1998 R1100R with sidecar .
Hello hackers, a friend has attached a metal sidecar to his R1100R, the side car looks like a Chinese cheep copy of a URAL.
The rig looks nice and solid, he aligned it (1/2 toe in, slight neg. camber.
It goes pretty straight but when accelerating it pulls hard right and when braking the opposite, the suspension was NOT modified in any way which I think is the problem.
I have a 79 BMW R100S with an Ural, Neff side frame and it's been great up to 105MPH, but I did the triple tree, front and rear progressive springs and shocks.
Has anyone done the same type of rig?
Any help with past experience would be great.
Keep on hacking!
Thanks,George.
normal...........welcome to the world of hacks.......................lol
turtleman57 - 8/12/2010 6:16 AM
normal...........welcome to the world of hacks.......................lol
Yes, that's quite true. That's what I call "Sidecar Motion". If you ride smoothly without undue accelleration and use moderate braking, in other words, ride like an old man, you won't notice it. 🙂
In many cases, you can use this to your advantage, depending upon road conditions. It's just a matter of practice.
Perhaps I was not quite clear, I have been riding with sidecar for over 20 years, but never with an R1100R rig, and this one has no mods to the steering or suspension.
The amount of steer when accelerating or braking is REALLY BAD!
To me,the long travel of the R1100R feels like it's the cause.
ANY HELP WITH OIL HEAD SPECIFIC MODS NEEDED TO CORRECT OR MINIMIZE THE STEERING CHANGES WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
Thanks,
George.
I understand that there is a "simple" modification (perhaps requires a replacement part) to the Telelever front end to change the trail - but I believe that this is more intended to reduce steering effort.
Thanks boxermike,you are correct,the Telelever mod is to ease steering effort,I did that with the triple tree on my R110S,it's a lot cheeper than a unit fork.
I am hopping someone will come back with a solution to the oversteer problem.
George.
You didn't say how many miles on the bike, but the R1100 series were not noted for having premium shocks. If you have more than 20k on the bike then it is due for shock replacement front and rear to get rid of any hobby-horsing on the bike itself. That's also a good opportunity to move to a stronger spring to compensate for the additional weight and loading you've put on the bike. Lastly, there are several sources that sell a front end modification to reduce trail on the BMW telelever models. Check with DMC sidecars, C.Stanley Motorsports, Hannigan, or other vendors for more information. The front end mod makes a huge difference in steering effort. The R1100R is a light bike so depending upon how heavy a sidecar you have mounted I can see where it could induce some significant yaw force...
IMHO, of course...
Best,
GTRider
Hello George, Boxermike and gnm109,
I like this thread. I purchased my first Rig in May of this year. It's a BMW R1100RS w/ Motorvation Formula II with the Electric Lean, attatched with a Dauntless Subframe. This is only my first Rig, yet the third I've driven. That beiing said, the Rig handles very well. Straight down the road. It does want to "chase Rabbits" (pull to the right), when excelerating, and "chase on-coming Cars", when braking 😉 The slow speed turns though, are a struggle (at first turn). :O The PO has installed the Bar-Backs and I assume that has helped. That beiing said, I feel the Rig could offer me some more relief, but I'm not sold on the Steer Rite or Leading Link as I think the "Cost vs Struggle" might be prohibitive (although the Older I get the more "It" is about Comfort 🙂 ) Does anyone know the cost of this Mod and if changes the "look" of the Tug very much (still slightly vain)?
The Rig goes to Re Psycle BMW on Tuesday for Fork Springs; Fork Seals and checking and torquing the neck/steering bearings. Just might have to research this Mod for Rick to install 🙂
~ Russell
Sidgeorge,
Put my first car on in May, had the same "feeling/problem". After about 300 mile, I re-set the toe-in, less toe, and a little less lean-out. Much easier riding. I have decided to have dedicated sidecar rig now, and have a set of 8 degree triple trees on order. Good luck, and enjoy. Paul
The bike has less than 20k on it ,but the heavier spring is what I was thinking might do the trick also,or improve the dance act substancially.
Thankls for your input,I'll check out the sites you suggested.
George.
By the way I made the R110S/URAL hack because I can not ride solo any more due to getting Multiple Sclerosis years ago.
I have been riding since 12YO and could not see my self without riding.
George,
I think my R1100RS Rig *does* pull harder (when accelerating/braking),than the Honda and Harley Rigs I've driven. I have also been pondering stiffer springs in the forks and maybe some Olhins (rebuilt of course 😉 ). I'll have Rick install the new fork springs when the Rig is in the shop next week. I'll report back with my thoughts on any improvement, either perceived or actual 😉
Regards, Russell
