Sidecar conversion parts needed

[JeffMunn]

Hello all,
I'm conversting a '58 R50 to a sidecar rig. It is a solo version that needs the transmission changed, and a 27/7 final drive. Would anyone out there happen to have knowledge of where I could find either of these?

I've posted to the marketplace but have not been successful. I'm fairly sure I can get the transmission gearing changed at Velocity Motorcycles in Richmond, but do need to find a sidecar final drive.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
jeff

[20774]

Besides watching fleabay or checking out IBMWR, I'd probably call Vech and see what he suggests as far as sourcing one of those. Re-psycle, Bob's BMW and Airhead Salvage deal in used parts but I've not heard much from them in the way of older /2 parts. Worth a call, I suppose...

[20774]

I did a search and found at least this one entry...kind of interesting what's for sale:

http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/1413541776.html

[JeffMunn]

Originally Posted by 20774

I did a search and found at least this one entry...kind of interesting what's for sale:

http://longisland.craigslist.org/mcy/1413541776.html

Thanks Kurt. After posting I had a "D'oh" moment. Went and checked the FD on my 1966 /2 and it has a 28/8 (or 25/8, I can't tell exactly). Now all I need to do is get the gearing changed in the tranny, and get blocked tires. Oh, and learn how to set up a sidecar, and drive it......

Thanks again.
jef

[20774]

My copy of the rider's manual for the R60/2 shows the typical drive for solo is 25/8 and for sidecar as 27/7. That's also whats shown on this page:

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R60-2.htm

I'm guessing you probably do want the "shorter" final drive when using the sidecar.

[tricyclerob]

Jef,
You can probably get away with just the final drive gearing change without going to the expense of the s/c trans, unless you are planning on a heavy s/c loaded up to the max.

I've pulled a Ural, a fairly heavy car without the s/c trans. Just need to take it a little easy on the starts. I have switched to a Stieb LS200, which is lighter.

The s/c trans is nice but pricey. I understand that 1st and 2nd gears from a single, will give you the same gearing as the s/c trans. I don't know the particulars, but have heard this from more than 1 source.

Be sure to practice somewhere safe and do a lot of practice before venturing on traveled roads, a s/c is a very different animal.
Just remember what they say, "Once you hack, you never go back".
rj