leading link front end

[rudyr]

well I'm in the process of ordering a L/L front end from England for my 2012 Bonnevile Triumph.  going to put a modified Cozy sidecar on her.  It's just the right size for my dog (Rose).  I think with a 17 tooth pri. sprooket I will a enough power.rudyr

[Guzzistajohn]

So.......will the dog be with you @ the Okie campout?   

John in Springfield Mo.

[kingoffleece]

I hacked a 09 Bonnie.  Stock gearing is fine-there was no need to change.
DMC in the Pac NorthWest has everything you'll need.

[Yukonica]

Question1: is the leading link a necessity or a convenience on a smaller bike conversion? (V7; modern era)
Question2: does stock gearing on a V7 provide enough 'umph' to be useable as a daily commuter?
Question3: has anyone on this forum turned a modern V7 into a tug?

[rudyr]

a person doesn't need a modified front end but for a enjoyable ride for me is with out the pull to the right.  I know just lean the bike away form the pull, I just like riding strate up.  I've got a Harley with a sidecar and I had a Triumph America, bouth with  rake trees.  the Triumph  was 800 cc it did really well with for me with a 16 thooth pri. sprooket.  I just wanted to try a L/L front end.  always heard the L/L was the best for sidecars I will see.rudyr

[wrbix]

The pull to right on accelerate and left on deceleration can largely be adjusted out with proper setup. The real advantage of leading link is steering effort reduction throu gh change of the effective trail - http://www.sidestrider.com/leadingfork.html

[Chuck in Indiana]

^^^^^^ this

[Arizona Wayne]

Question1: is the leading link a necessity or a convenience on a smaller bike conversion? (V7; modern era)
Question2: does stock gearing on a V7 provide enough 'umph' to be useable as a daily commuter?
Question3: has anyone on this forum turned a modern V7 into a tug?

750 Brevas are not recommended to mount sidecars on by  the factory.  I know someone in L.A. did it but don't know how it faired.  I would ask Moto Guzzi about this.   It depends on the drive train.  Frankly I don't think your V7 would have enough power to pull a hack around comfortably(65 mph).  I've had hacks on Ambo., Convert, CX100.

[jackson]

After you've driven a sidecar with a leading link front end mounted on your bike, you'll never want to drive another sidecar rig without one.  It makes a world of difference.  My wife and I owned seven sidecar rigs over a 30+ year period and three of them had leading link front ends.  Makes the steering so much better.

Re. putting a sidecar on a small block Guzzi or other smaller bike; With a quality sub-frame mounted to the bike, there's no reason why it wouldn't be just as good as a bike with a heavier frame (and no sub-frame).  Even EML made (and possibly still makes) sub-frames for mounting their rigs to bikes that don't come from the factory with a substantial, safe-to-mount, sidecar frame.

[Arizona Wayne]

After you've driven a sidecar with a leading link front end mounted on your bike, you'll never want to drive another sidecar rig without one.  It makes a world of difference.  My wife and I owned seven sidecar rigs over a 30+ year period and three of them had leading link front ends.  Makes the steering so much better.

Re. putting a sidecar on a small block Guzzi or other smaller bike; With a quality sub-frame mounted to the bike, there's no reason why it wouldn't be just as good as a bike with a heavier frame (and no sub-frame).  Even EML made (and possibly still makes) sub-frames for mounting their rigs to bikes that don't come from the factory with a substantial, safe-to-mount, sidecar frame.

EML sidecars installed cost more than most MCs unless they're a new BMW.  I don't think the frame of a V7 is the issue.  It may be the tranny, clutch, or drive shaft, not to mention 48 hp.   Our 757 Ambassador had 60 hp and it was just adequate on acceleration w/a small sidecar.  Riding a 750 Breva 2up & loaded is adequate on 48hp but w/a hack I don't see it as a good combination unless the hack is empty.

I rode a MZ Gespann factory hack(500cc) w/a small velorex car and it was surprisingly good @ 65 mph 2up w/LL front end, but it had a small gas tank. 

[Yukonica]

I think AW is just lining me up for the excuse I need to buy another machine. Thanks mate. 

[jackson]

The first EML kit that I assembled was on a 1978 BMW R100/7 and it only had 60 hp.  An entire new frame was part of the EML kit and it was very heavy when compared to the original Beemer frame.  That 60 hp flat twin pulled the rig easily at 70-75 mph on the CA freeways and we didn't want to take it any faster than that.  The sidecar does add weight but it didn't hurt the power band on the Beemer.  I've never driven a small block Guzzi with a good rig attached but I suspect that it won't be a whole lot different.  We used to go to a couple of sidecar rallies every year when we lived in CA and I've seen more than a handful of BMW R80's with rigs attached (they all had subframes if they weren't an EML) and that model only put out 50hp.  I had conversations with the riders of those bikes and they didn't complain about lack of power. 

[Arizona Wayne]

The first EML kit that I assembled was on a 1978 BMW R100/7 and it only had 60 hp.  An entire new frame was part of the EML kit and it was very heavy when compared to the original Beemer frame.  That 60 hp flat twin pulled the rig easily at 70-75 mph on the CA freeways and we didn't want to take it any faster than that.  The sidecar does add weight but it didn't hurt the power band on the Beemer.  I've never driven a small block Guzzi with a good rig attached but I suspect that it won't be a whole lot different.  We used to go to a couple of sidecar rallies every year when we lived in CA and I've seen more than a handful of BMW R80's with rigs attached (they all had subframes if they weren't an EML) and that model only put out 50hp.  I had conversations with the riders of those bikes and they didn't complain about lack of power.

I'll bet your 800-1000 cc BMW motors have a lot more torque than a 745cc V7.   That's what you need for a hack.  On the Ural hacks you can't cruise @ 65 mph for very long before the motor pukes and they are old design BMW motors.

[Chuck in Indiana]

You can't have too much power on a hack. There have been many times that I've been WFO in 3rd gear on the Jack-All rig with Dorcia and her stuff in the mountains. For extended periods. I can't imagine a V7 doing it. If all you want to do is go for ice cream on a lazy summer nigh.. ok.

[wrbix]

My R60/2 pulls a heavy Jupiter SC just fine with all of its 30 horses.  Can't chase down the bike in front of me but that's not what it's about.

[rudyr]

Wasp L/L front end they or the best of the one's that or around now day's.  I'm wanting to get adj. trail and short shocks.  At my door should be less than $2000. I know that sounds high but raked tree now days is $ 1000 plus and steer-rite is not in business any more
Rudyr