Why does Harley state 1 degree lean in when all the literature I've read states "lean out"? I know set-up is a DARK ART and every rig is different but why is Harley the ONLY rig that leans in? Inquiring minds want to know...
Harley is the only one with no suspension on the sidecar. The frame doesn't give when a passenger gets in or out.
The 1 degree lean-in is just a starting point. Due to different sized drivers and sidecar loads this adjustment often needs tweaking.
I've found a 1 degree leanout (empty rig) has worked fine for my Harley rigs (HD chair or other) with no left or right pull.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
It comes down to pretty much this:
If you want it to go left lean it out more and if you want to go right lean it in more. Guidelines are good but only the person who rides the rig can determine what it feels like and make the decision on what to do to make it better.
Thanks ya'll, I'll try 0 or alittle lean out...didn't want the Harley Police upset...
Originally written by Jane1450 on 11/12/2008 10:22 AM
Thanks ya'll, I'll try 0 or alittle lean out...didn't want the Harley Police upset...
I'm deeply offended. LOL
The HD sidecar manual explains the answer to your question with a diagram. With a setting of 1 degree in, the sidecar will be either zero or a little out when the rider is seated on the bike.
Generally speaking, if you have the settings at 3/4" toe-in and the sidecar close to vertical when riding, you should be fairly neutral in your steering. That's what I have mne set to and it's very neutral on the road.
Good luck.
gnm wrote:
>>The HD sidecar manual explains the answer to your question with a diagram. With a setting of 1 degree in, the sidecar will be either zero or a little out when the rider is seated on the bike.<<
Varaitions can be evident in this dependant upon the weigth of the rider and what may be on the bike. (See Lonnie's post above)
If it pull right more lean away from the sidecar is the solution. If it pulls left less lean etc. Where it ends up may be right for one operator but not for another. In other words a rider that weighs 280 pounds may run less lean away from the sidecar than one that weighs 130. What happens when underweigh is what matters and the lean adjustment is the key followed by toe in.
The main difference between a Harley sidecar or any sidecar with a rigid suspension (no suspension at sidecar wheel) is that when the bike is loaded th esidecar will not 'go down' except for what may happen due to sidecar tire pressure. On a conventional rig the sidecar suspension compresses to a certain degree also.
I have seen more than one Harley rig driver say " they all pull to the right it's a sidecar". When in reality Harley has provided the means to get rid of that pull in their mounting system. The manual provided by the motor company is good but if one realizes what adjustments do what and is willing to do a little experimenting there is a real good chance that a better handling rig may be the result.
Goals:
1)Good tracking on the roads you normally ride on. Note that a Rigid suspension on the sidecar can actually make this goal easier to reach than on a suspended rig.With a rigid suspension the varaible related to the sidecar suspension loading and unloading are not evident. This is a good thing.
2) Decent tire wear. Typically we are talking about the rear bike tire here. The control factor to getting the best possible tire wear with any given tire is toe in. Too much = more tire wear..Try decreasing toe in if tire wear is high. Too little toe in will cause wandering or weird tracking and toe out will create a pull to the right. There are limits.
Thanks guys, you've been a great help, I'm learning the local dealership's advice and guidance are questionable AT BEST...
Originally written by Jane1450 on 11/13/2008 10:16 AM
Thanks guys, you've been a great help, I'm learning the local dealership's advice and guidance are questionable AT BEST...
Jane,
This is not uncommon. Don't think too badly of them if they do well on what their main focus is , that being bikes and customer service. Some dealerships are more sidecar knowlegeble than others or possibly have one guy who is a sidecar nut. Others are at a loss except for the manual that Harley has which is a great starting point for setup. The manual in practice is not totally gospel and it is too bad that some places will seem to cop an attitude if anyone tries to say that.
If you take your time and learn what various adjustments do or don't do for you you will be well ahead of those who feel that isn't necessary.
