Been thinking about the percentage of weight on each of the three wheels. I note that Hal Kendall observes that racing rigs look for about 40%/40%/20% on the front/rear/sidecar. Anyone have any notions about what the "average" modern day sidecar designs run for static weight distribution? Guess I'm asking for a generalization in a specific world, but would appreciate ideas/facts? Does anyone have any actual weights/percentages from projects? Searched the forum, but can't find much on it. Thanks, Doug
For roadwork the front/rear weight distribution would depend upon the bike and it's loading.
A rule of thumb ratio for stable sidehacks is about 2/3 bike weight to 1/3 sidecar weight.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks Lonnie...appreciate your time. My reason for wondering about the wheel weight distribution on a static rig has to do w/suspension. Been pondering how to "up" the suspension on my cycle. Thanks again. Doug
Doug,
Sometimes all it takes for the front is heavier (type2 or racing grade) fork oil. If that doesn't get it, maybe spacers on the fork springs or Progressive springs.
For the rear, Progressive Suspension shocks will do it for a reasonable price.
Lonnie
Thanks Lonnie...you and Claude have been a help. Using a "second" cycle for this project (96 Vulcan 800 Classic). Springs/shocks were getting worn/tired. Replacing the front fork springs with a deal from an acquaintance (progressive rate springs and valving the forks). Found an out of production (new) adjustable rear shock setup for a bike about #150's heavier than the std shocks. This may turn into an addiction, but maybe will work. Haven't decided on a tub yet...hoping to come across a used one. Doug
Originally written by D-Willy on 1/13/2008 4:42 PM
Thanks Lonnie...you and Claude have been a help. Using a "second" cycle for this project (96 Vulcan 800 Classic). Springs/shocks were getting worn/tired. Replacing the front fork springs with a deal from an acquaintance (progressive rate springs and valving the forks). Found an out of production (new) adjustable rear shock setup for a bike about #150's heavier than the std shocks. This may turn into an addiction, but maybe will work. Haven't decided on a tub yet...hoping to come across a used one. Doug
Doug,
Keep in mind that actual spring rates on coil over shocks are one thing but the method on how the shocks are mounted is another. If the shock were directly over the sidecar axle and was designed for a given swingarm it may be one way but if it is moved on the swingarm or cantilevered or laid down more whatever then the spring rate that worked in one case would not be best in another. It is very hard when designing any suspension to not have a little trial and error involved. It is also questionable if th efinal outcome is best for all or most applications unless one can experiment a little after assembly. Everything is a compromise and the goal will be to get the best results within that compromised zone from what you have decided to work with.
Yikes hope all of that made some sense....lol.
Food for though:
See below and plug in your own numbers. It may indicate why a tilt adjustor of some type is a good addition to almost any sidecar rig.
Whole outfit weight = 1000 pounds
Whole outfit weigth with driver and passenger = 1400 pounds
(250 pound driver and 150 pound passenger)
Remove passenger = weight is 1250 pounds.
I like the idea of the tilt adjuster...even if manual like your dual direction threaded rods (maybe not good for on-the-go, but a beginning point). Luckily (simplifies calculations) my rear mono-shock is pretty close to vertical--and, up front on forks,...progressive rate starting at factory and going up. Suspect that trying to master the basics will be a good place to start--then the tweaking. I see that the more into this I get the more there is to learn...getting to a really good place...knowing that there is way more that I haven't yet imagined. There is a fear factor...the addiction may be forming 😉
Originally written by D-Willy on 1/14/2008 1:49 PM
I like the idea of the tilt adjuster...even if manual like your dual direction threaded rods (maybe not good for on-the-go, but a beginning point). Luckily (simplifies calculations) my rear mono-shock is pretty close to vertical--and, up front on forks,...progressive rate starting at factory and going up. Suspect that trying to master the basics will be a good place to start--then the tweaking. I see that the more into this I get the more there is to learn...getting to a really good place...knowing that there is way more that I haven't yet imagined. There is a fear factor...the addiction may be forming 😉
We are all learning D Willy. I liek the term 'practicing sidecarists' 🙂
Oh and I really hate to break the news to you but from what you have written the addiction is not at the 'may be forming' stage for you my friend. You ARE addicted..welcome aboard.
