Specs:

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Bike make/model

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BMW R1200C, ABS Brakes, R Series

 

Make/Model and Details of Sidecar Tub?

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Thompson Cyclecar from the early 70s, Built in California.

Fibreglass, aluminum (aluminium) wrapped, Steel Sheet wrapped etc?

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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?

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Single Passenger

Sidecar Frame Type and Measurements – (Square/Round Tubing, Aluminium/Steel)?

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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?

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Front Mount Ground Clearance measurement?

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Motorcycle Sub-chassis details (Square/Round Steel Tubing, Aluminum etc) and attachment to motorcycle (High Tensile steel, lock nuts etc)?

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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?

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Total Width of Combination lean out?

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Distance between sidecar and bike?

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Sidecar Tire (tyre) Speed, Weight Rating?

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3.00×19, 130mph rated tire.

Sidecar Rim details, diameter, rim width etc?

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The wheel is a 19×2.75

Suspension Type (Shock Absorber/Swing arm/Torsion) on sidecar wheel?

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Shock Absorber

Pivot Attachment to Motorcycle, (Rose Bush, Heim Joint, Rod End etc)?

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Sidecar brake details if fitted, drum/disc, plumbed to motorcycle rear or front brake cylinder?

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Brake Not Fitted

Modifications/Adjustments During the Build?

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Larry’s Updated Photos

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Photos of the End Product

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Watch this space

What is it like to own a Leaner:

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Comment below if you would like to 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 one indicator from the rear of the motorcycle to avoid confusion for other road users?

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Share Your Project

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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. 🙂

Haul N Ride website was created to explore Innovation and Human Creativity with a focus on Interesting, Rare and Unusual Motorcycles and Accessories. Haul N Ride welcomes the sharing of projects and ideas, creating an enjoyable and educational online resource. We like to hear from readers so please leave a comment below and let us know if this post helped you or if you have any questions.

Thank you for visiting Haul N Ride. Dave