I owned this rig about 5 years ago and gave it up for a better bike. Now I have managed to get the sidecar back and intend to mount it on my '03 Honda VTX. Wife and I loved this rig in past years and I am very excited to run it again. For those who don't know...the Equalean is a leaning rig that leans parallel to the bike in corners. For once I'm not here to ask questions (not yet, anyway) just wanted to share and kick off this exciting project.
Al
how does the equalean ride? I've heard mixed reviews about leaners. I am looking at an old one now. what do you think the value might be of one that needs a serious makeover? what do I look for mechanically? appreciate your help!
The ride is a little different than a solo bike, hard on the throttle it will pull one way and hard on the brake it will pull the other, which I suppose is true for any sidecar. Leaning into corners will take slightly more effort as there is a little resistance from the bushings. I tend to 'throw' it into corners a little more than without the sidecar.
All that aside, it is WELL worth the trouble. These things are definitely a head turner, especially when cornering. And you can't beat the extra storage space.
Mechanically, the front bushings are critical, make sure they are in good shape. I was able to find replacements at a farm supply store. The other thing is the rear slide, if it is worn enough there is risk of it coming apart and it will also cause you to feel 'bumps' as it slides along the track. That would be a very difficult piece to replace.
One other thing to look at is the air shock, mine was leaking so I replaced it with an airbag and shock from a transport truck driver's seat. You have got to have a working air suspension or the unit will be very hard to drive.
As for value I'm afraid I would have no clue there, they are incredibly rare but can be challenging to mount on a different bike.
If you decide to go for it, I have copies of the installation manual that I could email you, it might help to figure out how to build your mounts. They show how this unit was originally installed on a GL1100.
Good luck!
Al
