I continue to learn about setting up the outfit. A couple of days ago I started playing with the rear shocks preload. Right handers had been less than easy. When I finally set them on max, it made a huge difference. Right handers are much easier now. Set too soft, I guess the bike tended to roll more to the left tending to unweight the sidecar wheel too much. Now, it's much more controllable even when the sidecar wheel comes off the ground. I don't feel that the ride is less comfortable either.
If you want to carry the secure feeling to the max, call Claude Stanley and ask about one of his sway bars.
Sorry 'bout failing to mention that Paul. The bike not only carries extra weight from the sidecar, but also has to "hold up" in left hand turns as you mention. Similarly, the sidecar suspension should be firm enough so as not to compress too much in left hand turns, which can impair a smooth ride with the lightweight sidecars. We've found handling with the Texas Rangers can be sensitive to proper preload whether empty or heavily "occupied." And, yes, Claude's sway bars can ...carry the secure feeling to the max.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
A sway/torsion bar is a good thing to have.
Accourding to where I drive often I stiffen up for stability and race style riding
or loosen the suspension for ease back pain, but then then there is not much fun scretching serpentines. (then normally I go way down with tire pressure too, which I will have to readjust when I get back to asphalt road with the Russian exercise pump./ who needs to pay a gymn when he rides a Ural or Jawa rig?)
You got it. You need to adjust the rig for what you want to do with it and for the conditions you ride at.
BTW> Most original solo shocks are too weak for sidecar use. You have a multiple load specially on the back wheel.
Have fun.
Sven
I talked to Claude Stanley. I have my outfit set up pretty well now, but it sounds like a sway bar is a really good investment. The sway bar may be a winter project. In the meantime, I've looked at lots of posts on the subject. Maybe when the snow flies, I'll contemplate this with the tub off and lubricate the brain cells with several Sierra Nevadas.
