I am currently working on an R60/2 BMW with sidecar. It has weinmann aluminum rims (all three). It has been mentioned to me that aluminum rims are not really rigid enough for sidecar use and that I should change to chromed steel rims. Does anyone have any experience with aluminum rims on a sidecar that would lead you to change to steel? Thanks in advance.
This all depends entirely on how hard you use the outfit (likely not hard enough to make a difference) and how 'fit' your wheels are. The Borrani aluminum rim wheels on Guzzis will withstand incredibly strain,,,,,i know, i've tortured a few sets on outfits. Unless you intend severe duty i'd say you should be fine,,,,but. Noobs in this game often do not check their spokes often enough until they have a rear wheel failure then they get real serious about it. Don't wait to learn the lesson! You can tap your spokes with a wrench and note a different sound on a loose one. Or put the spoke wrench on them. The bike rear is by far the most stressed and tends to loosen first but all 3 are important to monitor.
Considering you have nice old outfit i'd hope you don't intend to thrash it. Oh dear,,,,,this is delicate,,,,,if by chance you or especially if you and your passenger are 'plus' size folks that makes for severe duty and you might consider switching to steel rims.
No, this rig will not be abused when it is completed. As for wheel condition at present, I'm getting ready to lace the rims with new stainless steel spokes. Good news to is that I'm not a plus size guy and my grandson is 9 years old and he'll be in the chair. I do plan to put some miles on the rig and understand about checking for loosening spokes. I have many many miles on regular motorcycles and have never had a spoke problem but I also understand the loading changes dramatically when you are riding with a sidecar. Axial load obviously works on the spokes a lot harder than radial load of regular motorcycle. I will be monitoring my spokes often and carefully. I think I will give the aluminum rims a try. If I have trouble I can always buy some steel rims later. Thanks for your input.
