Here are the details on Rich's custom outfit!
The front suspension has been shimmed with 1/2" thick poly bushings to provide the proper preload for sidecar duty. The front is adjustable for preload and rebound dampening.
The Ural sidecar has been dip-stripped and coated with four types of powdercoat. Gloss black exterior, "Silver vein" interior, Chrome on the wheel, hub and trunk straps and textured black on the rack and sidecar step.
A triple cross spoked Russian wheel and Ural tire is fitted and the sidecar swing arm has new poly bushings to replace the rubber ones.
The stock sidecar suspension has been shortened 1.5" to lower the centre of gravity by using a shorter shock and making a taller bump stop and a Japanese shock has been fitted. (A modified shock from a 97 Suzuki Intruder). A more supple ride than stock. Doesn't "kick" on bumps.
The sidecar has a handmade heavy duty custom rack atop the trunk. The sidecar trunk has been modified with a flush mounted marine flip up locking latch on top of the trunk deck.
The forward light on the sidecar has been replaced with a repo 67 VW signal lamp. A Drag Specialties head lamp has been installed forward of the sidecar step for a white running light.
The bike has a custom built "Rich Maund" seat with a gel sheet fitted to the riders cushion. It has a large custom back pad upholstered to match. It has a Memphis Shades Police style windshield that has been cut deeper around the head lamp for better torso protection. A French made "Bagster" tank bra and tank bag will hold your maps and rain suits.
The sidecar's tonneau is made from triple layer German made "Hartz" cloth, as used on Mercedes convertibles. It has been custom fitted with thick leather side straps/grommets and SS marine twist fasteners. A matching side curtain is included. The sidecar's bucket seat has been scratch built. It has a hollow seat back with a trap door, in the trunk, for storage. It has pleated basket weave upholstery trimmed in oxen grained black to match the bikes seat. A BMW air pump is fitted in the trunk. A passenger seat belt is fitted as well in the sidecar. A three piece gray carpet set trimmed in black Topline is fitted in the sidecar.
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It has a fabricated and welded framework to the Guzzi's lower frame rail for the lower sidecar mounts. Cross braces to the left side lower frame rail were added to triangulate the new framework. The ball mounts were machined from 1 1/4" trailer stabilizer ball mounts. Bolt on pieces were made for the upper mounts. Guzzi's have some very good mounting points built right in! The forward strut had to be lengthened too. Basically, Rich overbuilt it. The sidecar lower mounts are attached to a custom and very heavily built subframe welded to the lower engine rail. It has been cross braced with bolt on heavy steel cross braces to he other side of the frame. The upper struts bolt to custom hardware that bolts to the bikes frame. NO slip clamps were used. Everything is welded or bolted into place. This is a very overbuilt and rigid framework.
It has 215 mm (8.5") lead, and 10 mm (3/8") toe-in and 1 degree leanout. Works marvelous and needs no steering damper.
It cruises at 75 mph in 4th gear. You can't use 5th gear below 80! It has been tested it to an indicated 100 mph. At that point it's barn door aerodynamics catches up with it! That was with a sidecar windshield fitted. It is hands off stable on the freeway and is a great touring mount. The Moto Guzzi pulls the Ural chair like it's not even there! 75 hp at the rear wheel make it effortless. The styling and handiness make them a perfect pair.
The Ural sidecar is a great one to hang on many modern bikes and has been used on many models. If any of you are interested in getting a Ural chair to mount to your "other" bike. Do it!
Information and pictures provided with the kind permission of -
Rich Maund - "Rich's Cycle Upholstery" Chesapeake, Va. USA "Your Ass will thank you!"