Author Topic: Show Those Sidecar Rigs (Read 43170 times)

Grant Borden · **on:** September 19, 2018, 03:56:07 am

My 2014 Royal Enfield with a Cozy sidecar.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #1 on:** September 19, 2018, 03:49:14 pm

VERY nicely done!

Grant Borden · **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2018, 07:24:20 pm

Thank you heloego. My passenger loves to ride in it. Now winter is on its way, I need to find a good way to attach the side curtains to the sidecar while the top is up to keep the pup happy when it's cold. I've tried Velcro with out any success.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #3 on:** September 23, 2018, 03:26:26 am

Try tucking the forward edge of the side curtains inside the windshield. There will still be a bit of billow at speed, but it does work.
My tub is currently out of service while I deal with the C5. Once that issue is rectified the Bonnie gets the tub, and away we go!

Grant Borden · **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2018, 02:47:45 am

Heloego, Thanks for the reply.

My cursing speed is almost always about 60 +/- a couple of mph (a few GHG tweaks were done to achieve those speeds) due to any wind or the terrane. That being said I find the tucking of the side curtains behind the windshield is not work for me, could be that I have not attached the top to the sidecar properly.

tooseevee · **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2018, 04:31:47 pm

Quote from: Grant Borden on September 27, 2018, 02:47:45 am

Heloego, Thanks for the reply.

My cursing speed is almost always about 60 +/- a couple of mph (a few GHG tweaks were done to achieve those speeds) due to any wind or the terrane. That being said I find the tucking of the side curtains behind the windshield is not work for me, could be that I have not attached the top to the sidecar properly.

Could you install a bunch of these to help your wind problem? :

https://www.ebay.com/i/111712464039?chn=ps

There are other types of these things that snap On and Off.

Grant Borden · **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2018, 07:39:53 pm

Those have been considered, where to place them so the side windows can be secured on unsecured from both inside and outside of the sidecar.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2018, 01:05:00 am

Did your car come with the studs to attach the tonneau cover? If so, the side cover can be attached at that point simply by adding a grommet to the cover. Easy enough.
If you want an alternate attach point inside the car, you can drill out the two pop rivets of the stud, place another stud inside the wall, and use pop rivets to secure them both. You should get slightly longer pop rivets, easily available at any hardware store.
Note: The studs are hard enough to turn and lock in place even with only one grommet installed. Useful to keep a small pair of needle-nosed pliers handy so you can pull it catch out and turn to lock.

Narada · **Reply #8 on:** October 02, 2018, 01:58:34 am

That Enfield rig is Gorgeous Grant, looks great with that Cozy. My C5's a Chrome Maroon too so I could be just a little biased! Lol!

Here's my 2012 Scrambler, Ardeneshwar. Just swapped stock 5-1/2" black plastic headlight for chrome Bonneville 7"and Bonneville headlight brackets, which brought the turn signals up beside headlight instead of below (used to look like a t-rex!

).

Ignition switch came up onto headlight bracket also.

Stock Scrambler ignition switch location on forks, interfered with steering dampener and had to be bent forward for clearance. paint cracked, rust ran down forks, and looked terrible.

Beautiful now.

Also lost old fly-screen, and put on new medium sized Triumph windshield. Still sporting Thruxton exhaust.

Upgraded brakes to EBC chelated pads and EBC rotors with stainless steel caliper pins. Stops quicker now, but rear locks up easier.

Just did DGR with rig! Tally Ho!

Grant Borden · **Reply #9 on:** October 03, 2018, 11:12:38 pm

Heloego,

It did come with studs and a tonneau cover, I did receive two studs with the top. My enclosure may be of a different design from yours, the top attaches via velcro to the outside of the sidecar windshield leaving side curtains unattached, they can possibly be tucked to the inside of the windshield but it looks as if wind would catch where the material transitions from the from the top to the side curtains. A photo will show a better description of what I perceive to be a problem, I will post one later.

