Just wondering, is there a specific distance that the hack and bike itself need to be apart? I keep hearing things on distances (10, 12, 18 etc inches)
Thanks for the info.
Originally written by cf04thruxton on 4/10/2008 7:17 PM
Just wondering, is there a specific distance that the hack and bike itself need to be apart? I keep hearing things on distances (10, 12, 18 etc inches)
Thanks for the info.
Thruxton,
It isn't the distance between the bike and sidecar as much as it is track width that counts. (Cenerline of bike wheels to centerline of sidecar wheel).
Wider is more stable. I do not like to go less than 48" and many times go wider.
The distance between center line of the bike rear whell and the sidecar wheel is 60-1/2 inches. I have a Friendship III mounted to an 89 Goldwing. This allows me to fully open my right saddlebag to gain access to my auxiliary gas tank. Makes for a very stable set up.
Thom Sears
Gig Harbor, WA.
I set my current unit up not to be wider than a normal car which allows for more comfortable parking. With a fairly light Champion Escort on a relativly heavy GL1800 I wanted it to have a fairly wide track thus keeping the leverage of weight out there a comfortable distance. The result is 58" c-c on the wheels and about 80" overall width. This results in about 6" between the car and right saddlebag so that it can be opened enough to be useful, unlike others that are too tight to allow reasonable access.
Another issue to consider are Flip-up cars and mirror and or handlebar clearance. Don't want to scratch the paint if the bars are turned the wrong way or take off the mirror.
On my rig I also had room to install a custom Sidecar Brake Lever and Master Cylinder that's attached to the Sidecar Frame.
If it was mounted too much closer I would loose the use of the Saddlebag and have had to come up with a totaly different 3'd brake assembly.
If it was much wider it would be hard to get it between parked cars thus more likely to have Door-Knocks with damaged plastic or glass awa paint damage.
well if you like it small at least your leg must fit and it must be possible to kick the kick starter if you have one in between. less then 42" between centerlines becomes very tippy as you can read in the translation of the german manual in the books section.(I had it down to 43-45"? which was still acceptable) I like it small and light, but from a certain point on you feel unconfortable and have to monkey too much. It depends mainly on your bike s/c combination, I'd look into that manual and listen well to Claude's recommendations, he is very well instructed and give excellent tips.
Sven
Thanks to everyone who has given some advice on this. I will keep reading up and please, keep up the posting of advice for me.
Cheers,
Chans
what bike and what sidecar do you have Chans?
Originally written by claude #3563 on 4/11/2008 2:44 AM
what bike and what sidecar do you have Chans?
I have a eagle spirit sidecar that will be going on a Triumph Thruxton. I had Dauntless make up some extra beefy attachments for the hack frame.
I almost have it all done but the sidecar looks WAYYYY far away from the bike is all. Im talking from center of wheel on bike to center of wheel on hack is over 48 inches apart. Just not sure this is correct or not. Then again, I have NEVER had a sidecar so I have NO CLUE as to what is correct etc at this point.
Thanks again for any help on this.
Chans
48" track is fine for this combo.
Make sure you have ballast in the sidecar. It's only about a 140# hack and your empty bike is over 500# dry.
Without it you'll get plenty of air time.
Mount it to the frame or low and to the rear of the hack.
Turn the bars to the right and stand on the left peg and pull away from the sidecar. If the car rises too easily, add ballast.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Originally written by cf04thruxton on 4/11/2008 11:36 AM
Originally written by claude #3563 on 4/11/2008 2:44 AM
what bike and what sidecar do you have Chans?
I have a eagle spirit sidecar that will be going on a Triumph Thruxton. I had Dauntless make up some extra beefy attachments for the hack frame.
I almost have it all done but the sidecar looks WAYYYY far away from the bike is all. Im talking from center of wheel on bike to center of wheel on hack is over 48 inches apart. Just not sure this is correct or not. Then again, I have NEVER had a sidecar so I have NO CLUE as to what is correct etc at this point.
Thanks again for any help on this.
Chans
I like it out there. The more room between you and it, the more stable you will be. You can always pull it in after you get a ton of miles on it and find you want to experiment.
In Australia we have a 185cm or 73inch law for the total overall width. There is some contention as to if this includes accessories however my state Queensland states overall. It has made fitting my sidecar very tight but on the bright side I suppose it will be easier to park etc
Tim
I was always of the impression that the laws in the States say 8 feet, but recently read that the Federal standard is actually 102 inches which would be 8 feet and 6 inches.
Originally written by whitsundaytattoo on 4/12/2008 2:51 PM
In Australia we have a 185cm or 73inch law for the total overall width. There is some contention as to if this includes accessories however my state Queensland states overall. It has made fitting my sidecar very tight but on the bright side I suppose it will be easier to park etc
Tim
I dont think our roads are that wide. Would probably need a police escort lol
hehe! not to worry about road width limits...lets get back to reality here..a really wide rig with double wide SC usually maxes out at no more than 90".. about the same as a full size pickup.
my Kbike rig with Motorvation FII is 83"
nice and wide..and stable.
Originally written by whitsundaytattoo on 4/12/2008 6:51 AM
In Australia we have a 185cm or 73inch law for the total overall width. There is some contention as to if this includes accessories however my state Queensland states overall. It has made fitting my sidecar very tight but on the bright side I suppose it will be easier to park etc
Tim
I did'nt know that.
Hi everyone I'm new here and about to embark on building a chair for my 1150GS.I have already drawn up a rough plan and marked it on the floor next to the bike.All I need to do now is be sure of all the little details like above lol.This is'nt my first outfit but it has been a few years since my last and I hopefully want to get it right(ish) from the start.
Cheers
Andrew
