All,
I have built several sidecars and all of them have had suspension. Be it a coil over/shock and tower or airbag.
Background Info: I have seen many photos of sidecars with out suspension. The sidecar's wheel/axle is connected to the
sidecar frame. The body of the sidecar is on springs/rubber mounts/airbags.
My question is this. What does a sidecar suspension bring to the table?
Does it improve handling or stability?
Why is it needed? I have seen Harley's and others up through the years from 1900-2000 without suspension
thoughts and feedback welcome.
thank you
I only have experience with my Harley sidecar. Any time you hit a bump with the sidecar wheel, there is input to the bike. The ride is especially affected on bad roads. Both handling and stability will be improved with a suspension. The only reason not to have a suspension would be if you have a Harley or an antique side car you want to keep original. If you're building something new, put some kind of suspension on the wheel.
Thank you, my experience has only been with sidecars/hacks I have built. All with of them with suspension.
I have never ridden a bike/sidecar combo other than what I have built. So I have no frame of reference with a fixed sidecar suspension.
That said, I am attempting to replicate a 1929 Harley/Indian Sidecar and its suspension is/was fixed.
This will be mounted to a 07 1200 Sportster.
Since, I am in the design stage. I believe I will consider your advice.
thank you
DRM
As an example: The Liberty sidecar duplicates the Harley in appearance but rides like a dream with coil over shock suspension and sprung body. Whereas the rigid mounted chassis Harley car rides like a Stagecoach.
No feedback through the bars when you hit a rough spot with the Liberty car (and others with full suspension).
Lonnie
Interesting, I wonder if I could use a leaf spring and shock as the suspension to give it the aged look? Northerntool has trailer spring shocks and shackles.
I would think the 500lb spring would work nicely
thoughts?
I've used the 250# torsional suspension on sidecars.
Remember, half of the sidecar weight is on the bike.
Lonnie
NWSC
Great, thank you,
I wish I had found this side before my first build,
But then again, I have enjoyed the process 🙂
DRM
PS. Complete the side templates and bottom templates,
Tomorrow I cut steel
What I like about my Harley sidecar is no matter how much weight you put in it I never have to change the set up as it drives the same loaded as it does unloaded. I have had many ride in it and all said it road great even on rough dirt roads.
That is the why one of my first builds I purchased an air shock kit for an older corvette. The bolt patter was the same and the distance of travel was around 12 inches. I was able to adjust the ride and or height by adding or releasing air.
🙂
