I may be interested to attach a Steib S500 sidecar to my 83 Honda GL1100. The weight of the Steib S500 is about 193 pounds; not too bad considering that my 83 GL1100 (modified with EML leading link forks and 15" wheels/tires) is about 640 pounds.My concern is for the Steib's rubber type suspension, the 1.25"(although, I'm not sure of the exact frame size) frame size, and wheel spindle. They probably designed the S500 to be attached to bikes smaller, less powerful, and lighter in weight than the GL1100.Is there anyone that has successfully connected a Steib S500 to a heavier bike than the typical BMW R50/R60/R90 bikes? Is there an alternative, heavier solution to the stock rubber type suspension of the Steib S500? Is there a (hopefully not super complicated) way to beef-up the frame of that Steib sidecar to withstand the torque and weight of the GL1100? Or ... are my concerns justified? Any suggestion will be extremely appreciated.
Grazie!!
Piero Bassi
Minneapolis, Minnesota
I currently have an S500, and have had (older) TR500s. In my experience, the S500 suspension is 2 springs that attach to the back of the frame to the sidecar. The front is hinged and the tub just does a little stretching up and down at the back. What rubber are we talking about?
The newer TR500 I believe has leafsprings. The older ones had rubber "bands" or "doughnuts" that suspended the tub from the frame. The only problem with those is- like all rubber products- with time, they will dry out and crack. If that is what you're worried about, the simple solution would be to get a new one. The TR500s made now, except for the suspension, seem to be identicle to me.
Re frame; unless you plan to overload the sidecar, I've found both frames to be quite stout. The S500 overall I would think a tad skinny for your Honda, but not as bad as if it was a new Wing. Perhaps a little ballast?
On the Yahoo sites, there is a Steib-only sidecar group it might behoove you to look into.
Thank you Uncle Ernie!
I thought that the two chrome springs that attach to the back of the sidecar are the tub suspensions. However the sidecar wheel has a rubber suspension. When you take a left turn there is a lot of force that pushes the bike against the sidecar and ... I am concerned about the stock rubber suspension of the sidecar wheel. Currently I have an EML sidecar connected to the GL1100. Both the EML sidecar frame and wheel suspension are very robust!!! I wonder about the frame and wheel suspension of the Steib. May be .. it will be fine.
Thank you again for your input.
Piero Bassi
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Piero, my S500 is a '53. I had a lot of body work and paint done (among other things), but I've not paid much attention to that rubber part at the wheel... I'll go look at it in the light of day tomorrow.
Welllll.... my SC wheel has a mini-swing arm with a regular sized spring. There is a small "stop" that is designed to keep the wheel from compressing the spring to far, I guess, but it sounds like yours may be different. Newer perhaps? I recommend the Steib group at Yahoo and Benchmark Works. "Vech" is strange and unusual, but he supposedly sells Steib parts...
I wouldn't worry about the frame itself at all. Very stable and stout, as long as you have it connected to your bike correctly. As I only know about connecting to an older BMW, you should probably check with Lonnie or Jay for a proper set-up.
Thank you for the info, Uncle Ernie!!
Piero Bassi #4219
Minneapolis, Minnesota
