Hello All, I am new to the forum and am in the process of setting up a 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim and a 1979 Velorex 562.
At this point, the sidecar is level side to side and front to rear. I have about 3/4 of an inch toe in (unloaded since I am doing this without help) and about 1/8 of an inch lean out.
When I test drive (ride??) with this set up the handlebars turn naturally to the right. It does not pull or shake and seems to track at this attitude at most speeds (at least up to 60). I have not put enough miles on it to see if tire wear is an issue.
Is this a normal condition? If not, which way should I go to straighten out the rig?
It is comforable enough to ride this way, other than having the right side rear view mirror looking at my chest.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Larry
Add lean-out to push the rig to the left. I'd use a magnetic protractor (angle gauge) on the front brake rotor, wheel straight ahead, sit on the bike and set the leanout for at least 1 degree plus with the rig loaded normally.
Don't know how you set toe-in but 3/4" is about the max for the best tire wear. Check the center groove of the sidecar tire after several road miles for evidence of tire scrubbing. A feather of rubber on one side of the groove and a rounded edge on the other side tells you that your toe-in is off. You should see even wear, if any.
I've set up dozens of XS and XJ Maxim and Seca rigs for on road and off road use, 650's to 1100's.
Most were Velorex 562 and 700 (pre 2005 models with the 15mm axle) with our upgraded suspension kit.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
When you set this up, Was the bikes suspention pre loaded to the ride height it is with you on the bike? I agree with Lonnie on the need for more lean out. I however do not agree with checking on the front wheel. If the handle bars are even slightly turned the reading will be way off. Check against the rear rotor or with a square against the rear tire. If you go with a squre shoot for slightly under 1/2 inch of lean out.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Thank you, Lonnie and Jay. I added some lean (probably not quite enough) and it made a difference. I need to replace the fork seals and springs, so will hold off fine tuning until that is done.
Thanks again for your help!
Larry
I can't concur with Jay's method since the XJ has a rear drum brake, not a disc and rotor.
I sight down both sides of the front tire for centering not the handlebars.
As stated the 1 plus degree setting is only a base point. Further tweaking may be required depending upon the type of roads usually travelled. High crowned or not, superslab? Also sidecar loaded or unloaded.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Roadman,
When adjusting leanout, adjust in small increments and test the ride between. Too much leanout and right hand turns (assumin your car is mounted on the right) go from challenging to down right SCARY!
In thinking about why, my theory is this. If a bike is leaning left on 2 wheels, it wants to turn left especially if you counter-steer to the right. If your leanout is too much, then your bikes natural tendency to turn left due to lean and counter-steer is at odds with your desire for the whole rig to go right!
