I’m gonna focus on getting it done and keep the 75b original.Have a couple other m/c options to use the Hitch Hiker on if it’s not correct and safe.
-
Enjoy XS650.com? Consider making a donation to help support the site.
XS650.com receives a small share of sales from some links on this page, but direct donations have a much greater impact on keeping this site going.
Sidecar winter project
- Thread starter magoo66
- Start date
All I can say about wire spoke rims compared to the cast seven spokes is while running the wire spokes on may "ride to work" outfit I noticed a funny feeling one day kind of like a soft tire. Well when I checked at home found something like half a dozen broken spokes.
After that I swapped in a seven spoke cast rim. A few years later I got tee-boned pulling in the driveway after work one night. That busted the swing arm off the sidecar and bent the 1.5 inch tubing for the lower rear mount for the sidecar. However that same cast spoke rear rim was still working just fine about fifteen years latter when I retired and took the outfit off the road.
However I did keep the18 inch aluminum wire spoke rim and I used for winter riding so I could fit a knobby for snow traction. But rebuilt it with a set of new spokes and kept a close eye on it for broken spokes!
After that I swapped in a seven spoke cast rim. A few years later I got tee-boned pulling in the driveway after work one night. That busted the swing arm off the sidecar and bent the 1.5 inch tubing for the lower rear mount for the sidecar. However that same cast spoke rear rim was still working just fine about fifteen years latter when I retired and took the outfit off the road.
However I did keep the18 inch aluminum wire spoke rim and I used for winter riding so I could fit a knobby for snow traction. But rebuilt it with a set of new spokes and kept a close eye on it for broken spokes!
Sidecar project back in progress.Body work reconstruction done until final prep and paint.Did some paint match spray outs for the 75b contrasts and color.Will be doing some test mounting and short test rides before final paint.Slow process but quite enjoyable and have learned a lot.Appreciate the help and comments of everyone’s past experiences.Just an update .Ride Safe.
Attachments
-
545D0CE0-9664-4FAE-A58D-63D5C0765A25.jpeg -
CE29D70E-74B1-4FCC-A032-0748092C5661.jpeg -
5847F2A6-8C54-4E0B-BDFF-4580BF141BA9.jpeg -
79D438D2-72E8-4318-84A8-9EFBFFA43112.jpeg -
49823034-C483-4927-96FB-5936AF84F33D.jpeg -
5D12C132-939B-4702-A5B3-728D55BF69C8.jpeg -
628FF45E-577E-46CB-8CAA-43F488B084DF.jpeg -
FEC27F2C-F2D4-4B12-A0B2-A92486E480F9.jpeg -
F2F04C48-328B-4771-8032-FAD49BCD211D.jpeg
Coming along.
I love your deliberate approach.
It's looking good.
I love your deliberate approach.
It's looking good.
One alternative would be to find a set of 81SH cast wheels and put them on the 75B. The 81SH wheels have a drum rear mag so the wheels and spacers would swap straight onto the 75. It would be just like changing to a new tyre swapping the Spoke wheels back into the 75 if you wanted to use it without the sidecar.
I have the wheels you need magoo! Both will need tires..... Might even have a ride for them to get em dropped off at your place.
Last edited:
Appreciate the mags offer.Used to keep a set or two around myself back in the day.Just never tickled my tickler other than for the parts selling gig.Keeping this 75b original.Thanks again for the offer and you know your still always welcome for a visit.
Understand the appreciation of the wire rims, just make it a habit to keep an eye on them if running the sidecar!
Every so often I think I need to finish work on the 1978 XS650, actually biggest thing is getting the title transferred(will need to forge a bill of sale as guy I bought it off died) and mount the Velorex that is out in the barn to it! One of those "Someday Projects"!
Every so often I think I need to finish work on the 1978 XS650, actually biggest thing is getting the title transferred(will need to forge a bill of sale as guy I bought it off died) and mount the Velorex that is out in the barn to it! One of those "Someday Projects"!
