Hello all,
I am thinking about getting a sidecar but I have never ridden a motorcycle (just envy open air cruising). I drive a 5-speed car so I have some experience/knowledge of manual shifting, if that matters at all.
With some research, it seems I can either get a pre-built sidecar like Ural or buy a custom sidecar, i.e., a motorcycle with a sidecar installed.
There are pros and cons for both. Cost is also (isn't it always) a concern too. Please advise. I am in Southern CA but have not seen many sidecars here except, of course, lots of motorcycles.
Thanks,
jzwu
You are right next door to one of the top sidecarists in the country, Doug Bingham. Stop by or call his shop, Sidestrider, Inc. located at 15838 Arminta St. Unit 25 in Van Nuys, CA.
Ph. 818-780-5542
He will gladly show you many options to fit your sidecaring needs.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecar
You are right. I actually called Doug last week but I need to talk with him more on this.
Also, I am looking for something used. New rigs are out of my budget now.
jzwu
I found a reasonably priced motocyle locally. It is a 2003 Suzuki LS650P Savage.
Anyone knows a good used sidecar for this motorcycle?
A Velorex, Sputnik or Jupiter would be a good match for this bike(not a complete list by any means). The old style Velorex, with the rounded submarine nose would be really pretty on a Savage. All these rigs come up used and fairly cheap. Weak points can be the axles and mounting hardware(especially on the the Velorex) and spokes and wheels(especially on the Jupiter/Sputnik). These issues may or may not be a problem for you but can be easily remedied.
Plan to spend some money on the mounting hardware and seriously consider paying someone like Doug to mount it for you, even if you buy used. It will be worth the extra money spent to have someone with more experience set it up initially.
VW
Thanks for the advice!
Although I've been sidecaring for 10-11 years now, I certainly don't consider myself an expert nor am I very skilled with wrenching -- but -- here's a suggestion others may not offer. You should have the person who will be you typical hack rider get in and out of the sidecar you're considering. They're a breeze for the typical ten-year old, but can be really tough for, say, a person with disabilities or a 70 year old senior.
Just another factor to consider.
Ron
Originally written by RonC on 4/4/2006 4:45 AM
Although I've been sidecaring for 10-11 years now, I certainly don't consider myself an expert nor am I very skilled with wrenching -- but -- here's a suggestion others may not offer. You should have the person who will be you typical hack rider get in and out of the sidecar you're considering. They're a breeze for the typical ten-year old, but can be really tough for, say, a person with disabilities or a 70 year old senior.
Just another factor to consider.
Ron
That is an excellent point!
You might want to check out all of the advertisers/manufacturers at www.hackd.com....there are links to their pages there. Do your homework and ask LOTS of questions. Because the budget/and safety is the key. It sounds like you are on the right track though.
Chris, HACK'd Editor
www.hackd.com
Well, I talked with Doug from sidestrider.com, which is about 30 miles from me. He was very nice and helpful.
Now here is the question, I am looking at 2 local used bikes to install a Velorex 700 on, the 2004 Honda Shadow Aero 750 or the 2003 Suzuki Savage 650.
Which one is a better fit for the Velorex? Seems to me the Suzki, at about 350 lbs, is a little too light for the 170 lbs Velorex, while the Honda is 530 lbs.
I'll let others comment on which bike is a better match, but I have had a Velo 700. It's an "acquired taste" in terms of looks. The big trunk is nice and the tilt nose makes entry and exit pretty easy.
Best wishes,
Ron
BTW - my 700 was on an ol' '78 Yamaha 500.
Exactly, I like the look of Velorex 700 more than the 562/565. All is a personal taste.
How is your Yamaha running with the 700? It has a 500cc engine, right?
The 750 would probably be the best tug. The extra 100 ccs will make a difference when you hit the highway.
The Suzi 650 is a strong puller for a single though and does make a good sidecar tug.
Lonnie
Actually, I "traded up" to a Suzuki 1400 with a California sidecar. BUT, the ol' '700 is somewhere in the mountains of Idaho and from what I last heard is doing well. The buyer sent me some great pictures of it up in "the hills." I've forgotten what bike he's using it on.
Best wishes,
Ron
We have a Ride by Side-now Texas standard on our 650 Savage. Lots of fun without a passenger. Add a passenger and it needs some downshifting to maintain highway speed. Just don't forget that with a sidecar you don't have to be able to hold the bike up, you can just jump on and ride - and bigger is always better.
