Getting Started
When the sidecar is assembled and attached you need to align the sidecar. This is not an exact science but rather involves trial and error. These settings are general places to begin.
It is helpful to have more than one person and perhaps some jack stands and a level and carpenters square on hand.
The goal is to make the sidecar track straight down the road and not pull in either direction when accelerating or braking. Before you begin (if they have been tightened in the preceding steps), loosen all of the attaching points because one interacts with the other when making adjustments. Some of the adjustment point may be stuck together with paint. It may be necessary to break the paint loose to facilitate alignment.
Performing the Alignment
The sidecar should be level or as close to level as you can get it both fore and aft and left to right. Left to right can be measured by using a square with the sidecar wheel.
The motorcycle should have about 2-3 degrees of lean out, away from the sidecar. In no event should the bike be tilted toward the sidecar.
If you make a line 6 feet in front of the bike that is parallel to the motorcycle wheels on the left and the sidecar wheel on the right (a chalk line tied to jack stands or two long board along each side of the wheels works well for this measurement) there should be about 1½ inch of toe in (of course if it is 3 feet in front of the bike it would be about ¾ inch).
Again, this is only a starting point but will get you close.
After this, it is trial and error to try and get the rig so that it does not pull left or right when braking or accelerating. The process can be a little frustrating the first time, but some patience will go a long way. After the first time it will be much easier. Time spent aligning the car is time well spent.
Air Pressure Recommendations
Try the air pressure in tires as mentioned below. Adjust accordingly to suit your operating conditions and any manufacturer’s recommendations.
Front : 22 psi
Rear : 35 psi
S/Car : 25 psi
