Very interesting and educational thread,thanks to all.
Before we installed my rig I read Kendall's sidecar info until I understood the physics of it, especially tipover lines. and made up my own mind.
My Valkyrie has a luggage rack in place of the coriders seat. It can be interchanged with the coriders seat which I still have. I do not intend to do so.
Very simply, I won't have anyone ride behind me. My wife never rode with me when it was two wheeling and that's why I'm Solo1. I see no reason to change, especially now, and especially now since I consider myself a novice sidecariist and will do so for some time.
If I need to transport three people, I have a real nice CRV.
The choice, for me, is easy.
Wayne
Originally written by solo1 on 7/31/2007 7:50 AM
Very interesting and educational thread,thanks to all.
Before we installed my rig I read Kendall's sidecar info until I understood the physics of it, especially tipover lines. and made up my own mind.
My Valkyrie has a luggage rack in place of the coriders seat. It can be interchanged with the coriders seat which I still have. I do not intend to do so.Very simply, I won't have anyone ride behind me. My wife never rode with me when it was two wheeling and that's why I'm Solo1. I see no reason to change, especially now, and especially now since I consider myself a novice sidecariist and will do so for some time.
If I need to transport three people, I have a real nice CRV.The choice, for me, is easy.
Wayne
I think your wife will enjoy riding in the SC very much! mine loves it!
it is so much more comfy and convenient. no worries about cotinuously hanging on, looking AT THE BACK OF MY HELMET ALL DAY, OR AROUND IT, she can read, doze, stretch out whenever she wants, and still is out in the air like on 2 wheels, feeling the temp changes,getting the fresh smells, ETC.
seeing that she never rode behind you, take it easy when she is in the car, so as not to spook her..nice slow driving, easy turns,ETC. gradually you can turn up the volume so to speak, as both of you get more experience.
My fault Bob. I didn't say and no apologies needed but my wife died 5 years ago at age 68 of many things including she was very overweight.
When I bought the Spyder, I bought it for two purposes, to relieve my knees of holding up 800 pounds and to hold luggage. The car is too small for the average size person to ride in today. So I remain Solo1.
I most certainly wish that I could look back on many happy riding days with my wife, but at 79 years old I just have to accept that my three sons occasionally ride with me on their Valkyries and Pacific Coast.
Finding a lady at my age as active as I try to be and liking motorcycles, is hard to do.
wayne
Originally written by solo1 on 7/31/2007 10:29 AM
My fault Bob. I didn't say and no apologies needed but my wife died 5 years ago at age 68 of many things including she was very overweight.
When I bought the Spyder, I bought it for two purposes, to relieve my knees of holding up 800 pounds and to hold luggage. The car is too small for the average size person to ride in today. So I remain Solo1.I most certainly wish that I could look back on many happy riding days with my wife, but at 79 years old I just have to accept that my three sons occasionally ride with me on their Valkyries and Pacific Coast.
Finding a lady at my age as active as I try to be and liking motorcycles, is hard to do.wayne
No apologies needed, Solo.
Sorry for your loss, even tho it is way behind in time.
Keep looking...they are out there!!
Bob wrote:
urban legends can go just the opposite also..... IE...
'We've gone miles and miles two up without a mishap!!"
dont mean S***...please dont encourage new riders to practice unsafe riding techniques..
Don't get your panties in a bunch, Bob! I'm not encouraging novices to use unsafe techniques by answering a question with facts.
Some combos can handle three up with the proper mix of machine, riders and weight distribution. This is fact. Many can't. Another fact.
I'm not suggesting you can take a Valkyrie/Spirit Eagle rig or a GL1800/Cozy outfit and 2 large adults hop on the bike and toss the toddler into the boat for a quick run down "Deals Gap". No way.
Some cyclists can drag their knees in a fast turn. This is fact.
Thinking that I am endorsing this type of activity? That is fantasy.
If we all "left it at that", as you suggest, we'd still be a flat earth culture.
Many believe that any motorcycle is unsafe. Much less an asymetrical machine such as a sidecar.
Like any motorsport sidecaring should be approached with as much knowledge as can be gleaned from past and present participants and observers. From that point most will be able to make an educated choice as to what fits in with their desired level of participation. Some will play conservatively, some the middle road and some will seek the extreme. Think "Boss Hoss" or "Hayabusa" combos or "Moles". It's called "Personal choice".
(
BTW, many "Safety Guru's" have died from cancer from smoking cigarettes.)
My personal motto is: "Moderation, and lots of it!"
Last Sunday I rode my rig 20 miles in 101F temperature to play some pool. No helmet, wearing shorts, tee and sneakers. (My Avatar "Leathers")
I've had painful bike accidents and don't recommend this kind of behavior for any sane person under 75 years old. No passengers were at risk at any time.
Don't try this at home!
Lonnie
my reply wasnt aimed at you , Lonnie, you seem to have a good grasp on the SC safety issues.
I too ride in very hot wether with Tee, shorts, and sneakers, but always a helmet.within a 10 mile limit.
what I meant to imply was that newbies should not be encouraged to use unsafe SC techniques.
I am just telling them that a pillion rider is not a good idea..AT ALL!
later, it is their choice.... whatever they want to do.
A lot of newbies purchase SC;s for the sole purpose of tossing the wife on the back and kid in the SC...they have to know it is not a good iodea ,,at all.
I am just telling that to them.
A little OT- Don't assume all the old babes are crocheting doilies or weeding a garden.
I bought a GL 1800 w/SC/Trlr with the intent of riding as a family. I have been riding since '72, but am fairly new with the SC. Our daughter is a toddler and my wife enjoys riding behind me. Our daughter (I'm an older parent) wears a helmet, seatbelts and has been on one short (about 1 hr) ride in the side car alone. Seemed to feel very comfortable. I have received many disapproving comments (from non-bikers)and a few encouragements from others. We love her with all our heart and go to any extreme to protect her from harm. Is asking her to experience the same joy we do with the bike being a little selfish? I have read the info on 2-up with a hack and understand the vast handling difference of the bike with the sidecar. Knowing that, extra caution is always prevelent.
Originally written by Haystack on 8/10/2007 4:01 PM
I bought a GL 1800 w/SC/Trlr with the intent of riding as a family. I have been riding since '72, but am fairly new with the SC. Our daughter is a toddler and my wife enjoys riding behind me. Our daughter (I'm an older parent) wears a helmet, seatbelts and has been on one short (about 1 hr) ride in the side car alone. Seemed to feel very comfortable. I have received many disapproving comments (from non-bikers)and a few encouragements from others. We love her with all our heart and go to any extreme to protect her from harm. Is asking her to experience the same joy we do with the bike being a little selfish? I have read the info on 2-up with a hack and understand the vast handling difference of the bike with the sidecar. Knowing that, extra caution is always prevelent.
In this case, unless the hack is very heavy, I would suggest your wife and daughter share the hack. Remember, when you are going down the road you want the sidecar to weigh at least 1/3 of what the fully laden bike weighs.
Hello Haystack,
French Jewell has a real two seater where I could sit beside a real full size lady without even touching her shoulder And the tiny small lady who drove said handling was perfect with her 850 Motoguzzi allthough the 1,95m width (size of a car), Would be very great for you 3.
I used to participate in Germany at the 2 yearly SC meetings at an internate for mentally retardened kids. They loved it so greatly that they talk all year about it and it became part of the doctors therapy!
If your daughter enjoys it, continue! It makes her life worth liveing!
That is much better then escapeing with your wife and feeling bad about her.
Best regards
Sven Peter Pan
