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?

Larry’s Updated Photos

Photos of the End Product

Watch this space

What is it like to own a Leaner:

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?

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. 🙂

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