Narada,

I like the looks of your rig especially with the 7" headlamp upgrade. I do remember reading about the changes to it here on this forum.

My C5 has quite a number of changes/upgrades to assist in tugging the car, PCV, AT200, Pete's Cams and Twin Fin manifold, free flowing exhaust system and the brakes were upgraded to EBC with stainless line. Engine changes let it cruise at 55-60 in 5th gear without any complaint as long as there are no strong headwind or steep grades.

Grant

Grant Borden · **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2018, 04:01:50 am

Photos where side curtains meet windshield,

Grant

heloego · **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2018, 12:38:03 pm

I installed one of the grommets that came with the car to the lower corner of the flap so it will fit nicely over the catch seen below the flap.
You may need a pair of pliers to pull the catch out enough to turn it, but it does hold the flap very securely once in position.
Then tuck the rest of the flap back inside the windshield.
I'l find the pics I've already taken, or take some more to illustrate, and post soon.

Grant Borden · **Reply #12 on:** October 09, 2018, 04:17:23 pm

Thank you.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #13 on:** October 09, 2018, 06:28:27 pm

Just checked Imgur from work. No pics that will help, so I'll take one when I get home and put it up here.

heloego · **Reply #14 on:** October 09, 2018, 11:02:53 pm

Like this. If necessary, some Velcro on the inside of the windshield can help.

Grant Borden · **Reply #15 on:** October 12, 2018, 02:39:11 am

heloego,

Thanks for the photos, I will do the same as you have done. My hardware is located 200 miles from my current location, I used the link from tooseevee (thank you, tooseevee) order turn button assortment from Ebay.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #16 on:** October 12, 2018, 02:04:41 pm

Glad to be of assistance.

heloego · **Reply #17 on:** January 08, 2019, 08:04:28 pm

O-TAY!
Finished up the front wiring and took her for a spin! Alignment feels good, but I need to practice a bit to get the feel of that steering damper again. Not to mention being a bit more careful in first gear.

A serious upgrade moving the tub to the Triumph! I was doing 60mph before I realized I was still in 3rd gear! LOL
Couple of minor cosmetic things to attend to, then off with the missus for a canyon run.

Narada · **Reply #18 on:** January 09, 2019, 07:26:10 pm

That's a beauty Heloego! I'm glad to see you've finally got a rig that will work well for you and the misses.

Brings to mind an old adage; quality is remembered long after price is forgotten! And now you've got "sweat equity" too. I know I always enjoy things more after having them apart and back together again.

Got any more pics, maybe from different angles?

Btw, I just saw a post of yours from June - '17 where I think you were just about to order your Cozy.

Narada · **Reply #19 on:** January 09, 2019, 07:29:27 pm

I just remembered that I got a new hack for christmas, a jewel from 1960!

Long as we're "showing those sidecar rigs"!

Grant Borden · **Reply #20 on:** January 09, 2019, 09:19:25 pm

Heloego,

Great looking rig, Triumph should be up to the task of tugging it up any mountain.

Grant

heloego · **Reply #21 on:** January 10, 2019, 12:27:52 pm

Thanks guys!
The ride yesterday definitely was fun. Nooo problems with getting up to speed and holding it there. Only drawback at this point is due to the cold that steering damper is stiff, so right-hand turns were a bit of a pain.

That thing is nothing more than a shock absorber, so I think I'll do some research for something a bit less stiff maybe?
It's back to work this week, but I'll post some more pics later.

Boxerman · **Reply #22 on:** January 10, 2019, 01:11:45 pm

Steering dampers used to be a big knob on the headstock which you adjusted as you thought fit

They're all technical nowadays though!

Frank

Narada · **Reply #23 on:** January 10, 2019, 09:09:04 pm

Here's what I got;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZhz-7llNqY

I like it!

heloego · **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2019, 02:51:28 pm

The bracket for the unit in the video requires two mounting holes in the frame. My 2018 does not have those holes. I checked at the TEC website and they're sold out of yours and don't show one for the 2018 yet.
Perhaps a similar one with an additional clamp could solve that problem. The search continues...

