http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/biggenden/accessories/sidecar-leading-link-forks/1028224330
 
Not mine - link for anyone interested

the biggest issue now , after talking to the Polar-Ice guy at Far Kairn,is that the sidecar ,the subframe and bike all require engineers certification , plus the sidecar and bike  frames need to be stamped to show this. this includes leading links as well, any mods to the original frame.   
what a bummer.
so any one with a subframe purchased from another bike may find it more difficult to attach to their own machine.

Yep, NSW is difficult for sidecar rego. 

That EML subframe and Unit leading link would be just fine, but you need an engineer to say so.  Because you aren't the manufacturer and don't know what materials were used in construction it makes that part difficult.

On a related topic, one of the forum members was discussing fitting a sidecar today with the sidecar guy at Bathurst.  Was quoted $2500 to fit a sidecar he already has inc subframe and engineering documentation, $2200 for a leading link fitted inc engineering docs.  These are much better prices than he was quoting a couple of years ago.

Al

also just out of interest , BMSTEVE, who has the blue outfit at the Totts event, is selling his outfit.
he said his plans are to return to a solo setup.
so he is selling the bike as is with the chair attached , or will split the chair, leading link and subframe from the bike .
my reponse to him was , 
" mate , I have a solo blue LT over there that I'm willing to exchange for the outfit, fair offer I think, It will save us both the extra work"

the poor bloke needed picking up off the ground , rolling in stitches,   I was being serious, honest.

He gave me a price , but you would be best to contact him yourself.
looks like a good solid unit. be a shame to split the the two.

I was thrilled to hear about the guy in bathurst providing links for $2200. I rang him today and unfortunately the price is $3100. I understand the engineering involved but wow!

I just can't imagine how it can cost that much. Anyone figure out how much the bits are worth?

A large component of the price is insurance. I was looking at making and selling Towbars and the loadshare hitch I invented and was given various quotes for the insurance. The lowest was $50 000 per year which at 100 units per year for starters ............. well lets say it just put the skids under anything I was looking at doing where public liability was concerned.
Between insurance and the tax man it is very difficult to market anything that is a limited production item.

I have been waiting two weeks to hear back from bathurst.  There is a company on the Gold Coast called [url=http://www.eagletrikes.com.au/leading link sidecar & trikes.html]EAGLE TRIKES[/url] who will make and fit for $2900.00  not a lot cheaper..That is also the same price as having a set sent from England.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with manufacturing your own unit and having it engineered, that way  other than manufacture costs your only up for engineers costs . But shop around as engineers seem to dream up there own prices . This is a list of NSW RTA certified engineers .
www.rta.nsw.gov.au/registration/downloads/vsccs_bulletin_01.pdf   on this list you'll find engineers that will ADR motorcycle modifications.

RicK G wrote:A large component of the price is insurance. I was looking at making and selling Towbars and the loadshare hitch I invented and was given various quotes for the insurance. The lowest was $50 000 per year which at 100 units per year for starters ............. well lets say it just put the skids under anything I was looking at doing where public liability was concerned.
Between insurance and the tax man it is very difficult to market anything that is a limited production item.

That's right Rick, as soon as you start manufacturing something for sale to the public you become liable for damages and personal injury , so insurance companies slug you accordingly . It certainly makes it hard for any small business.

Ive done some home work and found I can get a set of links sent of from england with postage and a letter saying what metals are used. I can get a set from queensland for 2900. So maybe the ones from bathhurst are about as good as it gets if they come with an enginees certificate. Waiting to hear back if they do. Im still blown away by the price but its looking like the links will cost me more than the bike. Anyone know of any sydney engeneers that  build links?

They've never been cheap.  I'm not aware of anyone in Sydney since Ron Hurdis died.

Al

thanks for the list Smithy, a couple of locals in there for me to talk to .
so long as I can find someone willing to make a subframe and certify it , All is good .

My project involves proper certification ,as public liability is of great importance. 
in order to provide a unique service to the community by way of a motorcycle hearse, it all has to be done properly.
I enjoy what the K has to offer and this is my preferred vehicle for use. 
unfortunately Ol blue ( grovermobile ) will no longer be a landmark on the highway at East Maitland. 
 My K's have for many years been an Icon in the region , regularly spoken about by the community. such is the impact of K bikes.

One of our local private sidecar manufacturers , John Marshall, ( check out BM Steves outfit at Far Kairn) came around home about 8 months back , and explained the dilemma of red tape for home made units, and that this was the reason  privateers were giving it away.
if you could find an engineer to sign off your works you were fine.
I'll follow up on some of Smithy's contacts and see what transpires.

Hey Ed , the engineer at engines 4U Tamworth (02 67613636 ) did negotiate on price. While I was there he was doing an ADR Cert on a home made trike, so I'm sure would be happy to sign off on your work if it complies . He also travels and inspects at your premises , no doubt with a traveling fee.
Craig

Im not having much luck in sydney and only know of srk in nsw. I was given leigh hollamby's number but he is booked out for two years he recons and is in sa anyway. I think it will be a trip to bathurst. They are beautiful looking kit

The original question I answered was:
Anyone know of any Sydney engeneers that  build links?


My answer still applies, no-one I'm aware of since Ron Hurdis died


There appear to some engineers to do certification, but they don't build.  
-Import a Unit front end from UK and get it engineer approved locally-possible.
-Enquire with one of the Trike people around the central coast, they might build a link for you.


Re Steve's outfit, last I spoke to him he was fairly certain  he had a buyer.  I didn't hear whether it had sold or not.


Al 

sorry Al ,   I skipped that bit.