Blacksmith in Georgia

[Guest]

Howdy,

Thanks for all the info shared here, been looking around a bit... New to me 1980 SG1100 with a Vetter sidecar. Parked since 05 inside, so most of it is in good shape. I have cleaned and rebuilt the carbs. Had to go with pods as the airbox was missing so I'm trying to sort out the jetting. Went with a 115 main that pulls real good but its still lean. I suspect I will need to raise the needle and go with a bigger pilot than the 45 that's in there. Got a bit of a whine in 5th that needs to be addressed too.

I did readjust the sidecar for better handling, kinda fun with a kick after 7500 rpm... Been messing with motorized stuff for a few decades, old Harleys, power hammers, machine tools and old cars. This just looked fun and I really want to take my dog for rides!

Thanks again for you all laying down some knowledge,
Michael

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[Rich82GS750TZ]

Welcome. Thanks for sharing. That looks fantastic!

[Guest]

Thanks man, rode to lunch with my wife to test the low range Didn't pull passed 5 grand so I was safe...

[Suzukian]

Nice hack set up. Those Vetter side cars are as rare as Hen's teeth. I had a hack for around 6 years, it was a Velorex. I machined my own brackets and became pretty good at setting them up. If you have any questions about that, I may be able to help you out. I used to drive mine in 6 inches of snow, with these Yellow rubber straps I ordered from Germany that used double "D" rings to secure to the rear wheel. I had loads of traction and didn't have to worry about falling over. I never got stuck in that rig either. You may find that raising the needles will give you enough as those bikes were cold blooded due to emissions, and you could be one clip adjustment from gobs of midrange torque. Your bike looks very period correct. A very nice looking rig.

[Rob S.]

That's a GS1100E ('80 or '81). World's fastest production motorcycle in both those years (according to Cycle World). What kind of fairing is that, exactly?

All in all, a VERY rare setup. I doubt you'll ever run into another just like it.

[Guest]

Nice hack set up. Those Vetter side cars are as rare as Hen's teeth. I had a hack for around 6 years, it was a Velorex. I machined my own brackets and became pretty good at setting them up. If you have any questions about that, I may be able to help you out. I used to drive mine in 6 inches of snow, with these Yellow rubber straps I ordered from Germany that used double "D" rings to secure to the rear wheel. I had loads of traction and didn't have to worry about falling over. I never got stuck in that rig either. You may find that raising the needles will give you enough as those bikes were cold blooded due to emissions, and you could be one clip adjustment from gobs of midrange torque. Your bike looks very period correct. A very nice looking rig.

Thanks! Im gonna get a skeleton for the hack, tis the season I set it up with 1/2 toe in and a slight lean out, seams ok but pulling slightly towards the car. Might want a steering dampener too, not sure yet. My carb needles dont have the notches, but I think the washer can be moved to the opposite side of the clip?

[Guest]

That's a GS1100E ('80 or '81). World's fastest production motorcycle in both those years (according to Cycle World). What kind of fairing is that, exactly?

All in all, a VERY rare setup. I doubt you'll ever run into another just like it.

1980, I was a bit surprised when I got in the power band! Kinda want to turn her loose. I used to get a lot of lookers when I had my tank shift Knucklehead, but I think this one is going to draw a few more eyeballs

[Suzukian]

If it is steering towards the car, nose the sidecar in towards the bike. With the engine off, in neutral, you should be able to push the bike and it should go straight. Also, when you sit on the bike, it will lean the the whole unit outwards (towards the left). It's customary to lean the bike a couple of degrees towards the side car to compensate for this. You can mark the straight up position if you plan a trip with the spouse, and wish to set the bike level. In Connecticut, we have quite a crown on the roads, so the water and melting snow/ice can run off. That is another consideration on which way you should lean the bike, large crown, lean it towards the Hack a bit more, not so much that it's uncomfortable though.

[steve murdoch]

Michael, you've buried the lead in this story.
What's the name of your dog?

[argonsagas]

What a beautiful machine!

Toronto police used to use sidecars for a few months every year, taking them off when summer weather began.
They might still do so, but I have not seen them for some time..

Congratulations on a delightful find!

BTW...stored since 2005? New tires are needed.

[Guest]

If it is steering towards the car, nose the sidecar in towards the bike. With the engine off, in neutral, you should be able to push the bike and it should go straight. Also, when you sit on the bike, it will lean the the whole unit outwards (towards the left). It's customary to lean the bike a couple of degrees towards the side car to compensate for this. You can mark the straight up position if you plan a trip with the spouse, and wish to set the bike level. In Connecticut, we have quite a crown on the roads, so the water and melting snow/ice can run off. That is another consideration on which way you should lean the bike, large crown, lean it towards the Hack a bit more, not so much that it's uncomfortable though.

Thank you, I will give it a go!

[Guest]

Michael, you've buried the lead in this story.
What's the name of your dog?

Ha! I know, the dog pictured is my friends dog Layla. My rescue "Bam Bam" is in training to get him used to the cart, he loves animal crackers

[Guest]

What a beautiful machine!

Toronto police used to use sidecars for a few months every year, taking them off when summer weather began.
They might still do so, but I have not seen them for some time..

Congratulations on a delightful find!

BTW...stored since 2005? New tires are needed.

Thanks, it is a bit of fun! I do need to consider the rubber...

[rphillips]

OOhhh, I misunderstood the picture. I thought you said it was you and your wife... Sorry

[gustovh]

Couldn’t find a hack around here for less than my left arm, so I made one. Love your set up. Here is mine.


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