Advice please

In most states (not all) you will need to get a motorcycle license to be able to drive a sidecar rig. That means you'll probably end up getting a two wheel license whether you want one or not. Some states have special licenses for three wheels and some only require a car license. Check the laws in your state. NB- IF you have a special need, you can take your test with your sidecar rig in every state by invoking the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I guess in the end all that means "it depends" and you need to tell us what state you are in.

I live in Texas. I don't mind getting another license. I am curious to know if it is better starting out with or without a sidecar or if doesn't matter.

We need more info. it doesn't matter which way you start out. If you liked the solo bike that is the way to start,you can always add a cart. If you like the Urai and if it comes with a car give it a try you can always take it off. As far as the best way to start is up to you. they are not the same, a solo is more like a bicycle and the other is more like a car. Either way it is fun. Good luck.

Get the sidecar and get some lessons, you will pick how to operate a sidecar faster then someone who learned on a 2 wheeler, make a real effort to practice right hand turns, the chair will sometimes lift and you really need to know how to handle this situtation, find a big parking lot and practice practice practice, like anything new you have to learn how to do it and use it in the proper fashion.

Ted

You are in luck. There is sidecar training in Texas (though you still may be a long way from it). You can try it out before you make your decision.

Look here: http://www.sidecar.com/Maps/texas.htm

You can also do a "try before you buy" by taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class or the Harley Riders Edge program, both offered in Texas.

In most cases, rigs or cycles are supplied as are helmets and sometimes even gloves. You will need to check what the local providers offer.

Cost of these classes can range from 50 bucks to 200 bucks or so, which is still a cheap way to give it a go and help you make up your mind about how you want to proceed.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Where do you live in Texas? Storm's is a dealership in Grand Prairie.

I wouldn't recommend someone start with a 2 wheel bike and then go to a sidecar rig, myself. More things to unlearn by doing that, although many at this site probably did start out that way in their motorcycle riding history. Maybe you got the dough to buy a solo bike and do that, but I don't think everyone does. The Ural is a complete, dedicated sidecar rig.

Texas doesn't require a special license for a sidecar at this point. However, you will have to have a motorcycle license. Although you don't have to take a class to get a motorycle license, the cost of doing so isn't all that cheap. Not a lot of sidecar training classes in Texas, so I'd venture to bet you will be doing a "learn as you go approach."

Do some real research on the Ural before you settle on that make. They have come a long, long way in the past few years when it comes to durability, dependability and service. To avoid potential buyer's remorse though, be sure to know the limitations of the Ural and set your expectations accordingly. If you are wanting speed for superslabs and such, then the Ural is not your dream ticket to punch. A lack of a great dealership network throughout the country and inability to keep parts in stock with all vendors is probably some of the biggest problems with the machine, but more and more, the overall reliability of the bike itself is improving.

I got one and I love it. Not fully broken in, but working on that. I didn't expect them to drop the Troyka model though, but nothing is forever.
If you live close to Storm's in Grand Prairie, then go see Ken and have him talk you through the goodies about owning a Ural.
Huey
'05 Troyka