, I should leave well enough alone.

Going to sit down with the Sidecar handbook tonight, so might find my answer. But any comments are welcome and anxiously awaited.

regards,
Rob