Heavy-duty motorcycle sidecar mounting kit with clamps, adjustable struts, pivot bolts, and hardware

What Comes With a Motorcycle Sidecar Mounting Kit?

A motorcycle sidecar mounting kit provides the hardware used to connect a sidecar to a motorcycle. However, mounting kits differ in their components, dimensions, construction, and intended applications. The word “universal” also does not mean that a kit will attach directly to every motorcycle without evaluation or modification.

Before purchasing a mounting kit, it is important to understand what the package contains, how its components are generally used, and what additional work may be required for your motorcycle-and-sidecar combination.

This guide explains the components included with the XYZ Sidecars heavy-duty universal mounting kit and the factors you should review before ordering. It is a product-selection overview—not an installation, alignment, or riding guide.

What Is a Motorcycle Sidecar Mounting Kit?

A motorcycle sidecar mounting kit is a collection of brackets, clamps, adjustable struts, pivot connections, and fasteners used to create attachment points between a motorcycle and sidecar chassis.

Together, these components help establish the physical connection between the two vehicles. The exact arrangement depends on the motorcycle frame, sidecar chassis, available mounting locations, required clearances, and the installer’s evaluation.

A mounting kit should not be confused with a complete sidecar. A complete sidecar may include the body, chassis, wheel, suspension, seat, fender, lighting, and other features. A mounting kit contains only the hardware identified in its product listing.

What Comes With the XYZ Sidecars Mounting Kit?

Motorcycle sidecar installation hardware including adjustable mounting bars, U-clamps, brackets, bolts, and fasteners.

The heavy-duty universal motorcycle sidecar mounting kit from XYZ Sidecars currently includes:

  • Four U-clamp frame mounts with shims
  • Two long adjustable struts measuring approximately 15–21 inches
  • One short adjustable strut measuring approximately 9–12 inches
  • One J-bar strut
  • Three eye bolts, also known as pivot bolts
  • Assorted connecting bolts and nuts shown in the product photographs

Review all current product photographs before ordering to confirm the components included in the package. Product specifications and availability can change, so the product listing should be treated as the current source of information.

The motorcycle and sidecar are not included with the mounting kit.

U-Clamp Frame Mounts

Motorcycle sidecar U-clamp frame mounting bracket shown with tape measure across the

The kit includes four heavy-duty U-clamps designed primarily for round motorcycle frame tubing measuring approximately 1 to 1¼ inches in diameter.

These clamps are intended to provide mounting points on suitable sections of the motorcycle frame. Shims are included to help accommodate differences within the stated frame-tube range.

Before ordering, examine the motorcycle carefully and determine:

  • Whether the accessible frame tubing is round
  • The outside diameter of the tubing
  • Whether suitable frame sections are available
  • Whether the clamps would interfere with the engine, exhaust, floorboards, body panels, or accessories
  • Whether the proposed mounting locations are appropriate for the intended application

Do not rely solely on the motorcycle’s year, make, and model. Frame design, modifications, accessories, and available mounting space can vary, even among motorcycles with similar model names.

Adjustable Long Struts

Adjustable motorcycle sidecar long strut shown at its 15-inch shortest length.

Two long adjustable struts are included. Their approximate adjustment range is 15–21 inches.

Struts are rigid connecting components used as part of the mounting structure between the motorcycle and sidecar. Their adjustable design allows the installer to change their effective length within the stated range when establishing the proposed mounting arrangement.

The available adjustment range does not guarantee that the struts will reach suitable mounting points on every motorcycle. The installer must evaluate the locations, angles, clearances, and structural suitability of the complete arrangement.

Adjustable Short Strut

Adjustable motorcycle sidecar Short Strut in its shortest configuration with 9-inch overall length measurement.

The kit also contains one adjustable short strut with an approximate range of 9–12 inches.

The shorter adjustment range may be useful when the intended connection points are positioned closer together. As with the longer struts, its suitability depends on the motorcycle, sidecar chassis, and proposed mounting configuration.

Measure the relevant distances directly rather than estimating them from photographs.

J-Bar Strut

Black motorcycle sidecar J Bar mounting bracket with adjustable threaded clevis bolt and two locknuts.

A J-bar strut is included as another adjustable connection between the motorcycle and sidecar.

Its curved shape can provide a different mounting geometry from a straight strut. Whether it is appropriate for a particular location depends on available frame access, surrounding components, clearance, and the design of the sidecar chassis.

A J-bar should not be assumed to fit a motorcycle simply because a similar component has been used on another motorcycle of the same brand.

Eye Bolts or Pivot Bolts

4-inch motorcycle sidecar mounting eye bolt with threaded shaft, washers, and nut.

The kit includes three eye bolts, which may also be described as pivot bolts. These components create connection points for corresponding mounting hardware.

Before using them, the installer should verify that their dimensions, thread engagement, connection points, and intended placement are appropriate for the proposed application.

Individual eye bolts and other mounting components may also be available separately through the motorcycle sidecar parts and accessories collection.

Connecting Hardware

The mounting kit includes assorted connecting bolts and nuts shown in the product photographs.

Because custom projects vary, additional fasteners, brackets, adapters, or fabricated components may still be required. Do not assume that the included hardware represents every item necessary for every motorcycle and sidecar combination.

Carefully compare the received components with the current product photographs before beginning the project.

What Does “Universal” Mean?

A universal motorcycle sidecar mounting kit is designed to be adaptable to many motorcycles and sidecar projects. It is not a model-specific, direct-bolt-on kit.

