Does anyone know what the differences are in the frame and mounts for a late 80's FXRT sidecar compared to a more current TLE sidecar? It seems like the sidecar frame would be the same other than the upper front mount and I expect the bike side mounts would all be different. Does anybody know if this is a reasonable project or is there a lot more to modify than I think? Thanks, Dave
davet - 1/2/2012 12:50 PM
Does anyone know what the differences are in the frame and mounts for a late 80's FXRT sidecar compared to a more current TLE sidecar? It seems like the sidecar frame would be the same other than the upper front mount and I expect the bike side mounts would all be different. Does anybody know if this is a reasonable project or is there a lot more to modify than I think? Thanks, Dave
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The only modern (rubber-mounted) Harleys for which sidecars were recommended by Harley-Davidson were the FL's and the FXR's. The FXR's were generally FXRP's for various police departments. The FXR to TLE mounts were unique to the FXR frame. The frames were similar to the big FL's but were smaller.
You are correct that the TLE frames are the same. They only made one frame with different mounts for each. I've seen several FXR's with sidecars. All were ex-police. If I recall correctly, all three mounts for FXR to TLE are unique and different from FL to TLE. I've seen bits and pieces here and there on eBay. I think they are probably rather rare. There were lots of FXR"s made down through the years but few police sidecar rigs in comparison.
So. it's probably going to require either a search or some fabrication. A determined person with access to a lathe, milling machine and a welder could certainly fabricate the ones that couldn't be located.
I would first try a dealer and get the part numbers for the mounts and then Google them. That will give you some leads.
Good luck!
Thanks for the input, I do need to make a thorough part number search.
davet - 1/3/2012 4:29 AM
Thanks for the input, I do need to make a thorough part number search.
Sorry, the title says FXRT sidecar to 2000 FL. The sidecars are one model, TLE or TLE Ultra. You need mounts for TLE to FL. It makes no difference that the sidecar was mounted on an FXRT. Those were special mounts for the FXR.
Sorry I misunderstood.
Regards.
Its actually an RLE sidecar I'm thinking about getting, I don't know the year yet. I think the only thing I would need to change on the sidecar itself is the front upper mount tube (also called a brace on parts diagrams I've looked at). It is the front bent tube that is bolted with two u-clamps to the front tube of the sidecar frame. I think that is the only difference between the RLE and TLE sidecar itself.
gnm109 - 1/5/2012 7:27 AM
davet - 1/5/2012 4:26 AM
Its actually an RLE sidecar I'm thinking about getting, I don't know the year yet. I think the only thing I would need to change on the sidecar itself is the front upper mount tube (also called a brace on parts diagrams I've looked at). It is the front bent tube that is bolted with two u-clamps to the front tube of the sidecar frame. I think that is the only difference between the RLE and TLE sidecar itself.
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(Looks like the quote function no londer works on this website so I just draw a line now. LOL)IIRC, the RLE was for the four-speed Shovelhead and earlier. The earlier frames had threaded mounts rather than the Heim Joints. The RLE is a different frame. If it's not a TLE sidecar (1982 rubber-mounted Shovelhead five speed FLT and later) I would keep looking. Just my opinion.[/
Thanks, I think if it is late 80's it was put on EVO engined FX models, and may fit my later FLH but you're right it may be wiser to look for a later model TLE. I have to keep researching it a little more before I decide.
davet - 1/5/2012 8:01 AM
Thanks, I think if it is late 80's it was put on EVO engined FX models, and may fit my later FLH but you're right it may be wiser to look for a later model TLE. I have to keep researching it a little more before I decide.
Well, the mystery would be solved if it has the Heim Joints. That would mark is as a later sidecar. Can you get some pictures?
The RLE sidecar I'm looking at is on craigslist and ebay. It does have heim joints on the sidecar frame. I think the tube that has the steering damper bracket attached is the only thing I would have to change (plus all the bike side mounts).
there is a vin number on top of the tube of the main frame. that sure looks like a tle frame - the brace has the bracket for the steering dampner. before jumping in with both feet and the wallet get the vin off that sidecar and verify what it really is.
now that hd does not make them any more you are stuck with old stuff - from personal experience that verified that i lacked judgement i did a year to year swap and the price was over 1500 by the time i found all the bits and pieces.
if its a early tle frame it will be a cinch to mount it to a 2000 bike.
but the kit still costs over a grand new IF you can even get it - probably have to piece it together via ebay.
also, its important - does it have a drum brake or disk? that helps define its year.
to
That's not an RLE frame. It's a TLE. That frame is fitted with multi-leaf springs so it's earlier and probably has a drum brake. Too bad there aren't more pictures. Timo's suggestion about the VIN number would be important.
1998 is the first year for the disc brake.
L.
Hack'n - 1/6/2012 10:01 AM
1998 is the first year for the disc brake.
L.
Correct. The steering damper came out in 1983 with the Evos. The single springs were brought out in 1994. This isidecar has multi-leaf springs and a steering damper pad. Therefore it is between 1983 and 1993 and will have a drum brake.
Thanks for all the help guys, I did ask the seller for the vin number but its a big ebay seller so they probably don't check their listings for questions often enough. I have a birch white FLHTP so this would match my bike nicely. I'll call them for the number and hopefully it turns out to be a TLE.
davet - 1/6/2012 3:47 PM
Thanks for all the help guys, I did ask the seller for the vin number but its a big ebay seller so they probably don't check their listings for questions often enough. I have a birch white FLHTP so this would match my bike nicely. I'll call them for the number and hopefully it turns out to be a TLE.
From what I've seen it should be a TLE.......A few more pictures would solve the mystery.
