I unnderstand bending the front top strut to get over the brake lever but wasn't the bottom causing grief on the exhaust. I would think if you are going to the trouble with the top strut them some modification to the mounting points on the sidecar chassis would be the answer. You may be restricted with your bike mounting points but I would asume anything is possible with the hack chassis. Was that the idea on one of your photos Claude. Thought I saw the chassis extended for the front bottom.
Anyway just my thought and I'm in no way an expert.
Tim
It tracks very well in a straight line.
I will probably have my two extra struts welded together to allow for clearance on my brake pedal.
I'll still have clearance issues on the lower front mount with my exhaust header.
Thanks
Do you have a different than stock exhaust headpipe?
This 2004 stock exhaust header didn't have clearance problems. It's also a rubbermount.
Lonnie
tim wrote:
>>Was that the idea on one of your photos Claude. Thought I saw the chassis extended for the front bottom.<<
Probably so. We have done this on various cruisers with forward controls. We also prefer th euse of a subframe so mounting points can be placed for ease of adjustment and best triangulation possible. No doubt this is not totally necessay in many cases but it make life easier in the long run.
I am using a curved strut that I got from Lonnie (hack'n)on my rig. So far there are no clearance or bending issues and the clevis bolt is long enough to adjust the sidecar to sit further back if I wish. I took that route with the curved strut because it didn't empty my pockets, it looks good and I only had to wait 3 days before I could ride safely. I personally trust the curved strut more than a welded joint but I am no expert (just an opinion).
Yes Lonnie, I have headers that drop to the same level as the lower frame. I'm gonna drop the car and move my mounts. I think my lower legs might get a little close. Not too keen on using my passenger peg mount.
Thanks everyone for the advise and tips.
With the hack installed you shouldn't be thinking about anyone using the buddy pegs on that Sporty.
Lonnie
Well, I'm on the road. Took my two spare struts and my right side passenger peg mount to the local Indy/fabricator. He bored my passenger peg mount to accept a trimmed down eye-bolt. I placed a lock-nut on the eye bolt and fixed the lower rear strut to this. He then cut my two spare struts and welded them together at a 135 degree angle. The weld is extremely strong and has a reinforcing plate on the inside of the angle. Cost me 40 Euro for all the welding and machining. I also added a 45 lbs. Olympic plate to the sidecar frame so that I have permanent ballast. I'm satisfied with the set-up and am looking forward to some good touring with my boy. Thanks to all who offered advice and examples.
...still learning
You might consider repositioning the rear lower strut and clamp as shown here if it has a tendency to slip or rotate.
Lonnie
Lonnie, thanks for the advice. I'm hoping it doesn't slip. If it does, I'll have to remount the whole car. I have that strut backed-in all the way it can go. I guess I could cut the thread by and inch or so, but I'm not too keen on that idea.
...still learning