Narada · **Reply #25 on:** January 13, 2019, 12:58:11 am

Wow, My sidecar hooks into the two holes on the right side of the frame, same place that a popular ign sw. relocation bracket goes to, or other steering dampeners. I got the TEC lefty bracket for sidecar accommodation. Del Boy got a lefty since he has the ign sw on the right. I had first ordered a Norman Hyde dampener but it attached at the right side location and sidecar mount obstructed it. Much more expensive too.

Triumph must've changed that when they went to the water cooled, hi-techie bike in '16... I'll have to take a look at one next time I'm at the dealer. There must be someone by now making a good one for the newer Triumphs?

One more thing in case it comes up, is that the front bolt on mine has a tendency to rub the main wiring harness when you turn the bars all the way. I had to make a little shield from a plastic pop bottle and tape over it. Can't tell it's there now!

heloego · **Reply #26 on:** January 13, 2019, 01:12:10 pm

Since I don't have the two holes required for the TEC mount I measured the down tube and get 33.22mm diameter.
33mm clamps are available for relatively cheap, and so are the dampers. Most I've found don't show or include any additional parts (like an extra clamp or hardware), so it looks like I'll have to cobble a kit together using parts from EBay and my local hardware store.
This project may be delayed a while, since I am tapped for the local Jury Pool and will have to call in daily to find out if I'm required to do my civic duty.

I've dodged the bullet for the last two occasions, so I expect I'll have to take one for the team this time.

The Old Coot · **Reply #27 on:** March 08, 2019, 09:48:46 pm

I cheated and bought a 2017 Ural Patrol. Felt that I could abuse it a bit more than a 500 single C-5. Plus with the Ural and a 2008 Bullet plus if I get the 650 Interceptor I'd like to buy I have it all covered.

Narada · **Reply #28 on:** March 09, 2019, 05:32:11 pm

Nice Ural Coot, that color is awesome!

I took my 3 wheel license class driving a blue one.

Barnone · **Reply #29 on:** March 10, 2019, 01:09:32 am

My rig at Fort Myers,FL bike night today. The little girl wanted to sit in the sidecar so I took a picture of her. I got to park in the Brit bike area.

Narada · **Reply #30 on:** March 10, 2019, 01:22:58 am

Looks good! Everyone wants to sit in a sidecar, and that's good training for later in life too. BTW... That Triumph parked next to you is made in Thailand so don't feel out of place.

Grant Borden · **Reply #31 on:** March 17, 2019, 02:29:55 am

The Old Coot,

Like your Ural rig.

I did consider one prior to finding a Cozy sidecar at a give-away price, super low price changed my mind about the Ural. In retrospect the Ural would have been a better choice as I would have more power to run highway speeds.

Grant

The Old Coot · **Reply #32 on:** March 17, 2019, 10:15:07 pm

Quote from: Grant Borden on March 17, 2019, 02:29:55 am

The Old Coot,

Like your Ural rig.

I did consider one prior to finding a Cozy sidecar at a give-away price, super low price changed my mind about the Ural. In retrospect the Ural would have been a better choice as I would have more power to run highway speeds.

Grant

Grant the Ural's not much faster than a RE. On the Highway it can run 70 but there's nothing left. Where it does work better is on the back roads, stiffer chassis, better brakes (not much but any is good) and having reverse and in the case of my Patrol or the Gear Up 2 wheel drive. Shaft drive is better than a chain I think What you have to deal with in a non syncroness tran than had 4 speeds plus reverse. BUT you pay for all that I paid about $5000.00 more than for a new C-5 and Cozy. Plus the Ural is NOT the prettiest thing out there.

Grant Borden · **Reply #33 on:** March 17, 2019, 10:47:23 pm

I have about $8100 total invested which includes Pete's Cams, 19 tooth sprocket, PCV, AT200, and having the sidecar color matched, bought it new with great dealer discounts.

