This is an open letter to all of the readers: What do you consider the best motorcycle, 1995 or newer or older if you really think so, for attaching a sidecar?
I have a R1200C Montauk with Champion Escort that I really like, 8500 miles the first year, but I would like more power so it is not a 4th gear road rig and will run a bit faster than it does now.
I appreciate your input and feedback, and I think others will also.
Thanks for participating.
Gosh Jim. Horses for courses! *Any* motorcycle looks good with the right sidecar on it. I'd also bet that any sidecar pilot would like more power! I love my BMW R1100RT/EZS rig - but I'd like more power. I could have gone with a K bike of some description, but I realy like the twin so...
The BMW K bikes make a lot of power, I haven't heard many people complain about a laok of power with their Goldwings, but I haven't asked. The Suzuki Bandit makes a lot of power. The V-Max is a brute! Some of the new Triumphs looks like they have lots of muscle. A lot of it just depends on what you want to hang off the side and what you want to do with it.
After better than 20,000 miles with the Valkyrie, I still think it's the best tug I've owned. Before this I had a 1200cc Aspencade, an XS850 Yamaha, an XS1100 Yamaha, a TourGlide, a Road King, a Bicentennial Classic, and an old 45ci. None of them pulled as well or were as comfortable. I'd like to try a new BMW or 1800 Goldwing, but I don't think I'd give up the Valkyrie to do it.
I did get the chance to ride a Valkyrie Rune. I think it would make a fantastic puller. First I have to win the Lottery.
I took a ride on a friends Honda vtx 1800 last week. Incredible power and so much torque. Didn't like his choice of sidecar but I am looking at buying the same bike. I have researched the specs on the bike and the aftermarket equipment that covers comfort and more power. Now I'm working on which sidecar?
Happy shopping,
G.
shoot - A Valkyrie - that's a 'wing without most of the plastic, right? (disclaimer - My RT has lots of plastic too!)
Yup! Very little plastic and the gas tank is really a gas tank.
It also has four more carburetors and bigger cams, so it's a bit thirstier, I seldom get over 25mpg which is why I've been looking at bigger fuel capacity. :0)
What's this stuff got to do with pulling a boat?
I have been deleting the thread, thinking he wants to pull a boat, on a trailer. like Troy, in Wis does.
I know someone with a vtx1800/hannigan.. Very nice looking outfit. 🙂
I am running a vtx1300. They have quite a bit of torque also. Unlike sidecarmike, I get a little better mileage. Average about 34 mpg, unless I am doing a long day of 80 uphill with a headwind, then its down to 24... 🙂 Happy hunting! .. gp
Yeah, that's my problem. I like going 80 into the wind. Seriously, my typical ride is 28 miles to work, half of it Interstate, running ten minutes late.
I hear ya. Some days it just seems like I am doing 80 into the wind, and I am not even on my rig! 🙂 Safe riding to you.. gp
A twin engined v max with four tubo chargers on it. Gee I thought everyine knew that.
Seriously, there are many great tugs out there. You can never have too much power for a sidecar rig it has been said...I do tend to agree.
Valkaries are hard to beat..K bikes are good as are many others. Tough question with many answers.
I like chocolate ice cream ..some don't.
Thanks to all who replied. Like Richard Petty once said, "there is nothing like cubic inches", or something like that. I looked at the VTX 1300 and 1800 before buying the R1200C. A friend also recommended the VTX, especially as the 1800 was not selling well a year ago and you could buy it for almost the same as the 1300. Hell I own two Hondas, an Accord and a Ridgeliner. Maybe should have followed by wallet rather than my heart. Low end is where it really is at. The beemer runs nice at 4K, but it would also be nice to have something that ran nice at 3K or even less at highway speeds. The K Light Truck is an option, but if you look at the hp and torque curves they are way out there on the rpm line. I guess I am going back to google to find the wing, VTX and maybe the big Triumph torgue curves. I love my rig, and it does it's thing. But if I ever do want to tow that "boat", I really do need more umph to the rear wheel. Again, Thanks for the responses.
Jim
I've just put an article in the March/April issue of The Sidecarit about Ruko, a German sidecar maker. They do a lot of rigs with Hayabusas. That's a lot of grunt... http://ruko-fahrzeugtechnik.de/ They have some wild looking rigs. Enjoy
Originally written by Bob in Wis on 2/3/2006 9:48 AM
What's this stuff got to do with pulling a boat?
I have been deleting the thread, thinking he wants to pull a boat, on a trailer. like Troy, in Wis does.
and twin turbo v max lol one is enough
stacy
at least for the trailer
thought i was going to put a pic of trailer behind the v max gues i cant
My choice would have to be the 2.3 Triumph - they have built almost 1000 units and I heard there is a used on in Houston I may be looking at.
Yes - you need BIG and this is the biggest today.
Tomorrow???
