Does anyone have an opinion on whether a 1985 Virago would or would not make a good sidecar tug?
My first rig was Virago 535 with Velorex. Nice unit, but best for local - not enough power for freeway safety. Buckhorn handlebars are not the best for steering. I am guessing a larger cc bike would be fine.. There are many wiser than I on this topic. Perhaps you could be more specific in your query.
Good Luck, gp
Thanks for the reply gp. There is a bike for sale in my area that I can buy for a good price and I am basically looking for a rig to build for local use. I have the talent to put one together but do not have the knowledge of bikes and sidecars that make or do not make good combinations. I have read this forum for a while now and see that most of the folks here are knowledgable and can give good advice. What I need to know right away is whether this 85 Virago is even capable of carrying a sidecar. I know that 700 cc is not a lot, but I don't plan on any trips with it. I once had a Honda 500 (20 some years ago)and took it on some long trips, but I would not do it now. I have not ridden in many years and feel that a sidecar rig would be the best idea for me now.
Ignatious:
First - Welcome to the world of sidecaring. I have been told that you can put a side on any rig, it just depends on how much time and money you want to spend. :)... My personal opinion is, providing the bike is mechanically sound, that the 700 would have enough power for what you want to do. How easy it will be to mount a sidecar is another consideration. I am sorry, but I do not know if the 700 has a front frame which would make for a simple 4 point mounting. ... Now, you know the extent of my expertise on these matters.. I do know that there are those out there who have viragos with sidecars. Perhaps they will chime in later today.
Once you get this issue resolved, and get your rig, you are really going to like this sidecaring stuff.. Hope you will soon be with three wheels. Good luck.. gp
p.s. Here is the site for friend Gust - He has a virago: http://home.thirdage.com/Retirement/gruby/
Powerwise you are OK with the 700cc or 1,100cc Viragos.
The Virago uses the motor as a stressed frame member so, like the post '69 Beemers it lacks a full perimeter frame which makes a sub-frame necessary for sidecar mounting.
I use a 5 point, three mount sub-frame that I fabricate on the bike for mounting the sidecar.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecar
We make a mounting kit for the 1100 and have them in stock.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporation
www.dauntlessmotors.com
It will make a decent tug within it's limits but, yes, needs a subframe. Biggest Downside? Those darn early model Virago starters!!
I have '92 750 Virago with a 200lb sidecar. It requires a subframe for the sidecar to attach to (4 point). I just started driving a rig last summer so by no means am I an expert. When the sidecar is empty, the bike does good at speeds under 60 mph. With 250 lb passenger, the bike has trouble but does OK. Windy and hills cause more trouble. It's a lot of fun to drive.
