Hello,
I am new here and do not as of yet have a sidecar.I am however looking.
I will not bore you all with the details why,but will say I am looking for used for finacial reasons.
My bike is a 1983 honda gl1100 interstate,and I would like to know if there is a rule of thumb,or formula as to an ideal weight for a sidecar for a paticular bike weight.
Any help and advice is apreciated.TB
Ideal weight? A rule of thumb weight ratio is 2/3rds bike to 1/3rd sidecar. This ratio will keep all three wheels on the ground.
The weight balance can be achieved with a heavy car, a passenger or ballast in the sidecar.
If ballast is used it should be attached (or placed) low and to the rear of the sidecar.
I good way to check the stability of your rig is to turn the wheel to the right, grasp the bars,stand on the left footpeg or footboard (if so equipped) and pull away from the sidecar.
If the sidecar wheel comes off the ground easily, add weight till it requires some effort to raise it.
This weighting can be adjusted later as you gain proficiency in driving the outfit if desired.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks HACK'N
I cant test it,I havnt purchase a car yet,and I want one I can add to my present bike.
The bike is 800lbs on its own!2/3rds of that is over 530lbs empty.
Im not sure I want to try to pull 1700lbs {total loaded)
Can this be right?
No, you misunderstood him a little. If the bike weighs 800 pounds, the sidecar should weigh at least 1/3 that of the bike, or 265 pounds.
Something to keep in mind though; It really doesn't matter what things weigh when they are parked at the curb. I've always taken this formula to mean weight going down the road.
Since I normally travel with an empty sidecar, I add my weight to the bike, then divide by 3 to determine the best sidecar weight.
Sorry,
Yes I did miss read it.
So 1/3 the total weight,loaded bike,would make more sense.Thank-you
Are there certain single person cars that work better with the old wings than others?
Originally written by Tory on 8/26/2008 6:58 PM
Are there certain single person cars that work better with the old wings than others?
Personally, I like the looks of a Ural on a naked Goldwing. One of the best looking rigs I ever saw was in Ann Arbor a GL1000 with a Corbin Gunfighter seat and a Ural sidecar, painted 65 Chevelle Saphire Blue with flames. Another inexpensive car for an early wing would be a HitchHiker, though I don't like them on later models. BMWzenrider had one for sale here. If he still has it, you might be able to talk him in to bringing it to the High speed Ferry at Milwaukee.
Go in to the Albums here and find something that trips your trigger. Come back here and Lonnie or someone will be able to guide you as to weight and such. Check also with Jay at www.mysidecar.com I know he has a soft spot for old Wings.
