Hi request from the UK.
Can you help please, I just got myself a Goldwing GL1100 with factory fitted wotsonian sidecar but got stairing problem on a left hand bend.
Its got as damper fitted but on this one occasion wouldnt allow me to staeer left around a long left hand bend for some reason. The sidecar didnt rise up either Had my son in the sidecar at the time and he is a big lad. It just went straight ahead croossing to the other side of the road. Luckily no harm caused. I had my son in the sidecar so there was not an issue with the sidecar tipping up. Car is fitted to the left side as its a UK model.
I feel sure it may have something to do with the rear shocks absorbers/air suspension, I dont know. It still has the factory fitted air shocks for a solo bike, these have not been changed or altered since fitting the sidecar.
My question is do I need to fit a upgraded set of shocks or air suspension to compensate for the weight of the sidecar etc.
I look forward to hearing from you soon
Regards Roger
A problem like this would be steering related. Soft shocks are not going to keep the rig from turning corners. Stiffer ones will make the rig more stable and resist swaying in the turns. Heavier fork oil will also help keep the front end from diving.
Bad steering head bearings or a faulty damper unit could cause the steering impediment. However these problems would show up more often . It might have been caused by a loss of front tire traction. A drifting sidecar rig could also fail to negotiate a turn. With a hefty passenger maybe this was the cause of this singular event. Combined with a wet or poor traction road surface.
Lonnie
Hello
Jack up the front end and see if you can turn the bars easily from side to side any notchiness and your bearing are toast.
Barry
Have you found the problem ?
Thank you for the few tips, but I have decided to sell the bike as it was'nt for me unfortunatly. Now she's gone to someone to add to their collection.
hey roger, have you just just sold the bike, or are you all done with sidecar rigs? say it aint so.
No I just sold it, Yes she has gone, apparently it was me I was riding it wrong. The guy that bought it has got three others and explained the issue I had, something about throttle into a left hand bend and ease off on a right hand.
When the right time comes around again we shall look out for another combination.
