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Team
Bulldog Racing Sidecar – A Technical
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The
Team Bulldog F1-Class Racing Sidecar is very different from traditional
sidecars. The sidecar is an integral part of the machine, the wheels
are wide with a flat profile and the whole machine is very low,
with the engine behind the driver. The Chassis is either an aluminum
monocoque construction or a tubular construction – usually
made from 4130 alloy airframe tubing of various diameters. |
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front suspension and steering is very similar to
a Formula 1 chassis. The front wheel is connected
to the chassis with alloy wishbones. Steering uses
a link system connecting the handlebar to the steering
hub, called center-hub steering. This means the
steering is done by turning the wheel directly,
without any gearing. Adjustments allow different
settings to be applied to the front wheel to maximize
tire grip. The brake is a ventilated steel disc
with a four-piston caliper and a ducted air supply
from the front of the outfit.
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| FRONT
WHEEL |
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wheel is attached to the chassis with alloy steel
link rods or wishbones. This system is called a multi-link
suspension. Every aspect is adjustable, allowing total
flexibility for adhesion between the tire and track.
The rear wheel is the only drive wheel, powered by
the chain directly from the engine. Changing the rear
sprocket size alters the final gearing. The rear brake
is similar to the front brake with a four-piston caliper
and has a non vented disc.
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REAR
WHEEL |
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The
sidecar wheel has no suspension; it is mounted solid
to the chassis. Only the wheel angle can be adjusted,
not only for the best grip, but also to help ‘steer’
into right-hand corners and left-hand corners. The
sidecar wheel brake is a solid (non-ventilated) disc
with a two-piston caliper.
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SIDECAR
WHEEL |
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body is fiber glass or Kevlar construction and is detachable
from the chassis with quick release pins. This also
includes the driver’s compartment. Which is built
into the main cockpit section. You will find many different
styles and shapes as teams look to develop the most
efficient profile. Some use a one piece body whilst
others use a two or three piece. |
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BODY |
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wheels are usually aluminum and run 7.5” x 13”
on the front and chair or 9” x 13” on
the rear and chair although some teams use 14”
depending on set up. The tires are a slick untreaded
tire for dry tracks and a treaded pattern rain tire
for wet conditions. The most popular tire makes being
Yokohama and Avon in Europe and Hoosier in America. |
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TIRES
& WHEELS |
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Engine
is currently a Kawasaki ZX11, 1100 cc engine fully tuned
in-house by Bulldog
Motorcycles and Engineering with modified sump to
allow the engine as low as possible with a dry sump
oil system. Keihin flatside carbs are used to improve
performance along with a custom exhaust system. The
choice of engine is up to the individual team with 1200
cc being the upper limit used in America at this time.
1000 cc is the limit used in Europe and at international
level. |
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ENGINE |
