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Valkyrie & Friendship 1 install

Is there anyone that has installed a hack on a Valkyrie Interstate, I would be interested in any ideas,encounters or suggestions. Thanks Terry

Mine isn't an Interstate, but I posted temporary pictures of the mounts at http://www.sidecar.com/Valkyrie-Dnepr.htm I'll leave them there for you untill we need the room. If you need a closeup or something, just let me know.

Hey Mike;

I hope you'll excuse me, but I looked at your photos real closely. In fact, overall, I think its doggoned elegant, but I do have a couple of questions....yeah, they're probably stupid questions, but even a mule can seldom do more than his best, right? So you may hereafter expect stupid questions from me....

1) On your first photo (the one that first suggested that 'elegant' moniker to me), you have replaced another type mount with a pinch mount. I understand that readily enough. But what throws me is the backward running 12 inch or so long piece of pipe that runs alongside your exhaust pipes, and yet is angled back toward the sidecar frame. Is this something integral to the frame as an attachment point or support for the body of the sidecar?

2) And I see also on that photo a smaller black pipe/tube running up alongside your front tire/wheel. Is that a measuring device in order to adjust toe-in? or does it have something to do with the mounting as well? That one really puzzles me.

3) The lower back connection (by the way, a wonderful sub-assembly for the lower back mount; how on earth did you get that curve around the muffler so neat?) of the upper back mount seems farther forward than necessary. Could it have been welded a few inches closer to the rear of the frame in order to give a stronger attachment, or does the body of the sidecar dictate that it remain where it is? Or even, if it were moved back some, would it contribute to greater strength? or am I just nit-picking?

4) Would you give me once again the dates of the Valkyrie (is it?) rally in Paducah this coming summer? I plan to attend and to meet you there.

Thank you Sir!

Sahagan

Originally written by Sahagan on 11/26/2003 10:57 AM

Q: Hey Mike;I hope you'll excuse me, but I looked at your photos real closely. In fact, overall, I think its doggoned elegant, but I do have a couple of questions....yeah, they're probably stupid questions, but even a mule can seldom do more than his best, right? So you may hereafter expect stupid questions from me....I keep telling people, the only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask untill something or somebody breaks. Ask away!1) On your first photo (the one that first suggested that 'elegant' moniker to me), you have replaced another type mount with a pinch mount. I understand that readily enough. But what throws me is the backward running 12 inch or so long piece of pipe that runs alongside your exhaust pipes, and yet is angled back toward the sidecar frame. Is this something integral to the frame as an attachment point or support for the body of the sidecar?All the subframe and sidecar mounts came from Dauntless Motors. I could not have done anything this nice, even if I knew how to weld. The 12 inch piece is better seen at his website, http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mountinghdw_files/images/dmc-dlx1deluxeuniversalmountset.jpg My mounts don't use these chrome pieces, but they do implement the black ones. I just haven't cut off the excess yet. (My wife really wants a Hannigan 2+2.)2) And I see also on that photo a smaller black pipe/tube running up alongside your front tire/wheel. Is that a measuring device in order to adjust toe-in? or does it have something to do with the mounting as well? That one really puzzles me.Yup, I checked the toe-in with a pair of 8 foot tubes. One there and one at the sidecar.3) The lower back connection (by the way, a wonderful sub-assembly for the lower back mount; how on earth did you get that curve around the muffler so neat?) of the upper back mount seems farther forward than necessary. Could it have been welded a few inches closer to the rear of the frame in order to give a stronger attachment, or does the body of the sidecar dictate that it remain where it is? Or even, if it were moved back some, would it contribute to greater strength? or am I just nit-picking? Actually, the frame ends right there. I'm not sure if it would benefit anything by moving backwards.4) Would you give me once again the dates of the Valkyrie (is it?) rally in Paducah this coming summer? I plan to attend and to meet you there. July 21-25, 2004 My budget may not permit me to attend both Inzane 4 and the USCA Rally in Bean Blossum, but I definitely plan to be at Bean Blossom June 24-27 and at the SKUNK Rally in Cameron, Wisconsin June 4-6.Thank you Sir!Sahagan

Hey Mike;

Thanks much for the reply. And I plan to be in Bean Blossum, so will catch you there for sure (God willing and the creek don't rise). I'd love to get you in Paducah and show you some of the sights around here....and I can guarantee you plenty of good food, and some pretty nice roads.

I simply have to say, after looking at that photo, that Dauntless does a beautiful job on their hardware....that must cost some big bucks! It goes without saying that the photo you posted earlier of your rig is a beautiful set-up to start with. The addition of such elegant hardware is just cream on top looks to me like.

Thanks again and we'll catch you later!

Sahagan

First all, thanks to sidecar Mike for the install pics, these are the best pics of a sidecar mount I've seen so far, and the only pics for a Valk install I've ever come across. Looks like a simple bolt up install for Valk standards, but like Valkthis, I too have an Interstate and from looking at the front mount by the radiator, it appears the Interstate radiator pods would get in the way without either removing them or doing some home surgery. Nothing that can't be overcome, but something to be aware of. When it comes time for mine I may remove the original and look for a spare to cut up from salvage if one can be found cheap. I have yet to see a Valk Interstate with a sidecar rig so this may be the first. If I'm wrong, please post a pic and make a liar out of me! BTW, this is my first post and this is a great BBS!

You guys aren't trying hard enough. :0) Go to http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/photos/show-album.asp?albumid=18&currentpos=2 and you'll see our own Smokeysnapz' aka Vince Silvera's Interstate and Escort rig.