This ride is coming to an end... The sidecamper BEAST has tagged both Eastern and Western Canada as well as part way up the Dalton Highway in Alaska. It's a WIDE rig, not heavy but pushing a lot of air with that nose. The Vstrom1000 is a good all around tug, parts are readily available and reasonably priced. The Suzuki has a reputation for reliability and durability, even when loaded with everything including the kitchen sink... somewhere in there. Have decided a newer STRONGER TUG was in order. Looking and shopping, finally located a machine that filled the bill... a 2011 Triumph Rocket 3 roadster. With 146 HP and 163 ft.lb. of torque, there isn't much this brute can't move. Meet the Warthog. The winter project is to adapt the Warthog to the side camper. A lot of mods are needed to make the swap and to make the new rig fit someone who is 6'6". Have a list of mods in mind, but want to hear your ideas too. Come next spring the Vstrom sans sidecar will be offered up for sale. Not sure yet what all will be moved over to the Rocket. All suggestions, ideas and comments for the build itself are welcome. What would you want on your sidecamper build? CCjon
I'm gonna second that reverse also, maybe somewhere to carry an extra large tub of chrome polish [emoji12]? In all seriousness though somewhere to locate two poles to rig up a tarp over the rig so if you have to do anything with unpacking or working on the bike and it is pissing it down you can at least do it in the dry... or the cooking even..?
wind protection maybe you can make up some kind of hard shell lowers to work with the stock crash bars, maybe something like this to start out with and put your Dremel to good use. Iglobalbuy Lower ABS Vented Leg Fairing Set For Harley Davidson Road King Street Electra Glide
It might be more efficient than the Strom, given the extra power and the size, weight and "aerodynamics"of his hack. A sampling of fuel economy http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/triumph/rocket_iii, http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/suzuki/dl1000_v-strom
OK, How about vicious criticism or what one pilgrim thinks (me) as a real suggestion. Put the axle back under the camper and pull it around, with a utility body for a sidecar. I'd much rather separate my sleeping place from my transportation. But on the other hand at 6'6" maybe you'd be more comfortable on a cruiser for long distances.
Congrats. The Rocket 3 should make a great tug for your needs. Be warned though it's not exactly like any other bike,there are some differences. How it's made.
When the SO first saw the Rocket, she blurted "I thought you didn't like chrome? I don't, so the removal process began... Learned the OEM long chrome pipes actually interfere with removing the rear axle bolt. One must remove or loosen the muffler first in order to remove the axle, poor factory engineering. Plan to route the exhaust to the left side only using a cross-over pipe with a tunable stubby exhaust. I swear there was a CAT there... ...turned around to grab a wrench... and it was gone. Better go browse the internet and spread some cash around before other parts disappear. Ordered a 225/65-16 General Altimax RT43 auto tire from Tire Rack, a five gallon spun aluminum fuel cell, the 10" stubby exhaust, and experimental rear shock risers, cheaper than buying longer shocks. Returned to the garage, the passenger bench pad was gone... it really wasn't much of a seat, more of an afterthought. That's where the aux fuel cell will go.
The Rocket rear wheel will accept a 16" car tire, no problem. Is a bear to mount as that wheel does not have a deep dished center, but can be done. Have heard all the theories, arguments and worries about going to the dark side. Have yet to hear of an actual case where a car tire came off a MC wheel. Much doubt I will be the first as this rig will never see triple digit speeds. Thanks for the concern.
The stock trail on the Rocket is close to 6 inches. Yep it steers very hard. Never did modify mine but used the pedulem effect with throttle and brake a lot. Replaced the clutch once but it comes out the front and you do not have to split the bike like a tractor. No lack for power as these are torque monsters. Could induce oversteer in left and right turns .
One day I was hanging out at a local motorcycle stop and several Rocket 3s pulled in. One was turbo charged and another had a supercharger on it. Owners said that the power would would destroy the rear tire rapidly so both had mounted car tires with great success. And I do miss reverse on my current rig.
Good point DB, makes you wonder why people sell their travel trailer and buy a high dollar RV. Well, a pull behind trailer has more wheels and wheel sizes to worry about, less ground clearance, potential fishtailing, cross winds effect, as a trailer, stabilizers have to be extended before opening camper, as a sidecamper, the rig is level and steady without the stabilizers. Fast to set up in bad weather, easy to close up in the morning. When stealth camping, which I mainly do, easier to hide behind shrubs, country churches, abandoned buildings, etc. no worry about dragging the trailer out of deep mud ruts. From a safety point of view, the sidecamper is hard not to see when on the road. It stands out, grabs other driver's attention. It also piques their curiosity, they'll bring me cold beers just so they can check it out. If traveling with a companion (two or four legged), then a camper trailer makes more sense as you need a chair. SO wants the dog home with her when I travel, so no need for the passenger seat. The sidecamper fits my bill... now to add some Rocket torque.
Claude, did you keep the stock handlebars or use wider ones? How about handlebar risers? I looked at swapping the leading link that is now on the Vstrom over to the Rocket, still a possibility with new triple trees. Or go with trike triple trees and keep the OEM front forks. Will try the stock trail but lifting the rear some to see how much it lightens steering first, If still too hard, will look at the more expensive options.
Bottom line is you do need to reduce the trail. I do not think raising the rear will benifit enough to mention. If I recall the stock trail was almost six inches on mine. Different trees are the most economial of course. Dunno about using your present leading link. Check specs to see what stock trail is then measure from a reference point on the bike to the front axle. That will give a start ...then see how far your front axle needs to move forward to get the trail desired. Good thing about a leading link is that trail can be made adjustable in it;s finished form plus is much more robust out of the gate......Oh my bars were stock. anything lesss than reduced trail I do not think will be good in your case.
Subscribed. FWIW, I do not find it difficult to move my rig around without a reverse but I am always visualizing parking situations before getting in trouble. It is heavy.
