Howdy,

I have an '05 Ultra Classic (FLHTCUI) with an '05 TLE Sidecar attached. This is my 6th sidecar outfit so I know what I need to do as far as chamges specifically for the sidecar. I am relatively new to Harleys however as I have only been riding this bike for 3 years. I did have a sporty back in the late 50's but never took it apart.

I plan to change out the triple trees this winter and install a set of EZ Steer trees to reduce the trail.

I have added an oil cooler and replaced the Air Temp gauge with an Oil Temp gauge, as sidecars really put a load on the machines.

I also replaced the rear tire with a 175R16 car tire. This has resulted in two issues I need to address.

First, I could use a bit more clearance above the tire. I need to know what the length of the stock shock absorbers is so I can replace them with longer shocks. In addition to giving me more clearance, this will also reduce the trail a bit to make steering easier. Does anyone have any recomendations for longer shocks?

Second, it is geared way to high. In part because of the load of the sidecar and in part because of the larger diameter rear tire. If I have any kind of hill or head winds, I can't pull 5th gear and last summer, while going to Yosemite I could not even pull 4th on some sections of Interstate and in the mountains!

I need to lower the overall gearing. Should I change the front final drive pully or would it be better to change the engine sprocket? I have calculated the amount I need.

For the engine sprocket I would like to drop from 25 to 23 teeth for an increase in 5th of 241 RPM (at 70 mph).

If I go with the front pully, I would drop from 32 to 30 teeth for an increase of 185 RPM in 5th (at 70 mph)

I would also like to have more clearance between the belt and tire so an off set of 1/4 inch would be desirable. This would probably mean I would go with a smaller front pully. Of course I could just suck it up and pay the money for a stock ratio but off set front pully and a smaller engine sprocket.

What are the pros and cons? Which is easier to swap out?

I could also go with a 6 speed transmission but unless I can get other than stock ratios for the 6 speed transmission I would still need to alter the engine sprocket or front pully. Does anyone make other than stock transmission ratios? If so, who?

Ideally I would like a lower first to help get the load moving.

2nd and 3rd could be stock ratios.

4th should be half way between current 3rd and 4th.

5th should be halfway between current 4th and 5th.

6th should be same as current stock 5th.

I know this is a lot of info but I am getting older and need to have as much fun as I can before too old, so I plan to put some money into the bike this winter...

One other thing: I have considered a reverse gear (not really a problem as my monkey works just fine as a reverse :-) but she is getting older too so a reverse is always an option. From the pictures though it looks as though it won't fit with my exhaust system. Does anyone have any experience with the reverse on an '05 Ultra Classic?

Thanks for any assistance you guys can provide

Nelson

 

stock shocks are 13"

consider a chain drive conversion...

replacing a belt requires pulling primary drive, clutch and cases.
AND the swingarm too.

a chain conversion gives you easier drive ratio swaps, tire clearance and strength.
less expensive replacement/repairs

( HD went to belt to meet noise emissions)

baker drivetrain is premier name for quality tranny conversions- premium price too but good stuff
they do 6 speeds with an over drive 6th= .86
or a close ratio 6 speed with a 1:1 final


mike

 

I went on a club run only yesterday and one of our number was on his Triumph outfit. I should have taken a photo! Here in Europe we routinely build outfits using smaller diameter wheels with car tyres, all round, which cures most of what you mention in one hit and lowers them. We also use leading link forks, which cure all steering problems ditto. Unfortunately I have only seen one Harley sidecar outfit over here in recent times, photos attached. By staying with so much stock Harley hardware you are making life darned difficult!

1. look into using a smaller rear wheel and tyre, if you can find a US sidecar specialist who does such things,

2. with an '05 TC88 you are in luck! I used a 21T compensator on my solo Dyna which was great, it also used to be available as an SE kit, with shorter chain. I really don't think a 23T will significantly improve things for you, but a 21T should.

3. I don't see any advantage of going to a 6-speed. They were only introduced to help meet noise regulations, so save your money!

4. have you tried the imaginatively named USA - United Sidecar Association? Their members must have cracked all your queries and a great many more!

5. HDF has a sidecar forum, where you should be able to meet fellow owners.

 

On tire size I have a shorter GoodYear Assurance 175-60-16 on the rear of my '07 RK with my sidecar. I have no height issue and my RK is the FLHRS which is lowered 1" in the rear from the factory.

 

Thanks Guys!

I didn't know that there was a seperate sidecar forum here.

While I did not want to have the mess and bother of adjusting a chain, I may go ahead and switch to a chain drive eventually.

I am ordering some parts now but will probably wait for winter to do the work. I live in South central Washington State which is desert (the notorious Washington rains are on the Seattle side of the Cascade Mountains). At my age I hate to waste a beautiful hot dry summer in the shop. I love wrenching my motorcycles (the sign in my shop reads..."If It Ain't Broke, Fix It Till It Is") but rather than snowmobiling or skiing, my prefered winter sport is wrenching in my nice warm shop

Based on the Baker specs for their Direct Drive 6 with Reverse, I am planning to use it as it will give me exactly what I want. Perhaps the following winter I will do some engine upgrade work but for now I have adequate power but need better gearing.

I will check out the Goodyear 175-60-16 tire to see if it will work for me. I am not getting much better wear with the Austone 175 R 16 so I will probably try something else next time.

Thanks,

Nelson

 

I understand that the factory trikes use a heavy gauge belt, which should improve service life, for a sidecar outfit. Belts are so much quieter and more convenient than chains I personally would avoid them if practical to do so!

 

I was going to put an austone on my rig thinking that the flatter car tire would wear better because of the ground contact, what is the mileage you have on the tire & what type of wear are you experiencing?
Also what is your clearance issue specifically? Can't you compensate by increasing the air pressure in the shocks?
By the way I have the harley reverse kit (love it) & stock exhaust on my 2002 ultra rig without issue.