Help with '82 Honda CBX-Terraplane marraige, source custom mounts?

[doubledutch]

I have a honda CBX that wants to hookup with my Terraplaine, can anyone point me to shop or individual that can unite this couple? Preferably in the greater Grand Rapids, MI area. I have some brackets from the terraplane's prior relationship with an 80's Yamaha XS1100 and some fixtures that held an unknown side car to a CBX, thanks in advance for any help one can provide, Dutchboy

 

[Larry Fine]

Frankenstein Welding Co.

 

[doubledutch]

thx, just sent them a note, distance will be an issue fer sure, but thx much for the tip. I appreciate it ! cvh

 

[brianinpa]

I cannot offer much help other than to say that a local machine/fabrication shop should be able to do what you want. The question is, how much will they charge you?

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

[doubledutch]

thx brian, guess i'll find out how much $ ssoon enough I did examine the bracket I purchased several years back and hopefully once i wrestle the terraplane into place it will fall together, the CBX has been stored elsewhere so this will be the 1st time i've had them side by side. cvh

 

[doubledutch]

Here it is, looks great and getting fun to ride, it does have head shake upon deceleration, so next project is figuring out attachment points for steering damper. This presents a challenge given the tight proximity of the fairing to gas tank, lack of frame down tubes, and the lower triple tree is above the fairings lower edge, preventing attachment there.

 

[trikebldr]

I would caution against using just any old welding/fabrication service to connect your bike to the sidecar! There's a lot more to the correct connection than just coupling them together! Go over to www.sidecar.com and ask around there, especially of the dealers/builders. There's a lot to learn before simply connecting a car to a bike if you want it to be safe, reliable and to handle correctly.
I'm jealous! I've always wanted a CBX! I have two of the Kawasaki Zn1300 sixers and love them. But, they are huge, heavy tourers and I would love a lighter sixer to rip around town on!
Wanna swap your CBX for a ZN1300? JK!

 

[trikebldr]

Dutch, I re-read your last post. That decelleration shimmy is due to incorrect toe in/lean and/or lead. Almost all rigs can eliminate that shimmy by correct alignment, without the need for a damper. A damper is a crutch for the real cause. Again, go to www.sidecar.com and inquire of the pros what steps to take to remedy that. Especially Jay at DMC Sidecars.

 

[doubledutch]

Dutch, I re-read your last post. That decelleration shimmy is due to incorrect toe in/lean and/or lead. Almost all rigs can eliminate that shimmy by correct alignment, without the need for a damper. A damper is a crutch for the real cause. Again, go to www.sidecar.com and inquire of the pros what steps to take to remedy that. Especially Jay at DMC Sidecars.

Dutch, I re-read your last post. That decelleration shimmy is due to incorrect toe in/lean and/or lead. Almost all rigs can eliminate that shimmy by correct alignment, without the need for a damper. A damper is a crutch for the real cause. Again, go to www.sidecar.com and inquire of the pros what steps to take to remedy that. Especially Jay at DMC Sidecars.

Thanks for your suggestions....um i'll pass on the trade I worked at a harley-kaw dealer when their 6 came out and enjoyed riding it, it's freight liner and real missile when it get's into the powerband, gut sure is a hand full to move around the garage. Not that my CBX is much different to move around, extremely top heavy too, yet if i recall it is 100# lighter than yers? I have 1000 + miles with the TP on it and am becoming more comfortable with it. I'm sorting various issues out, slowly...If I recall I have 3/4" toe in and thinking of reducing that next. I kept the 3 point mounting and think that is some of the issue, certainly not as stiff as a 4 point would be. I also think the fairing itself maybe contributing some oscillation to the package, as u know the bike frame lacks front down tubes which limited attachment points. I'll be putting a wrench to every fastener, fairing, motor mounts and again on TP mounts. I couldn't find ANY s/w Michigan MC dealers or referrals to/for sidecar installation. I have talked w/ jay early in the process, but not lately...He was very free with his knowledge. Thx again..gotta go for a ride ! cvh

 

[doubledutch]

JK, back to my issue, i certainly agree that fixing the problem is the way to go and the damper simply masks the issue, but may become a necessary evil "if all else fails". Another couple items on my list of "to do's" is replace the shock on the TP which is old to the point of just being a spring, can u suggest a good shock to replace it with? A straight up unbolt and rebolt would be preferred as opposed to one that requires any modifications. The other inspection i will do is to make sure the front and rear wheels are tracking true to each other, this and a "bouncy" TP wheel could both be part of the cast of contributing characters. I've done a great deal of reading about the issue and am surprised at how common it appears to be, and resignation of many sidecar riders that it maybe simply the "nature of the beast" and is something many "simply" live with...which is not something I intend to do. I do believe my decision to retain the 3 point Vetter mounting design may provide an area of potential flexing, that presents a formidable challenge. Thanks for any and all input, feel free to stop in the next time you leave Missouri and end up in western Michigan If this isn't sorted out by then..there is no substitute for "stick time" , you would be on an extremely short list of riders I'd risk riding it, thx again cvh