STEIB LS200

[Pierre Michaud]

Other than design and lightness are there any other differences between a Steib LS200 and a TR500? What are their respective weights? Steib recommend using the LS200 for up to 250 cc. Would attaching to an R69S be a problem? If yes please give details. Also, how different is the Globe LS200 copy to the Steib. I have read that the largest wheel that can be fitted on the Globe copy is 16 inches...is this correct?

[Drew Daniels]

The LS200 is a smaller and lighter sidecar. I don't know the exact weight. I have had one attached to an R-60 and then to an R-50 for many thousands of miles with no problem. Though some may object, I did not change the rear drive ratio or the springs. With the lighter car it does not seem to be necessary. I don't drive with a passenger behind me but I do adjust the rear to the two-up position for stiffer springing. Also, you must reset the Earles fork to the sidecar position. Wider handlebars would be helpful but are not necessary.

[Pierre Michaud]

Thanks Drew. I have my R69S completely set up for sidecar riding (26/6 bevel gear set, springs, proper Earles fork attachments and of course the wider handlebars). I have my eyes set on a TR500 model but have come across a GLOBE (copy of the Steib LS200) made in BOMBAY, INDIA, which happens to be the same year as my BMW. It certainly does not look as roomy as a TR500 but I was wondering if I would have compatibility problems using this model versus a TR500 on an R69S. What size wheel did you have on the Steib? Did you have a brake?

[Drew Daniels]

My Steib LS200 has a 19 inch wheel and no brakes. The car will lift easily when empty and turning right so you need to be careful if you are new to driving a rig. The heavier TR500 definitely has more room inside and behind the seat. The Globe sounds like a good investment if your passenger fits easily. Being the same year as the bike is a plus. I toured Europe for three months with a passenger in the LS200 but was much younger then. I understand that the Globe has similar fittings for mounting. My Steib has three ball fittings. The foward top mounting eye on the bike frame was not used. If you are in the New York City area and want to see the rig contact me directly at demboids@aol.com.

[Pierre Michaud]

Thanks Drew, I just might do that! Is it normal not to have the front top brace......doesn't it cause wobbling?

[Tom Clouse]

I have a 63 R69S that has a Steib LS200 attached. I bought it from the original owner who has drivin it this way for 36 years. It drives very nice! The bike has stock gearing and I may eventually switch over to the side car gearing. It's a great combo and I like the fact that its light when riding solo. Just thought I would throw in my two cents. Thanks, Tom C.

[Allan Atherton]

Pierre,
If the LS200 is light enough for R69S's to be pulling them without gearing changes, you may find that 6/26 will feel overgeared for so light an sidecar. I used 6/26 on my R69S pulling a heavy Ural, with windshield on the s/c, full fairing on the bike, a good sized passenger in the s/c, a full load of luggage both on the bike and in the s/c trunk, and a complete spare wheel on the sidecar. With all that load and resistance, the 6/26 gears gave the R69S easy starts and good acceleration, but that gearing did cause a rather low cruising speed compared to solo gearing.

[Mark Huggett]

In case you guys are interested. The first original BMW Mobile Tradition 6:26 gear sets are now available in a very small quantity. BMW only made 35 sets. The part number is 33 12 3 010 181 and price is CHF 829.00

Regards,

Mark
Mark Huggett GmbH

[Drew Daniels]

When I bought the sidecar in Germany 20 years ago it was set up without the front top brace. I think it is only required for the heavier cars. No, I don't have any wobble.