Hi, I posted an intro over in "general discussion" so I won't bore you with it here, I have some questions though, as I set off on my first foray into sidecar-dom. Please keep in mind that I'm looking at converting a SOHC CB750K, chain drive, spoked wheels.
What's the optimum trail figure for a sidecar rig? I've heard it said that near zero is perfect and lightens the steering, but it seems that it would require a lot more "thought" while riding.
What's the best winter tire for a sidecar equipped bike, or the most commonly available? I have spoked rims, and have no problems relacing them if need be.
Would I be better off searching for cast wheels, or maybe Comstars?
I don't plan on ever having passengers, and the "sidecar" I'm thinking of is actually going to be more of a "outrigger/ gear rack", designed to give me stability in the winter for commuting (this is primarily going to be a winter rig), and allow me to lash gear to it when heading off ito the middle of nowhere. Should the sidecar suspension be as stiff as the bike's suspension? Firmer? Softer?
Should I bother with braking the sidecar wheel?
I will take any and all advice, I'm all ears.
(and yes, this entire project will be homemade)
Thanks!
Welcome and Check out the albums. There are several cargo options pictured there.
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/photo-thumbnails.asp?albumid=65
http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/show-album.asp?albumid=189¤tpos=1
Hey rat,
in former times I was allways told to have a rats's complex, because I used to paint the spokes with bitumen, worked well for the salt.
Good enduro tires were the block is not too close with angle on the blocks are good. (the snow has to be thrown out) Trial block tires clogged up too easy and rubbed much more in bends because the blocks were very narrow and tall. Take a rope for deep snow with you.
Spikes weren't allowed in Germany, but made a very great job in Norway...
Under the sidecar frame I suggest a sheet metal that works like a whedge and lifts the sidecar and wheel when the snow becomes too deep, so you do not get caught in circles. It made in summer a good job in the forest too, because it prevented me from catching branches with the frame.
Best regards from the costarican summer.
Sven Peter Pan
forgot
excellent accesories:
coachman's coverlet made out of felt and vynil,
electrically heated grips, handle tops
foam isolated natural rubber boots (plastic ones become hard)
Now people use Thermoboys. I used a 1942 swedish Army trouser made of sheep skin and Belstaff jacket and norwegan pullover.
electrical winchet or rope and pulley blocks
long-ski as dingy,
For your 4 stroke CB750 engine a camping cooker to heat up the oil is not as necesary as for the beemers and guzzies, but a larger auxilliary battery and jump cable in the box would be very helpfull,
Go with SAE 5-30W multi grade oil.
