Sidecar on the T120

[Steve]

I was going to suggest looking into a leading-link fork, but LAB3 beat me to it.

Just in case you need a little bit of reading on the subject and some hints to manufacturers who might (not) still offer them:
https://motocrossactionmag.com/leading-link-or-missing-link-the-awesome-fork-that-time-forgot/

.

 

[Steve]

I'll be running radials on all 3 corners and I'll be playing and working the geometry once it gets warmer again.

Oh, no. TRIPLE Darkside.

:encouragement:

.

 

[Wingsconsin]

At least we will be able to keep up with you now....zoooooommmm ....

 

[Hayabuser]

I specifically bought my 2013 T-120 new for sidecar use, I only ever rode it once as a normal motorcycle and that was just home from the dealer. The only thing I did to the front end was to install stiffer springs to help support the weight of the car. In the rear, I went with a pair of Thruxton OEM shocks as they were about an inch longer and slightly stiffer. Of course I added the required steering damper as without it the bike is crazy slap-happy just cruising along. Overall though, the bike had no issues hauling the chair around in mostly stock form. The 67hp was plenty and I could still out-drag most regular cars from the traffic light.

The sidecar was an Indian-made Cozy Bullet that I also bought new. The rig is designed for a Royal Enfield but they supplied a 'universal' kit that I was able to make work on the Triumph. The only custom work I needed to do was run the wiring from the bike for the lights on the car. The hardest part was aligning everything but the internet was there to help me. Anyway, I figured that if I could mount a set of floats on an airplane, I could attach a side-car to a motorcycle. I was right.




As everyone has said, it's a completely different driving experience. Forget everything you know about driving cars, trucks, skidsteers, forklifts, etc... none of them compare to the mirror-universe dynamics of a sidecar hack. With the car weighted, it's not so bad but riding with the chair empty can be terrifying for the novice. Especially right hand turns....

It's also quite the upper body workout. With the "toe in" and lean set, the unit will want to go straight. Period. Any attempt to turn is like working out on a Bowflex... resistance is the foundation.

At the end of the day though, it's so rewarding. Everyone smiles at you on a sidecar. People wave and point, pictures are taken. You'd better be comfortable being the center of attention because you will be. You'll start using it as a commuter, a small truck and a grocery-getter. The more I used mine, the more I used mine. It's addictive.

Typing this out, I'm really starting to miss mine....... dang.

Looking forward to watching this happen, Justin. Congrats!

 

[Hayabuser]

Oh, and you'll want to learn to do this to scare your daughter and impress the local police. Well, those were my reasons. :victorious:

 

[Jedz123]

Thanks Dave!
As soon as I saw you posted I remembered you use to have a Bonneville sidecar rig! My T120 is in the 80WHP mark and 80/fltbs. So I'm guessing my rig will roll very similarly to yours! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I have really read allot about setups and In order to weight my rig down I'm contemplating installing a secondary fuel cell and a full size car battery or 2 so that I have electricity for long distance trips and remote camping, that will help with the weight some. IN honest I will likely have my dog in the tub most of the time but with her only being 60lbs I'm sure it's not much of a weight difference . I'll definitely have to think about the weight. I'm in for the challenge of the build... I'm stoked for it to land here in Vermont. Hey Dave, would you mind posting some more pictures and if you have any that pertain to the mounts? Any pics in HD will be helpful and I would be eternally grateful. The Air and water-cooled bikes are not that dissimilar in dimensions, drive, brakes and weight. I have juiced up my stock suspension and am currently on stiffer and taller settings; as I'm running Progressive Sportster suspension in the rear and beefed up front end... I'll see how well sprung the bike is once in tug.

As for the Tub location, it was just picked up from the seller today and the driver told me he was planning to arrive some point tomorrow! Too bad we are looking at allot of snow coming in, I'll wheel it into my shop for a once over and ensure the wheel bearing is in good shape than mount and balance the new tire.

Looking forward to riding it... Plan to practice... ALLOT before bringing my dog with me, I'm excited and a touch terrified about it!

My very best,

-Jedz

 

[Hayabuser]

I wish that I still had the bike so I could take a bunch of pictures for you but unfortunately I sold it in December 2018.

Not sure that this will help but it's a link to a gallery of a number of different pictures of it: https://www.flickr.com/photos/23497728@N04/albums/72157643978293073

 

[Jedz123]

Thanks Dave!
I appreciate the pictures. Just makes me want to ride, moved 6" of snow this morning to make room for the delivery truck. The side car will be landing at some point today!
Pumped!

 

[Jedz123]

Dave last Question... What was your average MPG?

 

[Hayabuser]

Dave last Question... What was your average MPG?

Couldn't tell you. I don't worry about stuff like that.

 

[Jedz123]

Couldn't tell you. I don't worry about stuff like that.

No worries! I was only curious as what range I could expect.

It landed my dudes!

 

[Steve]

But it's on the wrong side of the bike. :-\\\

.

 

[Jedz123]

But it's on the wrong side of the bike. :-\\\

.

I won't be installing in my shop since I only have a 36" wide door that goes in or out of the shop. However I will be doing the overhaul in the shop and assembling out in my shed that has a car door on it.

 

[LAB3]

But it's on the wrong side of the bike. :-\\\

.

It's version built for the Australian market, a guy really should read the fine print when he finds a good deal on line!

 

[Grimly]

Makes me want to go out and find an old drop-tank.

 

[Jedz123]

And the dog loves it... That's all that matters.

All the Hardware came with it seems to be intact. The sidecar is designed to be bolted to the right side of the bike... As you cant tells by the frame of the tub. Once I go through the tub I'll bring it out to my outdoor shed and start crafting it to the Bonneville. I'll do as much work as I can in my shop as it's definitely mid winter out there. I still have to get the Bonneville to double dark side standards.

Very happy with this tub! It's going to be perfect for us.

Oh to add to extra class I will be installing a Vetter Windjammer SS to the T120... That should throw allot of people for a loop! What years is that thing???

Cheers!

 

[BigD_83]

She is a curious beastie for sure. Look how she investigates every inch of that hack.

 

[Guest]

Start getting her used to the doggles now.

 

[gustovh]

I did not like the idea of relearning how to ride with a sidecar so I made this, tis not perfect but did make a 1600 mile trip with passenger. a few adjustments were required afterwards.

V

 

[Jedz123]

So The side car is in much better shape now.

• New tire mounted and balanced.
• New Valve stem installed
• Paint job applied
• Bearings checked, cleaned and repacked
• Suspension checked (good)
• Pup approved

Next steps are adding auxiliary batteries for additional weight and remote electricity for those off the grid camping trips.
I'll also have to craft a divider as I won't be keeping the seat in the tub, I'll also build a bed for Zola. I reached out to Watsonian about getting a roof made or sourced... still nothing back.
I will also be upgrading the directional lights and adding auxiliary fog lamps.

After the tub is set I'll start working on the Tug. Mainly I have to figure the mounting in the shop, mock mount the rig then disconnect and reassemble in my shed out back... We just got smoked by a snow storm so that could be in a few weeks for final assemble however I can work on the bike in the shop...

Been a fun project, honestly I can't wait for Spring...