I have a Honda VTX 1800 with a Dnepr sidecar. I am planning on a trip to Colorado late July returning to Spokane via Sturgis in August. What should I know for a long trip with the hack? It has the original spoked wheel and tire, should I change it to an american wheel and tire? I have had the rig for over a year and feel very comfortable riding it, so just looking for general info/advice.
Originally written by FAADave on 7/3/2007 2:15 PM
I have a Honda VTX 1800 with a Dnepr sidecar. I am planning on a trip to Colorado late July returning to Spokane via Sturgis in August. What should I know for a long trip with the hack? It has the original spoked wheel and tire, should I change it to an american wheel and tire? I have had the rig for over a year and feel very comfortable riding it, so just looking for general info/advice.
If you feel comfortable riding it, leave it alone. Unless it has given you reason to mistrust that original wheel, I'd say you will be fine. Check the spokes and the bearings, as you would do with any bike before a trip, and save your money for Sturgis. Seems like every time I've been there things cost twice as much as the time before. :0)
Dave, I have done quite a bit of touring on various bikes, including the sidecars.
I think you are correct re: spoke wheels. Several years ago I got a flat on my Road King 2,000 miles from home. It also had spke wheels.
1st, tubes go flat immediately, scary as hell as speed (not like a tubeless which usually loose air slowly).
2nd, No way to plug or temporarily fix it. Was on a Sunday. Had to have it towed, then pay retail on Tuesday for the local Harley dealer to replace both tire and tube (they refused to re use the tire also).Cost about $600 plus 2 days, plus motel, etc.
When I finally got home I changed to cast wheels with tubeless tires,
I realize lots of folks ride lots of miles on tubes, however, I wouldn't do it if I have a choice.
Other than that, take a cell phome and American Express, real rain gear, and have fun.
Nothing more fun that touring with a hack.
.
greg
Hi Dave,
I think I might have seen you yesterday on I-90. We were headed east down Sunset Hill and saw a rig that might have been you headed west. If you're ever out Reardan way give a shout. 796-4850. You wouldn't by any chance be the FAA guy with the Farmall M for sale?
Thanks for all the advice. I feel better now and will enjoy my trip to it's fullest.
It might have been me on Sunset hill. My VTX is orange with a black Dnepr. I go through Reardan sometimes to visit my dad in Loon lake. Will be heading there probably Thursday or Friday depending on schedules. I'll give you a call.
If you have a concern about the tube tires carry a spare tube along and maybe learn how to change the tire yourself. That alone could give you some peace of mind that may take the edge off.
Yes, tubless tires have an advantage in many ways but even they can throw a person a curve from time to time.
Do your best to prepare for the worst and then hopw for the best. If a glitch comes up take it in stride and try and count i tas part of the adventure. After all if everthing went perfet all th etime we woudl have very few 'rememebr the time ' stories right?
As a sidenote many sidecarist do carry a small scissors jack as a rule. These are quite compact and can be sourced at a junkyard pretty cheap.
No concerns with the tube. The jack is a great idea and I have an extra, so thanks, (I never even thought of it). I also have progressive insurance on both bikes, with roadside assistance, which according to my policy pays pretty good, tows, first hour of labor etc. I have two VTX's. One was the wifes then she left me, and the bike. I wish I could remember what she looked like.
Tube and extra long tire irons. 3 is better than 2 IMO.
Also, leave the AmEx home and take either Visa or Mastercard. VERY FEW smaller town merchants accept AmEx cards.
Pack lots of Gatorade.
Actually, there are better sports drinks... check on a running
website for reviews of them.
Water is okay, but too much water will dehydrate you.
That sounds backwards, but apparantly too much water
can flush the electrolytes out of your system and cause
something like dehydration. Good sports drinks have the
right electrolytes to keep you safe in extreme heat,
which you will probably see a fair amount of.
Take some type of shade in case you break down in the
middle of nowhere and there are no trees to hide under.
Enjoy the trip, and report back with pictures!
Thanks again. Just added umbrella and folding chair to my list of needs for the trip. I want to be comfortable during my stay in Colorado with relatives. I have added a GIVI trunk to the back of the sidecar so I have plenty of storage with saddle bags and all.
Don't forget rain gear. You will almost certainly hit thunderstorms. Don't go under trees for cover and remember to get off the road in the open areas in a Thunderstorm. You are not protected from lightning as you are in an automobile. In effect, you are a lightning rod.
Lonnie
Definitely.
And keep in mind an umbrella makes a good lightning rod, so if you
do try to shelter out of the rain, you'll want an overpass or a Pub.
I remember in Alabama.. 2:30 it would get cloudy, 4:00 fantastic
thunderstorms, 5:30 clear, sunny and steam rising from the pavement.
I miss those thunderstorms.
FAADave. Just a thought. The OEM tire on that Dneper may have a rather low sustained speed rating. Given the heat, and my own tendency to start running with the fast crowd on long trips, potential tire failure may need to be considered. I went that way from St. Louis to the BMW MOA International rally in Spokane. Some heat, some cold, some rain, some hail, but man--what a ride! Wish I was going with you. Enjoy!
K1100LT/EZS R1100GS/Ural
Hey FAA Dave, if ya don't have a place to stay in Sturgis try Iron Horse Camground, don't need a resv. 'bout $85.00-$90.00 to camp for the whole rally, or daily rates, look for the Harley sidecar with FLAMES, Doc.
Originally written by David on 7/5/2007 7:13 AM
Hey FAA Dave, if ya don't have a place to stay in Sturgis try Iron Horse Camground, don't need a resv. 'bout $85.00-$90.00 to camp for the whole rally, or daily rates, look for the Harley sidecar with FLAMES, Doc.
DAVE,
Don't park behind Doc he AIN'T KIDDING about the flames 🙂
