Forum

[StuartL]

I've recently fitted a Squire sidecar (the older model, which has a 10" wheel)to my 2000 Bullet 500 and am currently playing about with the fittings to get the best results. Does anybody who has fitted a sidecar to the Enfield have recommendations for the lead, the toe-in and the lean out? It is looking so far as if the best result will be achieved with about 10" of lead and one inch of toe-in (and a little lean-out, of course) but any other opinions would be most helpful.

[Beezabryan]

Our BSA A10 (1952 plunger frame) has tradesman box with 'Er on t' Pillion riding shotgun of course! Alignment is 1/4" toe-in, bike vertical ie no lean out/in, and about 10" lead. Of course when riding two up the extra 8.5 stone pillion will induce a small of lean out but with the box fully loaded I imagine it will be no lean out, certainly can't feel any.
The question of sidecar alignment is not an exact science and can produce many opinions.
Maybe a phone call to Watsonian?

[Adam]

My only experience of sidecar use was with a Panther M120 fitted with a rigid Busmar chassis and Busmar Astral d/a saloon.

When I was setting it up I got a lot of advice but only two bits of GOOD advice from long term sidecar users:

1. Only take advice from others as a guide, set it up how it feels good for you and your usage.

2. Make sure that on a level, straight road it will keep going in a straight line with your arms folded. If you can't do this you will get very tired, very quickly as you will be constantly fighting the beast.

Good luck,

Adam

[StuartL]

Many thanks to both for your comments. I've just road tested my latest attempt at setting the outfit up (about 9.5" lead, 1.5" toe-in, and slight lean-out) and it's not at all bad! Not a lot of wobble at all, which should be eliminated when I fit the VW steering damper. Adam, I'm not brave enough to try 'arms folded' yet, but it does seem to steer straight!