FT: Frame (Twin) Vintage sidecar for 47 Rapide

[craig]

I am wanting to mount a right hand, vintage, enclosed, hopefully British type, side car to a series B or C twin Vincent.
Looking for sources, advice to make this happen.
I need left hand kick mechanicals for twin, altho i do have Grosset electric available.
I am pursuing Overlander OZ.
How would a Comet kick lever handle right hand sidecar mount?
Is there a UK/USA side car newsletter, vendor, club, forum, etc.
Has anyone done this vintage righthand vintage sidecar?

I would like period type wire wheel, suspension with shock absorber, non smoothie fiberglass style body.
I am smitten with Busmar Astral series, but nautical style of period bodies as well.
Watsonian, Blacknell, Garrard, Noxal, Swallow, Busmar, etc.
Thank you
Craig

 

[david bowen]

Craig, there are replicas made in India, a guy in Australia bought one he said he replaced the wheel bearing, and has been using it for a few years quite happy ,

 

[davidd]

Barry at Overlander will sell you the KS. The trick with Comet is to get the sidecar mount on the foot rest plate back far enough to clear the lever. Don Jones did this with his Garrard bullet right handed side car on his Comet. I would consider contacting David Johnson directly with questions, also.

I would not worry too much about the wheel. I found it best to build a spare wheel from the bike and mount it with a brake. This way, all the wheels could be the same, or at least two of them (the rear and the side car). Three brakes for a rig is good. A lot of suspension in the side car wheel can make the rig's handling very tricky at speed. You just need some, not a lot.

David

 

[mercurycrest]

You'll be amazed at how you can lay down long black streaks of rubber at stop lights with one of those overweight turkeys hanging on your bike! Other than that, I wouldn't do it again..

 

[deejay499]

Barry at Overlander will sell you the KS. The trick with Comet is to get the sidecar mount on the foot rest plate back far enough to clear the lever. Don Jones did this with his Garrard bullet right handed side car on his Comet. I would consider contacting David Johnson directly with questions, also.

I would not worry too much about the wheel. I found it best to build a spare wheel from the bike and mount it with a brake. This way, all the wheels could be the same, or at least two of them (the rear and the side car). Three brakes for a rig is good. A lot of suspension in the side car wheel can make the rig's handling very tricky at speed. You just need some, not a lot.

David

Yes, I have been in contact Craig and hopefully given some helpful info. The only problem I have had with a Comet and right hand chair, is the front lower fitting fowling the exhaust pipe and the remedy is a double threaded block to lower it about 1”. Generally it seems to work with the Kickstarter as long as you aware of it when fitting the sidecar.

 

[craig]

I was able to secure an FT170 Vincent sidecar bracket. I think this transfers to left or right if needed.
I am still looking for help on purchasing or fabricating a right side sidecar chassis that will allow a period style sidecar body that looks correct.
Do you need a shorter upper Girdraulic link in addition to rotating the eccentric for increased spring preload/rate.

 

[craig]

I joined the USCA United Side Car Association. I believe this to be a modern fiberglass sidecar group, but I will see.
I am desiring a 1947 British, or even 1947 USA, sidecar.
UK models look very desirable.
Need a right side sidecar!

 

[deejay499]

Craig. You do not NEED a short top link but it helps to make the steering lighter. I have them on both outfits. Also worth considering a pair of touring type handlebars for more leverage and comfort. Glad you found the USCA - hope they can help. Dave.

 

[davidd]

As Dave said, the short top link was designed to make the trail nearer to zero. I don't think a short top link was ever available from Vincent, but several were made by owners and the lengths may vary. I used to average about 110 miles per day, seven days a week on my bikes, so comfort was important. Today's use is much lighter, so I can deal with compromises more easily. A stock top link should be fine. Of course, the less sporting the side car is the more work you have to do. I have a part number for the touring handle bars from a modern supplier in the US that is very close.

David

 

[Cyborg]

I see that VOC spares has them. Can anyone tell me what length they are? It states that they are 5/8 shorter than standard, but I don't know what standard is.
Or if someone could tell me roughly what size the shorter one are that are floating around out there.