A couple of questions

New to sidecar riding this spring. I've found so far you just kind of watch and plan a little ahead. I have Valkyrie I/S with Motorvation Formula II. Backing into
parking spots not that difficult. Good luck. There is a wealth of info available here.

Batwing Harley with a Champion Escort, no reverse, just plan ahead, look at where you park, and haven't had too many problems with pushing from the saddle when needed.

Most hackers park for an easy escape or just push back with the left foot. If all else fails and no monkey is present they hop off and push. No balance problems are encountered as with a solo bike. Some others have bikes for which a reverse option is available.
The Versys isn't the best candidate for a hack. Due to the frame configuration a somewhat complex sub-frame fabrication may be needed.

Lonnie

Backing is no different than a solo bike. Gravity is your friend. If level, use your feet and no problem. If a grade, use gravity to either back in or nose in, so that when your ready to leave you are facing the correct direction.

jb7 - 7/18/2010 8:51 AM

Hello,

New to the forum but have been interested in sidecars for quite some time. My first question concerns manipulating a sidecar rig that does not have reverse. For instance if you needed to back up to the curb or into a parking space. Is it common practice to hop off the bike and push the rig into position, or do you guys just try to plan ahead and not get yourselves in to those types of situations. Second question. Has anyone out there put a sidecar on a Kawasaki Versys. I like the looks of the Motorvation Spyder, but the Versys has a pretty unique frame. Any help would be appreciated.

I was concerned about this also and found it to be a non-issue. The rig rolls easily as long as you are not trying to push it uphill. It is actually easier to push it backwards out of a parking spot than it was to push the bike alone backwards:))

I try to park "uphill" -- that is, pull-up into a parking spot, or back-down into a parking spot.

What I want to know is why the average person who may never have seen a sidecar before will almost invariably say "Gee, that's nice but does it have a reverse? "

On my 2 goldwings,I say yes but the harley I say yes...yabbadabdo

I get asked more if the sidecar lifts when making a LEFT turn.

Lonnie

My rig has a reverse but a few burnt knuckles convinced me to use it sparingly. I have been parking for an easy escape and it is really not that hard. I get the left turn car lift question a s well.

Odd, never been asked that... first.Does that have air.Then do u have reverse, then How different is it than a reg motorcycle.

Burnt knuckles?
I had the same problem with the Champion reverse.
The AIM reverse doesn't cause that problem. That's what I'm using now.

Lonnie

All I'm curious about is if one decided to have a reverse gear on their rig
is this a self install job or would one have to pay to have it installed also
noticed a 6 speed tranny in your pic. Lonnie is this an easy install also and
why 6 instead of 5 ? I'll admit there are times when I'm riding and after I
shift into 5th I'm thinkin' man if I had another gear...lol. How's cruising
with 6th and sidecar as opposed to only 5...? Just curious...=)

The MAMBA reverse is an easier install than the Champion and you don't shorten any tranny shafts with it.
If one is handy with tools and can do some of their own wrenching while following instructions it can be a self installation. If not, leave it to a qualified bike mechanic.
We have AIM MAMBA 5 and 6 speed reverse kits for HD big twins from 1987 to 2010.

The 6th speed available since '07 works as an overdrive. As long as you have power to maintain a speed of 50mph or above it is a gas saver. I find I'm no longer searching for that next gear as I used to with a 5 speed gearbox.

Attached:
Champion (handburner with glue on gear).
MAMBA (economy kit) 2 piece mill finish.
MAMBA (premium kit) monoblock chrome finish.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars