Hi Guys,
I have a '78 R80/7 with a Dnepr sidecar mated. I am running the stock telescopic forks with billet top clamp and a San Jose style fork brace and wide GS bars. I've run it that way for years and the steering has been acceptable, but as I get older I've noticed more aches and pains after a long day on the rig.
I've lucked into a nice Earles front end from a twin and was thinking about modding it for use on the R80, hoping to lighten up the steering.
Has anyone here done something like that, and would you have any advice or photos to share?
I'm particularly interested in what problems I might encounter with timing cover interference and also changes in front end height...
Thanks,
Jim
Baltimore
While I have not done this my self, I have seen it done, I have also built leading links for these bikes. The ones I have seen the loop between the down tubes at the bottom has been flattened out in order to clear the front of the engine. This was done by cutting the out side of the tube and welding in a flat bar to fill in the hole. Brakes are going to be another issue, You will either have to run a drum brake or mount your calipers. Your bike should have a single ATE caliper on it. The ATE calipers are not easy to work with due to their some what odd mounting system. On my own 1978 R100/7 I switched to dual Brembo brakes however as the pistons are on both side of the caliper it will not clear with a wire spoke wheel. It does work fine with either Lesters or Snow flake wheels. The Brembo caliper is much easier to make mounts for. You could also go with dual disks on the front at the same time and move your master from under the tank to the handle bar. This will make for much better braking.
I hope some one else will have more information for you on doing this as it has been done many times before.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Thanks Jay,
I have collected a snowflake wheel and a pair of K bike calipers and discs. I am running dual ATEs now with a dual undertank MC. I haven't found a handlebar MC yet. If the undertank has enough capcity I might just keep it. I think the brakes are fine now.
I found an example of what you're describing with the brace somewhere on the net but can't seem to find it again. I hate to cut up the forks.
I thought about making a fiberglass alternator cover that would give me clearance, but I put Enduralast alternator and ignition units in there and it's pretty well stuffed.
Have you ever heard of the Earles NOT hitting the cover?
I know at some point I just need to start mocking this up. I'm just trying to collect info so I can make a plan and get this done as efficiently as possible, if indeed I decide it's worth doing. Plus I can't stay off the thing. Maybe a project for next winter!
