Greetings,
I have a build project going and I am getting close to the wheel on the sidecar.
This rig will have a swing arm type suspension on the sidecar frame. Hence the need for a stub type axel.
A couple things...I would like to use a motorcycle type wheel, particularly if I could find a solid wheel like the ones on the bike.
I want to run an automotive type tire on that wheel if that is possible. Will an auto tire fit a cycle wheel?
I want to have a motorcycle type disc brake. That would mate up with the cycle wheel nicely.
With this in mind, where does a guy find an axel or spindle for this size wheel?
If I have to machine an axel I can, but if they are scattered through the junk yards off some common car, I'd rather do that or even buy one!
Any thoughts?
This project is a combination traditional ridid/leaner. If I find myself with rigid mounted folks and they won't talk to me, I can install the braces. I plan to have the front one installed at all times at least on the bottom mount so it can be swung up and temporarely (sp!) fastened with a pit pin so the rig can be pushed backward if need be for some reason...or what ever reason a person doesn't want the flex while stationary.
Thanks ahead for any info!
Hmmmm. hmmmmm. gosh, I wonder what make and model of motorcycle you own.....hmmmm, hmmmmm?
Let me guess, you refer to wanting a solid sidecar wheel like on your bike. The only bike I've ever seen in recent years with all solid wheels was the Harley-Davidson Fatboy.
As to needing an axle, since you are going to build a custom, one off sidecar unit, the usual thing would be to make a drawing and either machine one up yourself, or take the drawing to a machine shop and arrange to have one built.
I've made a couple of replacement vintage Harley sidecar axles in the past. I worked from a sample and used 4140 steel for the part. Any machine shop that takes walk-in work could do that type of thing for you.
I promise, if I ever see you on your lean/no-lean sidecar unit, I will not only talk to you, I will buy you a cup of coffee. LOL.
Regards. 🙂
Hi, being an extreme noob but some what mechanical I would like to express my thanks to all on this site. I have a BMW F650GS with a self installed Dauntless Enduro hack. The axle on it is very simple and uses what Jay called a modifed Sportster spoked wheel. I also remember back in the late 60's I bought from a junk yard a pair of front spindles and hubs off a Rambler the wheels were Mustang I think 14 inch. Anyway the spindles were bolted on. The size was small compaired to the cars at the time. Sorry for rambling. What I wanted to say is take your calipers and find an old junk yard and have fun. But give Jay a call and he just might be able to give some help to finding a match. Thanks again for all the words of wisdom from you all.
You might try a 1" stub trailer spindle and hub. Some hubs can have a brake rotor attached (some sidecar mfg'rs. use this type).
Your solid wheel can be a Centerline, they come in a lot of sizes and widths.
Lonnie
Ah, great info...the tug is a'94 Road King cop bike. I got it when my '03 was broke down during good summer riding weather (be sure to check those cam chain tensioners!! 60,000 miles was too much) and the cop bike would cut out on one cylinder when it warmed up. A good price and with some trouble shooting, I figured out the metal connector in the plastic plug on the ignition coil just needed a little "tweaking" with a dental tool. I guess the metal would expand and not connect with the pin it mates with. Hard to figure out, but I did, and now I have this "extra" bike...seems like a good candidate for a sidecar!
I do like the idea of easily attainable parts from a junk yard. The disc brake from something small like a mini cooper or similar would work just fine. I just didn't want to go with a spoked type wheel as the wheels on the bike are cast and a can of fix-a-flat and tire plugs can sometimes keep you going.
I like the idea of the trailer parts as 6 Robblee's in the Seattle area is a good source for some of that. I'll stop by and see what they say...that would be the "easy button".
The whole program will hinge on a 2" square box tube 1/4" wall. I lose about 3/4" inch ground clearance for and aft, but very solid. I went accross the front of the bike and picked up the other side as well just for good measure. This main beam will live on the bike if the rigg were ever to be be removed. 2 reinforced hinge points for and aft on this beam and 1 1/2" square tube for struts to the sidecar frame is very solid. I'm sure the hack will impead some lean to the left once it is built, but I'm on board with all the various "trade offs" for such a program! yes, I know this is on the heavy side, but I've never been accused of "under building" anything. New to this, I want it to be safe first!
I can fabricate better than I can compute, other wise I'd put the pictures on here so other's can see what this looks like so far.
If someone wants to give advise on that I'll do it, but you folks probably get tired of "teaching" basic computer stuff!
Thanks again for the info!
I have a stub axle, the dog leg the bushing and all for a Left handed Steib.... I think it might work for you.....although the threads on the axle go the wrong direction..... it will need to be rethreaded ....the way it is now... it would always try to spin off..... It had a torsion bar....but I can't remember what happened to that.... I'll dig it out and take a prictue of it...send me your e-mail...
