Forum

[David Crossley]

Hi folks it's official my electra x 500 is on the road again. I have the biggest smile and she got lots of attention at the local coffee shop. So the starting issue was bad technique all sorted now thanks Adrian. Next step is to fit the sidecar to her and my dream outfit will be done. This has been a huge project for me and my dad who helped out over Skype. Thanks again everyone, ride safe.

[windmill john]

I’ve had my 350 Bullet for a few months and have followed that ‘sweet spot’ point in that video, but Gupta kicks back a number of times when starting; okay when warm.

Obviously down to fueling which I’ve got set up to a point, I don’t want to fiddle.

[David Crossley]

Hi John I'm sure I will find her sweet spot but guessing I need to find her a name as well lol

[Adrian]

Glad you've got it sorted, David, Bullet Whisperer has posted all sorts of helpful stuff on Youtube.

For hauling a sidecar you will probably need to swap the standard 18T gearbox sprocket for a 16T, or it will struggle. Setting up a sidecar alignment properly is another black art I have studiously avoided.

When Watsonian-Squire were also the official Royal Enfield importers they used to have an Electra-X powered demonstration outfit, one of their staff would take unsuspecting passengers out for a spin on their annual open days.

[David Crossley]

Adrian thanks so much for that piece of knowledge I will definitely make that gear box change. I have a good friend that has a sidecar for long period so will be seeking his help and knowledge. I feel honoured to be a part of this forum and family that is the Royal enfield.

[Daiwiskers]

Being a old fart I can remember how to set up a outfit

First thing to remember is that every bike is different as is every sidecar

To set up a outfit we need to know 3 things
Tow in
Lean out
Lead

First thing to set is lead, this is the distance that the sidecar wheel is in front of the bike rear wheel 10"is usually the place to start
Sidecar Axle 10" in front of the bike rear axle will be about right for most outfits

Now we have to set the toe in
I always found this easier with two planks one alongside the bike touching both tyres, and one alongside the sidecar wheel touching the tyre
The measurement we are looking for is between a quarter and half inch less at the front than the rear measuring as close to the bike wheel spindles as you can

Now the lean out we want the bike leaning out between half and three quarters of an inch, it sounds like a lot but by the time the suspension compresses you won't be far off

Top tip time
put the bike on blocks or stands so it is sitting level with both wheels on the ground and bring the sidecar to the bike use blocks or Jack's under the sidecar to get it level before you start

The above measurements are the place to start and will probably need fine tuning

If you get it right you will have a outfit that will work well, get it wrong and you will never want to ride an outfit again

Riding a outfit is great fun if you remember that under acceleration the bike will want to turn round the sidecar
and under breaking the sidecar will want to turn round the bike

Hope this helps Dai

[David Crossley]

Thanks so much Dai for your advice it's very much appreciated and I'm sure it has taken a lot of the confusion out of the setup for me. I will keep you posted on the progress. D

[Chris [Stockport]]

Sheila says I am an old fart too.
(I've had mine since 2007 -new- and it still goes great. The dog jumps straight in, though restrained with a bit of plastic rope just in case he spots a cat, and I can't keep my daughter's kids out of it.)
But I certainly can't add any more to the previous message except to say Enjoy It.
All the best,
Chris
PS You never get there on time; people want to ask about it, so you can never set off....

[David Crossley]

Thanks Chris I'm so excited about fitting the sidecar to my bike. Its great to hear you talk so passionately about your outfit. I'm sure I will have the gran kids in it, but really hoping that millie our dog will love it never mind the wife lol. Just teasing
Cheers David

[Chris [Stockport]]

Just had one more thought, I don't think I can see anyone else mentioning Have you got a rear tyre on the FRONT wheel yet?