After some reconditioning and new fabrication of mounting components according to Hitch-Hiker specifications and many helpful ideas to consider, test rides have been completed without and with body attached to frame having quite pleasing results.Next is the buckskin colored interior,windshield decision,lighting, and painting of subtle stripes to contrast 75b design.The encouragement to do a Sidecar project and all the helpful ideas to consider are still appreciated.
Attachments
-
1BD51BAD-9E2C-42A2-A3F3-B1806B7AFCE4.jpeg -
6E7933C9-62C0-4D62-AE81-4CBFE225BD54.jpeg -
52B8A1F7-B802-4012-9DD5-7BC8BBCA61F2.jpeg -
413F8ACC-67CD-4497-A4A0-B728CE6997BB.jpeg -
2BB3B7F6-8050-472C-BC05-F2C8B6B50229.jpeg -
2D8E9D85-EB34-4418-94B9-817B7D158061.jpeg -
25F3F17F-5CA9-46D8-96CD-71718FFD4AAE.jpeg -
E7A7C5D9-851C-43D0-BDD8-3C3E25D7E17D.jpeg
- Messages
- 24,218
- Reaction score
- 21,098
- Points
- 813
I had broken spoke issues on the rear wheel on my 1st rig just like kshansen. It was a BMW R75/5 and had alloy spoked wheels. Alloy rims flex much more than steel ones and a sidecar exerts much more side force on the wheels, especially the rear. Keep in mind that broken spokes are like dominoes. When one breaks, it puts even more stress on the remaining ones and a domino effect can be the result. I would get a mag or at least a steel rim for the rear. I never had any spoke issues with the front wheel. My 2nd rig had steel rims with stainless spokes and I never had any broken spoke issues with it.
Yes, I am aware.Thanks
Attachments
Began to paint the contrasting stripes.Its been many years since I painted for a living out of my shop.Now,a lot older, I do it for enjoyment only. I recalled quickly the many,many extra hours needed when working with fiberglass and a black final topcoat.A few minor imperfections,that won’t be seen from an airplane,I’ve chosen to stripe it as is and enjoy it with the grandkids and family.First (test) stripe done.Now onto the rest.This has proven to be a learning and enjoyable project.I have met so many more kind motorcycle folks.
Attachments
Windshield:YOU can make it.- -Lexon NOT plexiglass.There now is 4 colors available at Menards.$34.00. Seats:YOU can make them.- -.Jo-Ann fabrics.3” back,4” seat.Yep,that’s our sidecar story to date.Yep,they all know more about 1970-1979 std’s than me.72’s & 75’s are the ones I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to have had the most of.”74”Cinnamon Brown-“78”Spruce Metallic Green
Attachments
34t
that is SO COOL!
Actually was pretty enjoyable/rewarding to learn to do.Heat gun,straight edge.some testing heat tolerance factors and patience.No expert after only one but happy to help anyone attempting.
Enjoyed a short pre-season ride with the young man who inspired and has been involved with the restoration/preservation of our 75b Sidecar outfit XS650.com 23 calendar bike from day one.A February 55 degree dry pavement Sunday in Illinois.I’m a very fortunate and grateful grandpa no doubt!A priceless exciting experience.Thank you all again.
Attachments
Sidecar appearance tweaking.Upholstering new more comfortable seat and backrest.Fabbing and adding a small,very needed entry foot step.Completion of the rear compartment lid with an appropriately attached correct solar panel is on the M/C projects agenda.Although not a completed design,I’m quite fortunate to have our master solar technicians from work guiding me with this needed addition. I’m avoiding any electrical draw from the now working properly 75b charging system.Not the exact solar panel shown,but of close physical size.It will mount on a functional,upholstered lid.This Sidecar project has been a most welcomed addition to the;I just need one more M/C project to work on before I quit list.
