Do rigid axle sidecars (Like the Harleys) work well? Is there a noticeable difference in handling or passenger comfort compared to a suspended type?
I'm just curious about how things work on sidecars.
I'm guessing they must be OK or HD wouldn't have stuck with them for so long.
The Harley rigid chassis was an old unique style used by a few mfg'rs. Way back when. The earlier models also had extendable axles and fenders so they could match width with the wagon tracks in the roads so they wouldn't have to ride tilted with one side in the ruts and one side in between the ruts.
The 3 point mounting allowed flex in the frame components which reduced shock and the bodies were spring mounted for passenger comfort. The spring mounted bodies have a tendency to rock at times and some find this bothersome (it will feed back to the driver in the twisties).
A suspended chassis sidecar with solid mounted body will handle road irregularities better and offer less feedback to the driver from bumps and potholes.
The sidecar tire will also keep better contact with the road surface.
The Liberty cars use the Harley mounts with an added fourth mount for rigidity and the sprung body mounting, but with an added trailing link coil over shock
suspension. This works very well with minimal feedback and a comfortable ride without rocking. A step up from the Classic H-D method.
Rigid framed bikes and sidecars work well when properly setup and suspended rigs also work well when properly setup. It's a matter of choice.
L.
Thanks for the info. Sounds about as I suspected. Like a rigid framed motorcycle -it works, just not as well as a suspended one.
