I'm new to the forum, but have logged in as a guest over the last 6 months or so. I have aprox 25 yrs experience with hd motorcycles. I don't claim to be a master mechanic but at least an average shadetree one. My setup is on a 2000 flh touring frame with a 1995 tle car. I've set the alignment to the hd manual, taking into cosideration the info I've read on this forum, most feel that you should run 1degree lean out. the unit feels very comfortable handling in all aspects but one. there is alot of flex,play or slack in the framework & mounts that allow for an awkward feeling in turns.(mostly right hand) It feels as though I easily achieve the outward lean when turning right. It feels as though it's not going to make it thru the right turn untill it apex's and takes out the slack, then (as long as there is weight in hack) it commits to the turn. Everything seems tight and secure on rig, but it definatley flexes. This is not my first rig. I had a 48 Inian Chief with a left side mnt car and it had solid mounts with no flex, but also had very little horsepower to flex anything. Any help or suggestions would be great,thanks.
I recently put a 93 TLE on my 99 FLSTC. I did notice that the Harley upper mount does flex a little, I just assumed that was by design with the extra long upper mount tube. That being said, mine doesn't flex a lot and still feels solid. I would triple check the two clamps attaching the upper mount tube to the sidecar, and the U-bolts and set screws on the rear mount. I can't really see anywhere else that would cause it unless you have a bad sidecar wheel bearing.
'07 FLHT '98TLE flex is noticeable. was bad enough to push you of the road top clamp was lose and slid up and down front frame tubes
Thanks for the info. Like I said, I'm an average shadetree mechanic. Got a chance to check top clamp tonight & sure enough it had worked a little loose. Sometimes the obvious is right infront of you & you can't seem to see it. Hope to ride this weekend between my daughters ballgames & rain to see if that's definatley the problem. Thanks again.
I have been riding and working on Harley s for 42 years none stop but I am new to hacks. I have a 02 Ultra I installed a 06 HD standard sidecar. I have around 5K on it with the hack in the past 7 or so months. My only transportation.
I run 3/4 toe in and 1 degree lean out. the reason HD sidecars are only 3 point mounts is they have to flex or you would bend the frame on the bike as the only suspension is the torsion bar and flex in the mounts.
Ride safe.
the top mount can come loose from the frame - but the rest of the mounts are designed to be flexible. the bottom two have grease fittings and the top one is a spring loaded cone.
when you are getting close to going too fast around a curve the flex will let you know a bit in advance. as far as i can tell they have been this way from way back with rigid frames.
to
You may also be sensing the collapse of the rear suspension, try to adjust your rear air shock pressure closer to the max., and I don't know if your bike has the engine and suspension mounted in the hard rubber donuts at the rear, but make sure they are still sound. Alan
Once again a Harley hack better flex of you will be bending the motorcycle frame this is what it is a 3 point mount. My 02 has all most 94,000 on it and the shock and swing are pivot is all stock and works well with my shocks at about 10 to 15 pounds on the rear. I fly my hack all the time and beleive me they are suppose to have some flex. Keep in mind the ONLY suspension if you want to call it that on a Harley hack is the torsion bar on front of the hack frame. Once again that is why a Harley hack is only has a 3 point mounting system.
thanks for all input. been riding unit a little more past weeks & have found that it seems to be handling pretty darn good. running max psi in suspension & keeping close eye on all hardware. nothing has worked loose since first time. mostly needed seat time to get feeling of trust in handling. rode today with group & kept pace just fine at normal speeds. "flew" the chair today with my wife in it mostly just to see how much turning torq it takes. finding that leaning out of right turn when wife is in hack seems to help make right turns easier at speed.(if that makes sense) thanks again & ride safe
