Hello, I need some help on Harley sidecars. Will a 1992 Harley sidecar, that is mounted to a 1997 FLHT, fit on my 1998 FLHT using the mounts from the 1997? Wow, sounds like a tongue-twister. Seriously though, I do need to know, as I am looking at such a setup soon. Thanks for any info. Hal
Originally written by MBHal on 6/27/2008 6:22 PM
Hello, I need some help on Harley sidecars. Will a 1992 Harley sidecar, that is mounted to a 1997 FLHT, fit on my 1998 FLHT using the mounts from the 1997? Wow, sounds like a tongue-twister. Seriously though, I do need to know, as I am looking at such a setup soon. Thanks for any info. Hal
It sounds like you will be OK. For one thing, the upper front and lower front mounts will fit as they come from the 1997 bike. The rear mount should fit if it's the three-bolt version and I believe that it would be since the two bolt version came in after 2002 or 2003.
If your 1998 FLHT still has its original "stand up" rear brake pedal the sidecar frame should clear it. I believe that you will need to obtain a sidecar brake master cylinder cover, hose and remote reservoir (same as 1980's FXR) This might be on the donor bike but you may need the parts if you can't get them with the sidecar.
The clutch cable on a sidecar is longer than the standard FLHT since it is routed under the crankcase to clear the sidecar frame and brake master cylinder.
The oil pressure sending unit is changed to point downwards with a 90 degree elbow. This is to clear the front lower mount and master cylinder.
You should obtain the sidecar installation and service manual for the Harley dealer. P/N 99485-07 is the latest one. They are all similar for the newer bikes and the installation will be similar in the case of your bike. This book also shows how to set up the lean and toe-in for proper handling. The sidecar parts will be shown in the parts book for the year of the sidecar.
The 1992 frame is similar to the later ones in mounting points. It has a slightly different frame design with the same general fit. The main difference from the newer sidecars is the wheel design, the drum brake and the cable connector that goes from the sidecar to the bike's stop, turn and tail light cable under the seat of the bike. The connectors can be purchased from the dealer to match the cable ends. The disc brake was added to the TLE sidecar in 1998. You should remove the right-side stop and turn signal bulb from the motorcycle when the sidecar is installed. This will prevent confusion with two right turn lights and also some motorcycle electrical circuits will not run the turn signals at the proper speed with an extra bulb.
Normally, the sidecar will have a steering damper that goes between the front cross bar and a plate on the rear of the lower triple tree. Many people don't like the steering damper and prefer to change the triple trees to different rake and trail to improve steering. The parts are around $1,000 for that change plus labor. While it does improve sidecar steering, it makes solo steering somewhat unusual. It all depends upon whether you intend to run without the sidecar at any point in time.
Good luck!
Thanks very much for the info, it is a big help. Will I need to change anything to do with the lean angle sensor? Thanks again, Hal
Originally written by MBHal on 6/27/2008 8:25 PM
Thanks very much for the info, it is a big help. Will I need to change anything to do with the lean angle sensor? Thanks again, Hal
I don't know if your bike has a TSSM or a TSM. (turn signal security module or turn signal module). They did not start using the roll-over switch until 2002 or 2003, IIRC. That change would require you to take the bike to the dealer to have the Bank angle sensor toggled digitally to "Sidecar"usage. That only works when you install the 88115-03 Rollover Switch. This switch goes betwen the main control cable and the TSSM.
I don't think that your ECM and TSSM will permit you to install this since your bike wasn't designed for it. Both the ECM and TSSM must be 2002 or later for this to be used, AFAIK. Just be careful not to take corners too fast. While it is a good safety accessory (It shuts the engine off if the rig rolls completely over) I ran my 1993 FLHS and TLE sidecar 30,000 miles without one and never had a shut-off. The bank angle sensor is inside of the TSM. It will cause the engine to shut down if the pendulum moves 45 degrees either way, as in the case where the bike falls over when solo. It takes quite a corner to make this shut off but theoretically, it could. I don't know how you could do an update without major wiring and module exchanges so you may just have to go with what you have.
Regards.
gnm109
That's a relief. Electronic stuff is my least fun area to work with. I've had a number of Dnepr rigs (flatties and overhead), so I am experienced. I'll have to get used to the horsepower and torque difference though! I rode a 1947 knuckle with a sidecar years ago, and am looking forward to hacking with my 1998. Ideally, I'd like to find a mid 1990's police bike to put the hack on, and keep my nice '98...... nice. Thanks for your info. Hal
