Installing a DMC sidecar on a 1998 Moto Guzzi V11 (California). Several items have been changed/upgrades prior to this post. I'm at the point where another pair of eyes is recommended.
Changes made to date:
1. Final drive exchanged for lower gearing
2. Ignition moved to battery compartment
3. DMC triple tree (easier steering)
4. Lower, wider bars
5. New brake lines (bar change and sidecar brake addition made this a good idea)
I stole Jay's idea and built a cart for holding the hack when fitting. Life is good. 🙂
We used to fabricate these sidecar dollies 25 years ago and sell them for $99.00. Two heights, 13.5 for URAL and high cars and 7 1/2" for Velorex and lower cars.
The steel and labor are worth more than $99.00 these days.
Harbor Freight now has moving dollies for about $7.00.
Not sure just what the actual question is. So far what you are doing looks good however you really do need to put the wheel on as you will align off of it, while in theory the axle is square to the frame, due to production tolerances it may be a bit off, not enough to see but enough to change alignment.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Tried using a furniture dolly and scissor jacks. I prefer the dolly, more stable. The casters were the expensive part.
Hey Jay, just the man to ask. Meant to post the question yesterday but got sidetracked.
My problem is the heim joint engagement in the rear mount. By my measurements only 3/8" engagement is possible with "proper" alignment. See pictures below.
The bike is squared up. The hack frame is squared up on the dolly. I do understand the wheel needs to be on for the alignment but wanted to sort out everything first. I also understand final adjustments should be made with the suspension normally loaded.
This is a bit frustrating as the images can only be added (to the best of my knowledge) after the text is posted. Please have a look at the attached photos and see if you can see where I am going wrong.
Another view of the rear mount.
Normally the joints go straight on parallel to the ground. Try rotating the clamp. You may have to cut some off of the boss so that it does not hit the ground. We do make bosses with longer ends for the hiem joint if need be.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
The front mount is parallel with the ground.
You might find it help full to go to our site and watch the second and third video's http://www.dmcsidecars.com/video/
This link also has some good photo's that might help you http://www.dmcsidecars.com/the-result-of-improper-sidecar-mounting-and-the-proper-fix/
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
I have seen the videos. They are well made and clear. Unfortunately I can be an idiot at times. Finally figured out the correct orientation thanks to your kind guidance. Photo below.
How much lead should be on the sidecar axle? The bike has been fitted with a DMC tree.
For street applications we recommend 10 - 15 % of the wheel base of the bike.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Easy to remember guide - Lining up the sidecar axle with the front of the rear tire will work out to just about the 10 - 15% rule that Jay mentioned.
Everything mounted and test ride completed. The DMC tree made a huge difference in ease of steering.
Does anyone have information on suspension set up? Looking for new springs to compensate for the added weight.
