78 Sidecar Project

[DEEBS11]

Hello all. I'm new here. I pull this low serial number XS out of a swampy back yard. Water had got into the motor and it was ruined along with the carbs and tank. However, I installed carbs and motor from a 1980 unit and it's almost back on the road. Had no title so I did the Vermont registration thing. It works. WIll be mounting a CJ sidecar to this bike.

DEEBS
Connecticut

[DEEBS11]

This was the donor bike. 1980. Pretty sweet. Like those Napa pipes? I rebuilt the carbs, set the valve lash, took the clutch out and installed an older kicker gear, & changed the fluids. This motor now resides in the 78 frame. It runs great. I didn't use this frame because it was cut. However, It does have a title. Cost? $0.00. Found it on the side of the road while I was on a ride on Rte 23 in Otis MA.

DEEBS

[DEEBS11]

Here is what I got at the moment. Rebuilt front end. New steering bearings. Rebuilt hydraulics. New brake pads. New tires. New Rear shocks. New fuse box. New battery. Non restrictive air filters. Mac pipe.

DEEBS

[DEEBS11]

Here is a modification of a aftermarket Yamaha right switch (650 I believe). Soldered in the old cable plug. NICE.

DEEBS

[DEEBS11]

This is the CJ sidecar. I have DMZ mounts to weld up. The front lower mount will be a challenge. Got some ideas. Might need a sub frame. It's a big and powerful machine..

DEEBS

[jetmechmarty]

Wow! You really are bringing one back from the dead! Keep it coming!.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Impressive!! Thanks for sharing your work.

[Schming]

Welcome DEEBS11,

The passion you possess to see the potential and possibility in these neglected scraps of metal and the work thus far is what breathes life into this forum and still inspires us long time owners of these iconic machines.
Good Job !!!
Also if you search the posts by member "fredintoon" there is a wealth of info on side hacks as he ran one

[LAB3]

Keep at it, there's far too few people out there these days willing to "break the rules" and come up with something unique!

[Tonyxs11]

Keep at it, there's far too few people out there these days willing to "break the rules" and come up with something unique!

something I do a lot

[DEEBS11]

Here is a modification of a aftermarket Yamaha right switch (650 I believe). Soldered in the old cable plug. NICE.

DEEBS

This is the link for these switches on EBay.:

Edit - Try this again:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17416577942...temCondition=3

[Radioguylogs]

This project is rewarding just to watch!

Nice job reviving a bike that would otherwise be a goner.

The sidecar is fascinating.

[DEEBS11]

All done. Runs great. Put about 60 miles on it @ 40° here in Connecticut. Lots of torque. Speedometer got stuck at 50MPH at one point. WD40 might work to repair sticky needle. Will start working on the sidecar mounts now.

[DEEBS11]

OK, I just got the welding done and am now measuring the hook ups. About 10" lead from the rear axle to the sidecar axle. Cut off the ball mounts and welded heim joint mounts. Super strong.

[DEEBS11]

Working on new seat covers and plywood bases. Will re-use foam as it is in good condition.