I have a 1979 GoldWing and a California sidecar with no suspension. I am still seting this up, and it came with a 150 lbs in weight mounted to a sheet of plywood that looks like it is to be mounted under the sidecar body to the frame. Most of my riding will be solo so I know the wieght will work out well for me, BUT what about if I take my son (or anyone else for that matter) for a ride, will there be too much weight???
Am I better off leaving the counter weight out and just adding a removable weight inside the sidecar.
Thanks In Advance
Dan
Dan,
You didn't specify which CSC you had or your size. If it is an FS I (190#)or an early Companion (150#) and you are of average size and weight you have more ballast weight than most people would use. 150# is a good passenger load. The more weight off to the side the harder the steering.
Have you tried the rig without ballast and felt comfortable with it? I wouldn't think any ballast would normally be needed with an FS I and probably not over 50# with the Companion sidecar. Any adjustment higher than that would depend upon the drivers weight.
The early CSC cars do have a torsion strap suspension system but no shock.
You wanted an opinion, this is mine.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecar
Dan
I have an EML sidecar conversion on a GL1100. I don't have any weight in the sidecar, and it handles fine. It is fairly wide, which is another factor that contributes to the stability of my rig. That's my experience. As above, you need to try it and see.
Lonnie and Mike are both corect in my opinion. Weight (ballast) is basically a personal choice. In your case if you do have a rigid suspension the additinal weight will not cause the rig to heel over in left handers in the same fashion it may on a sprung sidecar. This is a good thing.
Make sure that that the way it was made rigid was done well and check you rmounts etc often though. Rigid mounting puts more stress on theings overall as there is no 'give' so to speak to soak up road shocks.
If you get to where you feel comfortable and the sidecar is stable without ballast then take it out. If not leave it in.
I would also remove the 150lb weight and add (a removable) a weight inside the sidecar. I think you should also check your sidecar wheel shaft. Be sure it is in very good condition as all forces transmitted to it (left handlers, road bumps, etc.)will not be smoothly absorbed, as usual, by a wheel shock.
By the way, with no sidecar shock, I hope YOU have a strong back with a minimum of...arthritis!!
Good luck
Piero Bassi
Minneapolis, Minnesota
No one really answered your question about leaving the ballast in when hauling passengers.
after you settle on the correct amount to keep the rig stable in turns, leave the ballast in. no need to remove it and replace each time. the extra passenger weight will be a plus. set the lean out on the bike with the weight you carry most of the time, if you have permanent adjusters. with electric or manual lean, just adjust on the fly.
Thanks Lonnie,
I have not finished mounting this setup yet nor have I ever rode a sidecar.
You guys just look like you are having all the fun so I had to try one 😉
The suspension is solid, only an adj. for height by rotating the tube. I am probably not explaining it well but I am sure you know what I mean.
Thank you for your input, it is much appreciacted.
Dan A.
Danbury
Thanks Mike,
Being new at sidecars I am thankful for your input.
Dan A.
Danbury CT
Claude, thank you again.
I say again because when I first posted in "sidecars wanted" about looking for a sidecar for this bike you sent me a few ads.
Dan A.
Danbury CT
You are welcome again. The turning deal you spoke of is a tilt adjutment. It will jack up the sidecar wheel or let it down. Obviously it is not the easiest method in the world but it shoudl work.
