I have a 2000 HD classic with a side car mated from the factory. We have had it for 3 years now. First year driving the bike was too sluggish for me and my bride, so the winter of 2012 I had the motor built to a 103 c.i. pulling 118ft lbs torqe and 100 hp. Now can keep up to most 2 wheel cruisers.
My problem now is the ride I am getting on the bike is not satisfactory to me (although my wife loves the hack) I can not feel comfortable for rides say over 150 miles. The chassis has 40,000 miles on it and I do not believe the shocks have been changed or serviced. I have the car adjusted to HD specs and it does not pull or drag. I feel too much road vibration and bumps, and living here in Wi. in the Kettle Moraine with its twisty turnys the bike is hard to steer through these roads. I have heard a 5 degree raked triple tree will make steering easier. I am also going to service the front shocks.
My question is.. When running a side car should the front shocks have more or less dampening? Should i change or install different springs? Maybe ideas on oil in the front. Also for the back shocks.. should I go stock or does someone know the right set up for more comfort for the driver.
Any ideas will be appreciated as I plan on getting the work done before spring and I want to be able to stay up as long as my wife! Thanxs MJH
Stiffer springs on the front are a good idea, Keep in mind that your sidecar has no suspension on it! As such tire pressure makes a big difference in ride quality. The tree's will lower the steering effort quite a bit.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-628-1793
The bike did not come on the bike from the factory. They put them on at the dealer. My plains are to put stiffer springs in my 02 Ultra with a 06 HD slandered sidecar. How much air are you running in the rear shocks, sidecar tire and rear tire? I run 40 in the rear, sidecar as manual recommends 28 front tire 36 and rear shocks around 15 all are PSI. My Ultra has over 96,000 on it and rides well.
Jeff
A new triple tree will reduce trail (caster) of the front wheel and will make a BIG difference in steering. It will also lower the front end a bit and you may find it necessary to re-level and perhaps realign the rig. It's not a cheap mod (~$1,000) but well worth it, in fact necessary IMHO. There are several sources for this.
Most good triple trees come with spacers that will take up for the moving forward of the wheel. I have talked to many that do not like raked tress as with them you any small input to steering makes a bid difference then with out them. Now I have to say do to my health conditions when able I am going to give them a try. I found a place that sales a very nice set for around $750 shipped.
