Rev:
03/12/2010: Add 4.
Miscl. Sidecar Tech
MisclSidecarTech.htm-7
© Copyright, 2011, R. Fleischer
1. On a solo motorcycle, that is, one without a sidecar, the better handling is had with the lowest unsprung weight. That means that the moving part of the front suspension....wheel, tire, brake, etc......needs to be light to enable the best handling on smaller or sudden road irregularities. This is also true for sidecar rigs. But, sidecar rigs have other considerations. Sidecarists want the lightest possible steering forces, yet do not want any oscillations or other serious instabilities in the front end. Many sidecarists have to use a steering dampener, even after tightening up the steering head bearings adjustment, and paying attention to wheel bearings, and so on. What is NOT commonly known, is that a larger diameter front wheel/tire will DAMPEN oscillations. The SAME dampening will happen with a heavier assembly. A squared-off tread, that is, a tread design that puts more square inches of rubber in contact with the road, will also add lots of stability, without a noticeable detraction from steering forces, particularly since dampening by such as friction or a hydraulic dampener can then usually be reduced, lowering steering effort, and improving the natural ability of the front end to re-center.
Compared to the use of motorcycle type tires with round or sort of round profiles; use of a square tread front tire, such as an automotive tire, or a sidecar type tire such as a Metzeler Block K, or an Avon Triple-Duty, may give some good benefits in oscillatory stability. A car tire will typically give VERY much more miles than any motorcycle tire. However...a square tread tire or car tire may also make the front end more susceptible to following road grooves, and, in fact, most any road irregularity. A tradeoff.
2. For the sidecarist, having a second front disc brake assembly, perhaps with a larger heavier multi-piston caliper, will often reap benefits in stability, not to mention braking. For the sidecarist, these advantages can come with lower effects on unsprung weight handling than a solo bike.
As with much about sidecars, things are often a compromise.
3. My Airhead-Ural rig (sold some time ago), and my present K1100LT-EML rig,
have many modifications. If you are interested in any of them, ask me.
4. Here is a photo of one method of making your sidecar
into a powerhouse street vehicle for snowy icy Winters; or for
off-road use. This is applicable to 2-wheeling or sidecar
use.
Rev:
03/12/2010: Add 4.
© Copyright, 2011, R. Fleischer