BMW 800 GS pictures

The first two pictures of the 800GS / M72 install. More will be added over the next couple days as the install progresses. Barry

Second picture.

very much looking forward to watching this thread
i know it's going to be great

Me too. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Just got our first in house built Sportster trike out the door. Now I can concentrate on this build.
Barry

:eek1

M72D frame mounted on adjustable installation stand. This allows us to level the frame and roll it around while mounting to the bike. B

We used this custom built Excel wheel. This is the same rim used by Touratech in combination with the spline drive spokes to upgrade stock BMW wheels. This also allowed us to match the rim color on the bike and install the same tire used on the rear.

I don't know if I will get more pics posted today or not. I will be away through the weekend so posts will probably start again Monday.


Barry

This stand allows us to set the preload and initial lean out.

You can see in this picture how we can roll the sidecar up to the bike and align the two. More Monday. Barry

I remember that set up!

i can't wait to see more....
and..... not just of that 800GS install....
maybe a couple of bikes with 400 more cc on their designation...

great thread, barry
awesome stuff happening at DMC
and... even more all the time

The next step is to connect the A-arms between the bike and sidecar frame. At this point we only snug the bolts as adjustments still have to be made. The A-arms set the wheel lead and put the toe-in close while not compromising ground clearance like can happen with the usual boss/clamp setup. Next we fine tune the toe-in with a turn or two in or out on the heim joints. This will mean rolling the frame stand away from the bike to allow the heim joints to be turned in the required direction. Fortunately the use of the heim joints also allows for easy alignment with the clevis. Once the toe-in looks good we re-snug all the bolts and check the toe again. If it is still good we then torque the A-arm pinch bolts to 80 ft lb. and tighten the jam nuts on the heim joints. One last check of the toe-in is a good idea as it can sometimes move while tightening the bolts.

Aside from allowing fine tuning of the toe-in these also make it easier to align with the clevis when removing/installing the sidecar. They also create a movable pivot when adjusting the lean angle with the upper struts.
B

Install the two upper strut eyes to the frame.

Install struts. Install brake line and bleed brakes. Adjust sidecar brake pedal height. Ready for body.

I think the strut mounts piercing the SC frame is a really good improvement, Barry.

Looking good.

Yeah, good thinking. What's next, rubber isolation mounts for the tub?

It was expensive for me to re-do my failed Dauntless DMC M72D frame myself.

So I'm glad to see a seasoned pro can learn and benefit from my amateur R&D. Good for you!

I know, it was an obvious solution. Ural already does it that way. It begs the question, why anyone who does this for a living would try the other way.