Help Needed with 2011 Sportster & Sidecar rig.

Hey Nighster: I followed Lonnie's advice on my '02 883R and installed a 1-inch spacer on top of the fork springs after I installed the 5* raked trees. Maybe even 1/2 --- 3/4 inch might be sufficient with stock tress; just estimate how much the forks have sagged after installing the sidecar.

OK, How is this done? This is new territory for me. do I just unscrew the caps and drop in spacers? Also, Where would I find them?

Proper sized schedule 80 pvc spacers work well. Not just a "drop in" job since the fork springs are under compression and you will need to compress them further to install the fork cap nuts.

L.

Here is the link to a video that, although is marketing a lowering kit, gives an idea. My '02 had no spacer. You should be able to make a spacer out of 3/4" or 1" PVC conduit, depending on diameter of forks. Some folks use appropriate sized washers to help "spread" the load. There will be more pressure on the spring, so some grunt will be required to push the spacer/spring down to screw on the cap. I suggest a buddy to help to hold all in line while you use both hands to push and turn.
Here's the link:

Thanks for all the pointers guys. And thanks for the youtube video link. I'll check it out.

OK, problem solved! I went to lowes and picked up a bunch of different kind of 1" spacers. I ended up using a ½" PVC cap that was just at 1" long. I put my rig on blocks to remove all tension and removed the tube caps. To my surprise, the caps were still under pressure. I put a flat washer on top of the current pre-load spacer then the PVC cap then screwed the cap back on. I will say that was a chore and I was thankful to have my buddy here helping me. After I let the bike back down I regained the lost height from the sidecar weight. Road test.....Seems to handle the same but the bike doesn't dive now when I brake. Thanks again to everyone for the pointers and advice. The whole process only took about 45 min.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ericeharwood/MySidecar?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNvb9snY5_zzyQE&feat=directlink

Good deal, Nightster. The restored ride height is just a bonus of the extra pre-load. I too was weary of tackling the fork spacers too, but once into it realized it wasn't all that daunting of a task. But it sure is best to have a buddy to help with re-installing the caps.

Yes, it was a "fun" adventure getting them back on but well worth it. Next weekend I'm taking my first road trip with this rig. Just about 800 miles round trip........ (((Happy Camper right now)))

2011_Nightster - 8/14/2011 10:20 PM

... first road trip with this rig. Just about 800 miles round trip....

Hey, be sure the read up on the pointers and techniques for driving rigs, and practice a few of the exercises in the "Driving a Sidecar" book, including some quick stops. For example, some lessons I've learned: My Sportster rig easily locks the rear wheel in a quick-stop, which ain't good, and don't get over confident in left hand curves.

For sure. Been reading an tons of practicing. I am not planning on any passengers for a while. I want to get use to the way it handles first. I already have my eye on some heavy duty brake pads as I am sure I will go through the ones I have quickly.

Sure glad this forum was here for help. Not sure I would have figured out all that I learned here.

Also take a look at the discussion here:
http://www.sidecar.com/mbbs22/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=9481&posts=6&highlight=cozy&highlightmode=1#M59133

Are you guys using "Screamin Eagle" fork oil too? It helps reduce front end dive.

L.