Motorcycles differ in:

  • Frame design
  • Frame-tube diameter and shape
  • Available mounting locations
  • Exhaust configuration
  • Engine and transmission placement
  • Body panels and fairings
  • Floorboards and foot controls
  • Engine guards
  • Suspension and ground clearance
  • Existing modifications and accessories

Consequently, compatibility cannot be guaranteed based only on a motorcycle’s manufacturer, model, or year.

Depending on the application, mounting may require:

  • Custom brackets
  • Additional adapters
  • Different mounting hardware
  • Welding or fabrication
  • Modification of existing components
  • Motorcycle-specific mounting solutions
  • Professional inspection and assistance

The buyer and installer are responsible for determining whether the motorcycle, sidecar, and mounting components are suitable for use together.

Which Motorcycles May Be Considered?

The XYZ Sidecars mounting kit is designed primarily for motorcycles with accessible round frame tubing between approximately 1 and 1¼ inches in diameter. It may be considered for projects involving motorcycles from manufacturers such as:

  • Harley-Davidson
  • Honda
  • Indian
  • BMW
  • Triumph
  • Yamaha
  • Kawasaki
  • Suzuki
  • Royal Enfield
  • Other manufacturers and custom builds

This list describes possible applications—not confirmed compatibility. Each motorcycle must be evaluated individually.

Information to Review Before Ordering

Before purchasing a mounting kit, collect as much information as possible about the motorcycle and sidecar.

Review or provide:

  • Motorcycle year, make, and model
  • Clear photographs of both sides of the motorcycle
  • Close-up photographs of accessible frame sections
  • Frame-tube shape and outside diameter
  • Sidecar make and model
  • Sidecar chassis photographs
  • Existing mounting points
  • Distance between possible connection locations
  • Exhaust placement
  • Floorboards, engine guards, and other accessories
  • Ground-clearance considerations
  • Existing modifications
  • Components already available for the project

Photographs can help with an initial discussion, but they may not reveal every structural or clearance issue. Direct inspection may still be necessary.

Mounting Kit Versus Individual Components

A complete mounting kit may be appropriate when beginning a new installation, restoring an older sidecar, replacing an existing mounting system, or assembling a custom project.

Individual mounting components may be more appropriate when:

  • Replacing one damaged or missing component
  • Modifying an existing mounting arrangement
  • Adding a particular strut or frame clamp
  • Completing a partially assembled system
  • Building a custom configuration with specific hardware needs

XYZ Sidecars offers the complete kit as well as selected individual clamps, struts, brackets, and pivot bolts. Browse the sidecar parts and accessories to compare the available options.

Before mixing components from different systems, have the complete arrangement evaluated for dimensions, construction, connection methods, and intended use.

Plan the Complete Sidecar Project

Purchasing the mounting hardware is only one part of a sidecar project. Before ordering, consider the motorcycle, sidecar, mounting components, installation work, alignment, and intended combined weight.

Questions to consider include:

  • Is the motorcycle appropriate for the proposed sidecar application?
  • Are suitable structural mounting locations available?
  • Does the frame tubing fall within the clamp’s stated range?
  • Are the included struts long enough for the proposed arrangement?
  • Will existing accessories create obstructions?
  • Could additional brackets or custom fabrication be required?
  • Who will inspect and complete the mounting work?
  • Does that person have experience with sidecars or custom motorcycle fabrication?
  • Are additional components likely to be needed?
  • How will the complete configuration be inspected before use?

Planning these details before purchasing can reduce the likelihood of ordering a kit that does not meet the project’s needs.

Installation and Alignment Considerations

Installation instructions and manuals are not included with the XYZ Sidecars universal mounting kit. Professional installation by someone experienced with motorcycle sidecars or custom fabrication is strongly recommended.

Proper mounting involves more than attaching the available hardware. The complete configuration requires evaluation of factors such as:

  • Mounting-point placement
  • Attachment strength
  • Fastener security
  • Ride height
  • Ground clearance
  • Sidecar wheel position
  • Toe-in
  • Motorcycle lean
  • Component clearance
  • Combined motorcycle, sidecar, passenger, and cargo weight
  • Final alignment and safe operation

These matters should be addressed by a qualified person who can inspect the motorcycle, sidecar, and mounting system directly. This article does not provide technical mounting or alignment instructions.

Questions to Ask Before Buying a Mounting Kit

Before ordering, ask:

  • Am I purchasing a complete sidecar, a complete mounting kit, or individual mounting components?
  • Have I reviewed everything included with the kit?
  • Does my motorcycle have accessible round frame tubing?
  • Have I measured the frame-tube diameter?
  • Have I identified possible obstructions around the proposed mounting areas?
  • Are the strut adjustment ranges appropriate for the project?
  • Has the sidecar chassis been evaluated with the motorcycle?
  • Could I need additional brackets, adapters, hardware, or fabrication?
  • Who will perform the mounting and setup?
  • Does that person have appropriate sidecar or fabrication experience?
  • Do I understand that “universal” does not mean direct fit?
  • Have I clarified any unanswered questions before ordering?

Explore Motorcycle Sidecar Mounting Components

The right mounting components depend on the motorcycle, sidecar chassis, available frame locations, measurements, and complete installation plan. A universal kit can provide a useful group of adjustable components, but every application must be evaluated individually.

Review the heavy-duty universal motorcycle sidecar mounting kit to see the current components, dimensions, and product photographs.

You can also browse motorcycle sidecars and sidecar parts and accessories. If you have questions before ordering, contact XYZ Sidecars with photographs and information about your motorcycle, sidecar, measurements, and proposed project.

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