Joel
jrapose@thegrid.net
I have a stub axle, the dog leg the bushing and all for a Left handed Steib.... I think it might work for you.....although the threads on the axle go the wrong direction..... it will need to be rethreaded ....the way it is now... it would always try to spin off..... It had a torsion bar....but I can't remember what happened to that.... I'll dig it out and take a prictue of it...send me your e-mail...
Joel
jrapose@thegrid.net
Aye! Thanks for the response...with the above suggestions, I think I will go in the Generic direction...common parts from a junk yard is what I like the most or easily obtained from a vendor like a trailer type firm.
I had to make a decision early on about classic or "home style", being from the bush, I had to lean towards what I can do, (bush!)!(I'm from Alaska...) I agree about the thread turn direction, being an airplane guy...castlated nuts can cure nut reversal, but I may be able to build without this consideration.
I do appreciate the consideration of your time in your reply.
When I mentioned what I would "like" to do, and the more I think (stew!) about it...car parts make the most sense. ...as long as it is a disc brake....(don't like "shoes")...just a phobia I guess....
The project won't be traditional or classic, so given that,...just good safe (functional) opperating charictaristics is where I will head...
The bike has a diamond plate (aluminum) cargo box on the back and diamond plate (same) set of storage pouches fastened to the front of the rear roll bar (hinged lid!)(same as Harley type leather units). I figure since there is a diamond plate "theme" going on, the hack should be diamond plate material as well. Wish I could find a diamond plate fender for the rigg as well. Hence no traditional or classic program here. I do plan to weld up the hack (like a welded aluminum boat) in the tradition of the size and shape of the historical hacks. When looked at, folks will scratch they're chin and "see" tradition, but when they "look" at the rigg, there won't be much tradition about it...just functionality. Sorry guys/gals just a sidecar unit.
clark22d - 3/31/2010 2:46 AM
Aye! Thanks for the response...with the above suggestions, I think I will go in the Generic direction...common parts from a junk yard is what I like the most or easily obtained from a vendor like a trailer type firm.
I had to make a decision early on about classic or "home style", being from the bush, I had to lean towards what I can do, (bush!)!(I'm from Alaska...) I agree about the thread turn direction, being an airplane guy...castlated nuts can cure nut reversal, but I may be able to build without this consideration.
I do appreciate the consideration of your time in your reply.
When I mentioned what I would "like" to do, and the more I think (stew!) about it...car parts make the most sense. ...as long as it is a disc brake....(don't like "shoes")...just a phobia I guess....
The project won't be traditional or classic, so given that,...just good safe (functional) opperating charictaristics is where I will head...
The bike has a diamond plate (aluminum) cargo box on the back and diamond plate (same) set of storage pouches fastened to the front of the rear roll bar (hinged lid!)(same as Harley type leather units). I figure since there is a diamond plate "theme" going on, the hack should be diamond plate material as well. Wish I could find a diamond plate fender for the rigg as well. Hence no traditional or classic program here. I do plan to weld up the hack (like a welded aluminum boat) in the tradition of the size and shape of the historical hacks. When looked at, folks will scratch they're chin and "see" tradition, but when they "look" at the rigg, there won't be much tradition about it...just functionality. Sorry guys/gals just a sidecar unit.
I would definitely go with a standard right-hand thread. The axle on the Harley TLE is drilled for a rool pin to hold the nut on after tightening. I used a cotter pin.
Good luck.
Just some food for thought...the dodge k cars (at least some of them) had bolt on spindles on the rear axle. These are cheap and work quite well using th edidge hub and various wheels. We have used centerlines and also some mini spare wheels with 165 and 135 x 15 tires.
If you want to use a spoked harley wheel find one whith a 1" axle. We have machined a sleeve arrangement that is pressend into the wheel to receive std bearing races to be able to run 1" tapered roller bearings. This does take a speacial spundle.
We will not use less than a 1" axle on a wide motorcycle wheel unless we go to a doubel sided swingarm in most applications for additional support. The double sided swingarms we do have abolt on outer half to ease wheel removal..
Ah Ha! Very good info, that will narrow my search tremendously...and is the direction I want to go in. Thanks for all the input folks!
clark22d - 3/31/2010 4:09 PM
Ah Ha! Very good info, that will narrow my search tremendously...and is the direction I want to go in. Thanks for all the input folks!
Some of the old Rambler cars had bolt on front spindles. Built a few trailers using them.
Of course you can get trailer spindles at tractor suppy and such places too.