As to speed mine cruises around 60-65 mph depending on wind and terrane, a strong head wind will slow it down some. Fuel economy is only 48-51 mpg, not bad for considering the sidecar decreased it from 70-77 mpg.

Grant

Barnone · **Reply #34 on:** March 20, 2019, 01:14:23 am

Getting my 2012 C5 with Cozy almost back to original condition. She is running just fine.
Added a milk crate and saddlebags with rain jacket and pants to the rack on the Cozy.

Barnone · **Reply #35 on:** March 31, 2019, 01:44:36 pm

Could not find an original Bar None MCC medallion so I had some stickers made up.
http://www.rafcommands.com/forum/showthread.php?22926-The-Bar-None-Motorcycle-Club-Nth-Africa-1944

On my RE rig

Barnone · **Reply #36 on:** April 20, 2019, 08:04:59 pm

Went to the local RE dealer's open house today but didn't get a bike wash but did get some photos.

Narada · **Reply #37 on:** April 23, 2019, 12:51:49 am

Looks like a talented crew pampering your rig.

I'm surprised they didn't switch places so each could have a turn trying out that sheepskin!

Craig McClure · **Reply #38 on:** June 05, 2019, 03:24:46 am

Hi All. I'm selling my beloved 2010 RE G5 DELUXE, & switching to something a old geezer can hold up better - my 02 URAL TOURIST, a project I've been improving for about 4 years. Soon as I get my carbs right I'm ready, Should have some $$ to throw at it once my Enfield sells (AD IS IN EFI SECTION). hint

Here are the URAL PIX

Barnone · **Reply #39 on:** June 29, 2019, 02:20:02 pm

My rig running the Dragon with my Ride For Kids flag flying.

Barnone · **Reply #40 on:** July 06, 2019, 02:22:18 pm

Me flying the flag on the 4th of July.

Barnone · **Reply #41 on:** July 11, 2019, 12:55:56 am

Another photo of me on the Dragon flying the flag on the 4th.

johno · **Reply #42 on:** January 06, 2021, 08:48:41 pm

This is mine, 1984 GL1200AE Aspencade with a 1963 Watsonian Palma (converted to a Monza) sidecar.
I have run this rig for about 8 years now and intend to rebuild a full cabin to make it a Palma once again.

Karl Childers · **Reply #43 on:** August 08, 2021, 09:57:33 am

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My last sidecar rig I built, 2001 Harley Dyna made over to resemble a 50's Panhead, 100 HP motor, trail reduction for ease of steering. When done it tracked straight with no head shake, no steering damper and no hands on the bars. I constructed the chassis from parts from Claude Stanley as well as used one of his beautiful aluminum 50's replica tubs. Foolishly sold it a few years back and am in between rigs at the moment but this thread is tempting me back into the fold.

Karl Childers · **Reply #44 on:** August 08, 2021, 10:04:47 am

Everything done and up and running except for the finish coat on the tub.

Karl Childers · **Reply #45 on:** August 08, 2021, 10:14:26 am

gremlin · **Reply #46 on:** August 11, 2021, 09:37:09 pm

tossed this together over the weekend.

Karl Childers · **Reply #47 on:** August 12, 2021, 06:19:32 am

Based on the warm reception of my last photos and the flurry of activity in this sub forum I thought I'd post the one surviving picture of my old built in the Ukraine Dnepr. An iron curtain relic that made its way up from Mexico and ended up in my hands. Reversed engineered and cheapened from WWII German rolling stock it featured full time rear two wheel drive, a stout transmission and a dismal trouble prone motor. All attempts to improve upon the motor came up short. It was then that I learned that a BMW motor could be swapped in with some modification to the Dnepr transmission. The hot ticket was the R80 motor, just the right amount of power and torque so as not to destroy the drivetrain but still plenty of get up and go with BMW reliability. With knobby tires on the back it would go anywhere and was an absolute blast in the deep snow. It would go anywhere a Jeep could and had good highway manners to boot. Another one of my projects that eventually got sold to finance the next. I wish I could keep them all but Jay Leno I'm not.

