Specs:
Bike make/model
BMW R1200C, ABS Brakes, R Series
Make/Model and Details of Sidecar Tub
Thompson Cyclecar from the early 70s, Built in California.
Fibreglass, aluminum (aluminium) wrapped, Steel Sheet wrapped etc
It’s wedge shaped fibreglass, very low in the front and looks like it will have great clearance for a leaner.
Thank you Mark from Florida Sidecar Products for identifying the tub.
Sidecar Tub Design – Tandem/Single
Single Passenger
Sidecar Frame Type and Measurements – (Square/Round Tubing, Aluminium/Steel)
It is a Round Tube Frame that has been sand blasted , all unnecessary holes welded up and ground smooth. Then a coat of sealer.
With the wheel installed the frame sits much higher then I want (12 inches plus), so some modifying is needed to get it down to the 6 inches I’m looking for.
My next step will be to mock up the motorcycle and sidecar and start getting measurements.
Yesterday I installed tie down points to secure my motorcycle at 50 degrees to get lean in measurements and clearance for lean in.
Rear mount ground clearance measurement
Front Mount Ground Clearance measurement
Motorcycle Sub-chassis details (Square/Round Steel Tubing, Aluminum etc) and attachment to motorcycle (High Tensile steel, lock nuts etc)
Has no lower frame I will have to mount to the engine and transmission. I have been studying the bottom of the cycle and any ideas and suggestions that can be offered would be appreciated. I have noted from the videos on your site that R series BMWs seem to be one of the more popular choice. I haven’t found any clear pictures of the mounting though.
Total Width of Combination lean in
Total Width of Combination lean out
Distance between sidecar and bike
Sidecar Tire (tyre) Speed, Weight Rating
3.00×19, 130mph rated tire.
Sidecar Rim details, diameter, rim width etc
The wheel is a 19×2.75
Suspension Type (Shock Absorber/Swing arm/Torsion) on sidecar wheel
Shock Absorber
Pivot Attachment to Motorcycle, (Rose Bush, Heim Joint, Rod End etc)
Sidecar brake details if fitted, drum/disc, plumbed to motorcycle rear or front brake cylinder
Brake Not Fitted
Modifications/Adjustments During the Build
Photos of the End Product
What is it like to own a Leaner:
Here is where you can tell others about owning a Leaner Sidecar
What is it like to ride a leaner in comparison to a rigid sidecar combo?
What is it like to ride a leaner in comparison to a solo bike?
Does the sidecar try to overtake your bike when slowing down with a passenger?
Does it fall behind you if you accelerate fast?
Do you need to adjust the tow-in when changing from passenger to empty?
Do you remove the leaner and ride as a solo?
Have you removed an indicator from the rear of the motorcycle to avoid confusion for other road users?
Share Your Project
Submit Your Leaner Sidecar Project: Write a comment below indicating you would like to share your story and photos of your build. Other motorcyclists would love to see your project. 🙂
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Thank you for visiting Haul N Ride. Dave
Hi Dave,
Mystery solved. Mark Withun from Florida Sidecar Products E-Mailed
today with the information I have been searching for.
What I have is a Thompson Cyclecar from the early 70s
Built in California.
The project continues,
Larry
Woo Hoo, thank you Larry for sharing that great news 🙂 We look forward to following you on your Leaner build. Dave