Now that I know a bit more about the sidecar I have I am going to go through the bike and then bolt this back together. I want to make sure the bike is mechanically sound on two wheels. The bike is in need of tires and I was wondering what you experienced hackers think. Number one I am just planning on using this for around town and local rides. No cross country. I basically want to see how I like it before I invest in a regular rig set up for the long haul in mind. The bike is a 70 BMW R75/5 and the car bolts right to the frame. No sub frame is involved. Should I get the square type back tire? What tire types Do are recommended for this type of setup. I figure the round tire would be best to the extent I can remove the car and still use the bike. Odds are that would not happen for the most part. I already have a 72 toaster in the garage that I ride fairly regularly. Also would a car battery in the car be enough ballast or should more be added. Thanks in advance for your help. This is a great site and now that I am a new member I look forward to meeting some of you on the road.
If the sidecar block tires fit your bike you will get better tread life from them but they are not designed for use as a solo bike. They can be used but won't handle the same as a rounded tread motorcycle tire till you wear off the corners.
You have a 140# sidecar. Optimum weight ratio for the average combo is 2/3rd's bike and 1/3rd sidecar. Try standing on the left footpeg, wheel turned to the right. Grab the bars and pull away from the sidecar. If it lifts very easily, add ballast until it won't. Ballast is best placed behind the seat or attached to the rear outer frame. Soft ballast won't crack the fiberglass if it shifts.
Happy Hack'n,
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
the flat tread tires are the way to go for longer tread life...forget about removing the SC occaisionally. you will find out how much fun it is, and leave it on all he time. when it is set up correctly, you wont want to remove it.
for the front, get aflat tread Avon MkII SC tire..19" X3.50. fits great.
on the rear put a flat tread metzler Block K tire..4.00X 18. also the correct sixe for the bike.
The car battery in the trunk is also a good idea..make sure the battery box is bolted to the floor solidly.
one more thin...get a subframe for the bike. the /5, 6, 7 bike frames are not strong enough for a SC to be bolted to it..especially the upper rear bike frame area.
the subframe reinforces the bike frame, spread the stress over the entire mounting area, and mounts the SC MUCH mre solidly! and safer!
Thanks for the info boys. I guess it is square tires and a subframe for me. Now to find a subframe for a /5.
Well it took a while but the /5 Hack is on the road. New K block tires and subframe. Between the two the rig handles much better and is much more enjoyable to ride. I will be adding a steering damper soon once I get my other bikes winterized and have time to play with the hack again. I am hooked. It is a blast to ride. Will probably do some tweeking also but right now I have it handleing well on the road and still getting used to the work required for smooth / safe turns. Its like a new toy at Christmas.