Karl Childers · **Reply #48 on:** August 12, 2021, 02:15:25 pm

Quote from: gremlin on August 11, 2021, 09:37:09 pm

tossed this together over the weekend.

Nice looking outfit! I'm curious, does the sidecar company include setup and alignment procedure with the sidecar or do they leave it up to the buyer to source that information?

chuychacon · **Reply #49 on:** August 12, 2021, 03:12:37 pm

Great looking rigs
I'm guessing hack riders spend more time riding then online

Chuy

Morgan65 · **Reply #50 on:** October 21, 2021, 12:55:19 pm

My favorite reg in my stable is a 2008 BMW K1200S with a EML Speed 1000 sidecar.

Narada · **Reply #51 on:** October 26, 2021, 03:42:45 pm

Might you have a picture of your favorite rig, Morgan60?

Inquiring minds want to know!

I've been commuting on mine, about 60 miles a day lately. Sore leg muscle makes the 1 mile walk from work parking lot difficult. With my rig I can park right at my back door!

Morgan65 · **Reply #52 on:** December 14, 2021, 07:21:33 am

This is my rig.
https://www.hpsidecars.com/ForSale/20110906/5.jpg
I tried to post a pic of it with my sidecar monkey Mitsy my German Shepherd but my old way of posting pics no longer works for this site, DRATS!

Karl Childers · **Reply #53 on:** December 14, 2021, 10:49:39 am

Quote from: Morgan60 on December 14, 2021, 07:21:33 am

This is my rig.
https://www.hpsidecars.com/ForSale/20110906/5.jpg
I tried to post a pic of it with my sidecar monkey Mitsy my German Shepherd but my old way of posting pics no longer works for this site, DRATS!

That looks to be one well sorted rig and real eye candy too! Who makes that front fork?

Morgan65 · **Reply #54 on:** December 15, 2021, 07:35:40 am

Quote from: Karl Childers on December 14, 2021, 10:49:39 am

That looks to be one well sorted rig and real eye candy too! Who makes that front fork?

It is all EML. When you buy a EML sidecar you get the kit designed for the make model and year of your bike. It comes with everything, the subframe, suspension, steering dampener, wheels, and tires. In this case it’s a center hub steering design, again all EML. In most cases when you buy a sidecar you attach the sidecar to the bike. With EML you attach the bike to the sidecar.

Yes it’s well sorted and stupid fast. I bought it from a guy in Chicago that bought it from the importer and builder of this rig. I believe the guy I bought it from only owned it for a month. This is not a beginner sidecar, this is my forth sidecar and my second EML rig.

Barnone · **Reply #55 on:** December 25, 2021, 04:36:10 am

My 2021 Ural CT on the Dragon US 129

Narada · **Reply #56 on:** January 08, 2022, 11:26:00 pm

Now that's a set of tires!

Interesting choice of roads for a sidecar. Any arm fatigue from all those corners?

Barnone · **Reply #57 on:** January 09, 2022, 12:18:52 am

Been riding the Dragon since 1968 on two wheeled motorcycles and sidecar rigs since 2012 with no issues. Retired in 2000 and bought a cabin close to the Cherohala and the Dragon in 2003.

Barnone · **Reply #58 on:** January 09, 2022, 12:22:08 am

Some more.

Chris ~ Stockport · **Reply #59 on:** August 21, 2022, 05:05:08 pm

Here's a couple more, at the Astley Green mining museum: half way between Manchester and Liverpool.
Mine's the one on the right of the picture. A Royal Enfield Bullet 500 with a Watsonian Manx chair. (Year 2007).

bikepsych · **Reply #60 on:** November 30, 2023, 11:36:31 pm

VivianzRamsey · **Reply #61 on:** September 02, 2024, 05:08:38 pm

Quote from: Grant Borden on September 19, 2018, 03:56:07 am

My 2014 Royal Enfield with a Cozy sidecar.

Grant

VERY nicely done!