Ok I took my newly attached sidecar for a test ride last night because it got up to 32 degrees yesterday. I am happy to say that I did not experience any handlebar wobble and for the most part it handled well. I did feel like it was pulling a little to the right. I did some searches but could not find the thread that I know I have read before that tells what to do when you experience a particular symptom.
When do you adjust lean and when do you adjust Toe ?
I am thinking that the lead is pretty well fixed, meaning not easily adjusted at this point without hardware changes
Thanks in advance
Wheel lead needs to be correct regardless of hardware, if the hardware will not allow your wheel lead to be correct then the hardware needs to be changed. For street bikes we like to see wheel lead in the 10-15% of the wheel base of the bike range however this can be fudged a bit. For dual sport bikes we usually end up in the 15-20% range. In general, if you do not have a head shake then leave your toe settings alone and adjust only lean out to correct for a pull. You did not say what bike and sidecar you have.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
It was a 1974BMW with a Velorex car
I have the lead at 8.5 to 9.0 inches, I am not sure what that is in % I will have to measure tonight when I get home
Your wheel lead is close enough, the Velorex type frame clamps tend to over time damage the very thin walled BMW frame tubes as such most people recommend a sub frame for the bike. (we of course offer a sub frame) the lower rear mount on the sidecar its self sucks, it will slip as it is a very poor design poorly executed. once every thing is set you will need to either cross drill it or tack weld it down. At this link you can see what we do about the lower mounts which also allow for proper wheel lead adjustment http://www.dmcsidecars.com/the-result-of-improper-sidecar-mounting-and-the-proper-fix/
I have also attached our alignment instructions. Toe in should be in the 1/2 to 3/4 range.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
Jay
I checked on the internet and it says a R90/6 wheelbase is 57.7 so based on 10 to 15% that would be 5.8 to 8.6 inches so I am definitely at the high end of the range.
Should that be a concern ?
It is close enough.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
If it pulls to the right do I lean the bike out more ?
Yes. However keep in mind that at different speeds, different loads, roads and weather conditions it is going to pull. This is why on more expensive sidecars some kind of electric trim is often offered as an option. Unless it is a hard pull always, you might not want to mess with it to much until you have more saddle time.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
