I have noticed on quite a few European rigs that the front forks seem to be of a heavier design and sport a very wide front tire. Are these front ends available in the states, and how do the rigs handle with this massive front tire. I'm running a 1500 Goldwing and looking for an easier steering rig. (this bike is dedicated to the side car and won't be used solo)
There may be an LL front end available that will accept the fat automotive tire.
I can't name a vendor.
Raked triple trees will make your stock front end steer easily.
Lonnie
smokeynal - 12/5/2009 12:36 AM
I have noticed on quite a few European rigs that the front forks seem to be of a heavier design and sport a very wide front tire. Are these front ends available in the states, and how do the rigs handle with this massive front tire. I'm running a 1500 Goldwing and looking for an easier steering rig. (this bike is dedicated to the side car and won't be used solo)
Hi Roy,
I have the steering solution for your sidecar rig:
The ExtensoDive front fork with a 165/65R14 tyre mounted on an EML manufactured 14” front wheel assembly.
I have the same system mounted on my GL 1800 sidehack and I can tell you, steering and handling of that heavy combination is just easy and comfortable. See the attached pictures.It is also for the GL 1500 available.
Here you`ll find all necessary information.
http://www.emlsidecar.com/starteng.htm
smokeynal - 12/4/2009 5:36 PM
I have noticed on quite a few European rigs that the front forks seem to be of a heavier design and sport a very wide front tire. Are these front ends available in the states, and how do the rigs handle with this massive front tire. I'm running a 1500 Goldwing and looking for an easier steering rig. (this bike is dedicated to the side car and won't be used solo)
If ease of steering is your main concern going with modified or rebuilt triple trees is by far the best solution as far as bang for your buck goes.
Yes, you can go with a leading link or even a center hub front end but the costs may outweigh the value if you are only looking for easier steering. In fact with the very wide front tires on some applications slow speed steering efforts can increase simple do to the size of the contact patch on the pavement. Very wide front tires can also lead to wandering at speed which can be un nerving at times.
Below is a center hub steering setup on a gl1800
claude #3563 - 12/5/2009 5:12 AM
Very wide front tires can also lead to wandering at speed which can be un nerving at times.
I second Claude's statement from experience, but I want to add, the steer tire can be a relatively narrow car tire and still do this. My 135-15 front steer tire, which isn't very wide, will also catch expansion joints on the highway. This is an issue that presents itself mostly in construction zones on the interstate. The situation is the roadway is shifted to a blacktop shoulder in the construction, and because of the relatively narrow shoulder width, your steer/pusher wheels are running close to the expansion joint/transition from the blacktop shoulder to the concrete roadway. The rig shifts quickly and voilently across the expansion joint, un-nerving, even more un-nerving if there are concrete barriers slightly to your right at the edge of the roadway.
Nothing unusual for two wheel motorcycles, but more difficult to steer away from when operating a wider three wheeled rig. Every so often, I find myself on roadways with room to run my steer tire only a few feet from these situations on the rig.
Trail reduction is your most important issue to address for ease of steering.
I am new to the recent changes to sidecar setup as my last rig was A BMW R75 with a watsonian chair. I have recently ordered a Hannigan GT sidecar to put on my Honda ST1300. In doing my research I like you saw all the european rigs with the changed suspension on the front end with a wide tire on it. In checking II was referred to Side Effects in BC Canada for information by several sites. I contacted them and they sell the EZS line of sidecars who offer a complete setup for my bike (both front and rear rims complete suspension along with a new front fender and brakes. ) Expensive!! In speaking with Peter the owner I was told that those rigs were used in Europe where the roads are smooth and as such work well.In the US and Canada we have no such luxury and the wide tire tends to follow the groves in the roadway and is terrible in gravel or such a better solution is to place a rear tire on the front reversed tread. Check the web page for them and email them or call I hope this helps: From an other newbie
