I am thinking of maybe basing my next one on a Harley 1200 sportster as a tug.
Has anyone here done one of those yet.
My main question is that I wonder if the rake and trail are compatable or would it require modifications?
And how bad is the vibration?
Another possibility is the new (Maybe) 800cc bevel head Kawasaki W800 proposed new model. The specs. I read on it show a long stroke engine.
I Like that for hack work.
Phelonius
Hey Phel, I have no experience with a 1200 Sportster, but we are pleased with our '02 rigid mount 883R. But I'm biased as that's the bike we already owned when we made the decision to purchase our 1st sidecer. And I simply like the 883R. Hack'n has commented that some folks prefer the 883 to the 1200 for a tug as the cams are milder and the torque delivery more tractable (longer stroke relative to bore). I suspect the Kawasaki/Triumph 800cc twins might make a better tug as the engines are more "flexible" as the Europeans say.
The rigid mount Sportsters have strong frame on which are relatively easy to mount a hack. Our 883 rig keeps up with traffic, generally gets 40mpg and I have driven several 250 miles days without issue. Our rig is better suited to all day travel with the dog rather than my wife as a passenger.
On our 883R, the vibration is not an issue until about 65mph, at which speed the seat becomes numbingly uncomfortable. We have successfully quelled the handle-bar grip vibration with rolls of pennies, clear silicone caulking and gel-grips.
I recommend lowering gearing by replacing the front pulley; we did with excellent results; the rig is much more more drivable. The stock steering geometry makes for rather hard steering, but there a lot's of options to reduce trail; we haven't crossed that bridge yet.
Should we ever need a top-end rebuild (hopefully not for a long time), I would consider a 1200 kit with stock 883 cams and low-compression pistons to bump low end torque about 15 ft-lbs.
Hopefully Hack'n, Hyster and other folks here have additional insight.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
I've had 883 & 1200 Sporty/Velorex clients who went to 800 & 900 Triumph Bonnevilles and said they were more tractable with less vibration. With chain drive they are easy to regear with a sprocket and a couple of chain links.
The attached 1200 XL Roadster/562C owner went from a 1200cc rubbermount Sporty to an 800cc Bonny/562C rig and didn't regret the choice. This was a 40 mile daily commutor bike on I-5 freeway and city streets.
Lonnie
Lonnie, I suspect that if I had been starting from "scratch" I would have chosen one of the "new" Bonneville's for a tug as well.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
