This is my first posting on USCA. I’ve been active for a couple months on ISOK and SKUNKs. I’m posting my thoughts on using a 750 cc bike to pull a sidecar. I’ve seen the more experienced riders (I assume with 50,000 miles or more) advising nothing less than 1000 cc. I’ve got 3,000 miles with sidecar since Jul 24th. Before that, I had 600 miles solo. Went to Motorcycle Rider Safety Course (solo) in May. Hadn’t ridden a cycle since summer of 1969 went into the Marines the following winter. At 54 years old just had to scratch the itch. Was going only solo so bike was chosen to ride without a sidecar in mind - ’92 Yamaha Virago 750. It sits low and handlebars are raised and sloped back (26 in. wide). When I was a young man, 500cc and 750 cc were big bikes. Now they are considered small. I admit was intimated by 1000cc or greater. Not in my comfort level.
I contacted dealers and installers within 350 miles. Some didn’t even bother to respond; others, also, recommended 1000cc or greater. I read articles on how the Icons of the sidecar industry rode 750cc bikes with cars all over. I test rode a Gold Wing with a California Sidecar at a California dealer, bad experience. When giving it gas, pulled real hard to right. When letting off, pushed real hard to left. Normal driving tired my arms. I talked with an installer in Iowa who stated it’s all in how the rig is setup.
I trailered my bike down to this gentleman and after talking for a while, I was convinced you knew his stuff. His shop was much but he had a 750 cc Honda with an Ural and HD with a HD sidecar. He was putting a sidecar on a very small Kaw. He also got my attention when he told me I couldn’t drive the finished rig home. I had to trailer and then do a lot of practicing at home. THERE IS SO MUCH TO LEARN – IF YOU ARE NEW DON’T DRIVE THE RIG HOME. Find a big parking lot or a deserted country road to practice on. Don’t haul a passenger until you know what you are doing.
Are there times I wish I had a larger bike, yes. My rig with sub-frame weighs approx. 250 lbs. My mentally disabled son weighs 260 lbs. The bike has trouble maintaining 55 mph into a head wind or going uphill. It has the torque from 1st to 4th gear but nothing in 5th. I truly believe if I had gotten a bigger bike, I would have gotten myself into trouble. Right hand turns are scary when taken too fast. Deer crossing in front of you at night in the rain is scary. Your first car wasn’t a Corvette so why start out with a big bike.
Your comfort on the bike is important. The comfort of your passenger in the sidecar is important. I believe that torque is more important that speed. If you find the bike with a sidecar is lacking, you can downsize the sprocket (chain) or downsize rear tire (drive shaft). It’s said that you can change the bike’s front end for better steering and handling. There is electric or manual tilt for the sidecar to give better handling. I don’t have any on my Virago. Some experienced riders have taken my rig for a ride and they are impressed. It is very important to have an experienced/knowledgeable person do the installation and setup. It may save you money later.
My sidecar is a Bingham MK III – nothing fancy but my son gets a kick out of it. I figure in 2010, I’ll look at upgrading to something bigger bike wise. Till then, I’ll gain the experience and confidence needed to handle a sidecar.
Hi (I assume)"Troll"
I liked reading your post and laughed to myself when you said not to haul a passenger until you know what you are doing. My husband was sitting in the car during my firsr ever attempt with my first rig. Just as soon as I felt "not terrified", he did something that I never dreamed that he would do. As I was taking off from a stop light, he reached up and twisted the throttle open. Scared the he-- out of me! I didn't know what in the world I had done wrong (of course, I hadn't done anything wrong).
I don't know what size Goldwing or sidecar you test rode, but that does make a difference. I have the same sidecar on a 1500 Goldwing that I originally purchased attached to a 1200 Goldwing. I had that setup for four years and it wasn't bad, but with the 1500 it is soooo much easier to handle. But just a slight change in the air pressure in the shocks can make it almost unbearable to drive (for me). If you ride by yourself and you enjoy your rig, that's all that matters. I'm always trying to keep up with my husband and our riding buddies, so I have to be able to do interstate speeds. They still leave me behind, but usually wait for me to catch up somewhere down the road.
Connie
Connie,
I know what you mean about trying to keep up with others. My first ride with the SKUNKs (Side Kar Up North Klub) I was the smallest bike. It was Ok when I was behind the leader but after the first pit stop, I was asked to run in the back. My pipes are very loud. It hurt my ego trying to play catch up with the bigger bikes. I would rather my ego got hurt instead of some bones when my inexperience wouldn't measure up to the speed. Like I said before, when I'm comfortable, I will move up in size.
Or you can just fix your exhaust and we might let you lead the group. :0) I usually ask that I follow the group because I tend to have a heavy hand and need the group to help keep my speed down, but I value what little hearing I have left and won't follow somebody with loud pipes.
Nope, the pipes look new from previous owner and I'm not going to spend the money. So, I'll ignore my ego and run in the back by myself. Someday when I have my "go fast" bike, you guys can play catch up.
Here in Wisconsin altering the exhaust from stock carries a $175 fine. You might get the chance to spend the money before you want to. :0)
Originally written by SidecarMike on 9/5/2005 9:41 PM
Here in Wisconsin altering the exhaust from stock carries a $175 fine. You might get the chance to spend the money before you want to. :0)
tell that to the local police here in the Milwaukee area ,concerning almost every Harley on the street here.
I am Deaf, but can still feel the ear-splitting cracks from the straight pipes on them. we are in the process of getting kicked out of our '2 wheel tuesday' meeting place, because of them.
