Well, after driving around for a few weeks I have come to realize the sidecar I bought is unsafe. The wheel is unable to be tightened, the floor pan bends when my 80lb kid steps in, etc.
The dealer has agreed to take it back and I will be without a sidecar again. It's sad, because my kids really like the experience, but it'll probably be next year when I can get another one. I'll probably buy a dedicated rig such as a Royal Enfield or a BMW because I like that style.
Thanks for all of your inout and see you next year!
What kind of sidecar was it?
It was an Indian made brand. I don't want to write anything negative about a specific brand, because it may be this particular sidecar which had quality issues. The dealer is being accountable, and that is all I can ask at this point
When you are ready to do this again, I suggest going with a made in the USA sidecar with dedicated bike specific mounts, Our company or any of the other made in the USA companies should be able to help you.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
If you look around you can find 2-3 rigs or sidecars in your area. And it will be lot less $$$.
Thanks,
my dream bike is still an old BMW with a Steib car, but I haven't won the lotto yet. I really like the nostalgic look of the Enfields, or anything old for that matter. I don't see a lot of those up for sale within my budget
I would look for a Triumph Bonneville. Much better bike then the Enfield and they make great sidecar bikes, we build a lot of these with our M72D, or the new less expensive M72B. We also make triple tree's to lower the steering effort with the sidecar. The Bonneville has the look of an old bike but the power, reliability and brakes of a new bike and used as they have been around for a while now their prices are getting to be quite good.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
b5rider - 8/5/2014 5:08 PM
Thanks,
my dream bike is still an old BMW with a Steib car, but I haven't won the lotto yet. I really like the nostalgic look of the Enfields, or anything old for that matter. I don't see a lot of those up for sale within my budget[/QUOTELook for Japanese bikes and you will not need to buy lotto...
I will, thanks
I have a 75 CB550 as a tow rich right now and if I find a sidecar that will look good next to it, it will be pretty easy to mount
When we do the CB550 we use the same "kit" that we make for the CB750. The key to this is we replace the center stand with a mount that goes under the exhaust pipe. By doing this the lower rear mount does not end up higher then the lower front mount as when the lower rear mount is higher then the lower front mount when you change your lean out you end up changing your toe setting the wrong way. Such that if you are fine tuning a pull to the right you would lean the bike to the left which with the lower rear higher then the lower front causes less toe and as such can cause more pull to the right making it hard to find the "sweet" spot where every thing works well.
We like using early Spirit Eagle sidecars on these bikes, they are cheap and look nice.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
I don't know where you are located but here is an example of a CB550 with a Spirit Eagle sidecar for sale in Houston, TX.
http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/4601273052.html
In 78, I had a friend in Oregon who had a 4 cyl. 400cc Honda with a breathed on engine carrying one of those Spirit Eagles.
He had lots of sidecar experience and had raced sidecars in California in the sixties so he knew how to set it up.
I was riding an SR 5oo in those days as a solo bike and had to work to stay up with him if he decided to push it.
jm76 - 8/6/2014 12:48 PM
I don't know where you are located but here is an example of a CB550 with a Spirit Eagle sidecar for sale in Houston, TX.
That's a nice setup. Too bad I'm in California
jm76 - 8/6/2014 12:48 PM
I don't know where you are located but here is an example of a CB550 with a Spirit Eagle sidecar for sale in Houston, TX.
That's a nice setup. Too bad I'm in California
Check with freedom sidecars. Claude has a sort of stieb look a like. Has one on a triumph that looks sharp. Check with texas sidecars, Bob makes some nice cars,
J.R.
Sec.
Tex. rep.
