Having read most of the discussions on improving steering/making it lighter, I would like to know if other 1500's also have this problem and what they did to fix it. According to the experts, the main problem solvers are to "reduce trail", check the "leanout from the sidecar", and "reducing sidecar wheel lead". This needs to be done BEFORE undertaking drastic steps such as changing over the "Steerite Triple Tree" and "front springs".
Is my understanding correct?
I attach some pics of our rig.
Regardless of wheel lead, etc. you will need trail reduction to effect easy steering with this rig.
Lonnie
If you want to say "Wow how did i ride without it " Steerite Triple Tree or Power track or similar is only way to go. "check the "leanout from the sidecar", and "reducing sidecar wheel lead" you will need non of it. Don't know if you notice your sidecar on the wrong side.
VLAD - 6/4/2011 10:36 PM
If you want to say "Wow how did i ride without it " Steerite Triple Tree or Power track or similar is only way to go. "check the "leanout from the sidecar", and "reducing sidecar wheel lead" you will need non of it. Don't know if you notice your sidecar on the wrong side.
Hi Vlad. I live in South Africa and we use the British road riding system - keep left, pass right. And thanks for the advice ... I'm currently looking into the possibility of importing the Steerite Triple Tree. Steering is just too damn difficult at the moment.
Who made your sidecar?
VLAD - 6/6/2011 5:00 PM
Who made your sidecar?
I haven't a clue who made the sidecar. The rig was imported from the USA complete as it is and there are only 2 of them currently in South Africa. I was hoping someone in this forum could tell me what type of sidecar it is and who makes them.
Sorry, Doc, I don't have any idea on the make of the sidecar either. But it sure looks snazzy.
However: I do recommend the modified triple trees. We now have "raked" trees installed on both my Sportster and Jena's Burgman. Even on our smaller rigs the difference is amazing, and really elevates the enjoyment of driving.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Hi:Guess Iwould vote for the raked fork!Seen it compared to a car with and one without power steering!Just such a big improvement in my 92 1500 SE no way would be without it!!GOod Luck!
Hi Doc, Did a little research on your sidecar (asking my dad, Peter Smith). It's a Kentech, a Japanese company, no longer in business, famous for making stylish sidecars ahead of their time mostly for 1500's. Hope this puts that to rest for you. Talk to you later.
-Brock Smith
Side Effects
Hi Brock
I have belonged to a few American forums before. Having owned an LT and two RT's in succession, I subscribed to the appropriate forums. I always stand amazed at the effort American riders will go to, in order to help out finding answers to difficult questions. And not only questions ... I have experienced people sending me parts that are unobtainable locally. I have experienced someone (a Canadian gentleman) willing to pop over the border, buying a part in the USA, and then sending it to me. In my world, very few people can be placed in that category. I guess this is my way of saying thank you for answering an intriguing question about my rig! (And saying to all you guys and galls out there ... you're a great bunch!)
brockoli - 6/24/2011 12:43 PM
Hi Doc, Did a little research on your sidecar (asking my dad, Peter Smith). It's a Kentech, a Japanese company, no longer in business, famous for making stylish sidecars ahead of their time mostly for 1500's....Brock Smith Side Effects
Thanks Brock, Doc had me wondering too.
By the way Doc, Side Effects is located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada: http://www.sidecars.ca/ 🙂
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
