Chuck,
According to Harley Davidson Tech/Customer support the answer is yes. The bike should have the stock (or at least stoch hieght shocks.
I mounted the car to the bike with the lowered shocks on it. It took some experimenting with adjustments as this is the first sidecar I have ever had. I started by trying to adjust it according to the owners manual and didn't have much luck. They suggested 1/2 to 3/4 inch toe-in. The bike had a terrible wobble in it. I have it toed in 1 3/4 inches at this point and it seems to go pretty straight. I have no reference point as to ride quality. It does take some effort to drive it as compared to not having a car attached to the bike. I guess my question is whether or not that is normal. I haven't attached a steering damper yet and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. I guess I need some imput as to what kind of ride I should expect. Ultimately I would like to get it set up well enough that it takes no more effort than riding a motorcycle. Any imput would be appreciated. Thanks, Chuck
Chuck,
You're not going to get to where it handles like a solo unless you take the sidecar back off. You have an asymetrical vehicle that's driving from one side with a heavy sidecar beside you.
To ease the steering problem, find a set of stock H-D adjustable triple trees to reduce the trail and make for lighter steering.
The damper should control the wobble OK but check your swing-arm bushings and replace them if sloppy. This is an often overlooked area, as are the head bearings, when one is fine tuning handling problems. So is wheel balance and tire inflation.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecar
Thanks Lonny, I replaced the swingarm bearings before mounting the car. The steering neck bearings may need some attention. I haven't checked the fall away on this bike, but it is on my things to do list. I wanted to hook the car up and play around with it. Now that I have an idea of what the ride is going to be like, I am going to take it back off and hook up a brake tee and the wiring for my lights. I have the steering damper to put on the steering neck. When I do that I will service and adjust the bearings. I didn't expect a solo type ride, but I hope I can get it to where it isn't working me. Thanks, Chuck
cHUCK WROTE:
>>I have the steering damper to put on the steering neck. When I do that I will service and adjust the bearings. I didn't expect a solo type ride, but I hope I can get it to where it isn't working me. Thanks, Chuck<<
cHUCK,
Typically with a hack most will set the steering head bearings tighter than normal. The front wheel when off the ground should not just fall to the side. Adjusting them tight in this manner will do a lot to help get rid of the wobble..or at least you will have canceled one more source of it.
When all is said and done you will not have the ride of a solo bike but you should be able to get it to a 'sweet spot' where all is happy.
Be aware that on a rigid Harley car the static lean out that is spoken of most of the time may not apply. Your sidecar has no suspension so when the bike is loaded with you on it the bike alone will go down. The sidecar will not move.I have seen Harleys that actually had the bike leaning toward the sidecar at rest but when loaded all was well. You will have to find what works for you and your rig. Remember to keep toe in at a minimum and check it after adjusting the lean out.
The so called 'sweet spot' can be a challenge to find but you will get there. If you make a note of where you are before making adjustments you can always get back to point 'A' if needed.
Keep us posted please..be patient and have fun
Claude
Claude, I appreciate the advice. I think that the neck bearings needed to be repacked anyway or at very least tightened. I'll tighten them to spec. and then snug it up a little more. I am assuming that if I run too much toe in I will be replacing tire frequently. I'll get back to you after I have gone through the front end of the bike. Thanks, Chuck
Yes, it's true. I tried to install my HD with a sidecar with a lowering kit behind, and down from the mountain front to slide properly. I deleted my lowering kit and slide together perfectly. Being vertically challenged does not matter a plant sidecar. Remember, this rigid connection with a sidecar, and there is little flexibility. Enjoy the journey.
