I have a 96 Goldwing SE /Hannigan with about a 1000 miles on the combination. My question: Is there a preferred distance to maintain between the Cycle and the Sidecar? Aside from the wider turning radius is there a real need to run with the sidecar right up next to the cycle? I had set the rig up with the sidecar very close to the Goldwing but found working on the cycle a real bear so moved the sidecar out. Stress on cycle? sidecar frame? Tire wear?
Thanks in Advance
Rob
Central Washington State
In my opinion, the wider the better. It will add to stability, make it easier to access the side of the bike and may even provide for extra cargo space. Of course there is a limit as to how wide your particular mounting hardware will safely allow. Another parameter to keep in mind is any need to trailer your rig. If you do have this need, then consider the width requirements imposed by the trailer.
Handling is effected the wider you go. Yes it holds down better on right hand turns if it is wide however it also pushes and pulls more when changing speeds. Handling really starts to get odd once track width gets to around 80% of the wheel base of the bike.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
2328 Roosevelt ave
Enumclaw
WA
98022
I've set up most rigs with a 12" gap from frame to frame. This allows leg room, saddlebag clearance (except for a few that open from the side) and access for minor maintenance. No undue steering problems.
This has worked well for decades with many marques and models of bike and sidecar. Some have been wider if desired by the client.
Lonnie
What model Hannigan sidecar do you have. Lots of variables out there.
Astro GT made in the late 90’s.
Rob
Central Washington State
You can go wide with no issues as long as your mounts work out okay. Make sure three is enough thread inside the upper struts and of course that the lower mounts are not extended too afr to be effective. The lower mounting tubes should be back to where they are within the sidecar frame as a minimum. This will dictate approximately what length the upper struts will have to be. Upper struts should have at least 1" of thread inside the tube. If you check your lower mounts first you can go ahead and prop the bike up ,set the toe in ( probably around 5/8") and then mess with the upper struts to see where you are. Then set the lean out and recheck the toe in. If you have ECC on th sidecar we like to set it at close to it's lowest position as you will seldom need to lower the sidecar but will typically be raising it for passenger weight tracking etc.. There are exceptions to this but they are not too common.
When viewed from the side Note that a slight nose high stance for the sidecar is best especially if you have the ground effects on the nose of it.
Also sidecar wheel should be close to vertical with ECC at low position.
If you have an older sidecar this may be a good time to check the swingarm pivot bearings for tightness. If there is any movement in the swingarm snug them up some as with a rear pivot swingarm this will affect toe in when under way and can create excess tire wear.
