I just switched my tug from '75 Honda CB750K to '71 BSA A65T with "big horn" handlebar. I like the latter much better. My sidecar is a used '91 Velorex 562. I didn't have to tweak anything on A65T and big horn handlebar gives me easier steering.
I am a complete novice sidecarist but I think switching between sidecar and solo is doable. It took 4 hours to do the tug switch above but that includes removing/attaching mount brackets and alignment. For the solo-sidecar switch, you can leave the mounts on the bike frame. So it's just 8 or so bolts to work on. Alignment shouldn't change that much between the switch.
As for the sidecar quality, I have to say my '91 Velorex is pretty basic. I am on budget and the sidecar was around $500 so I cannot complain.
I wish I had external access to the behind the seat trunk room because I use child safety seat for my 3 year old son.
Yesterday we were out on the rig and BSA engine had an ignition problem on the way home. We managed to limp back.
I wish I had the reliability of W650..
Well, I guess I will just have to do more than regular maintenance on the points for my BSA. LOL
Shigeo,
How's the kicking room with the Beezer?
On some setups the rear sliding Velo mount can raise H*** with one's ankle bone if your foot slips.
Lonnie
Hi Lonnie,
Yes. That is a pain. I already injured myself.
Fortunately, my BSA is usually a first or second kicker and I learned to get past the lower rear strut then kick.
Shigeo
Ouuuccccchhhhhhhh........
My bride and I are currently looking into taking a training course up in Virginia.
The W came with pretty wide bars that I switched to narrow bars to reduce the sail effect at speed. If/when I turn her into a hack, I'll put the wide bars back on and slow down a bit. Hopefully that will provide enough leverage for steerage so I do not need to resort to messing with the forks. We will see.
The W certainly is reliable and a better bike for gliding through the country side I have never known. Something about that engine with its flat torque curve and the bicycle like feel of the machine make it special.
The W also has a kick start ...... but there is a reliable little button on the handle bars should my ankles be in harms way.
It appears that the Ural side car would be easier to get in and out of than the Spyder or the Rocket. Am I right? Is there a down side to easier access?
I appreciate all the input. I feel like a sponge trying to soak all this in.
Dan
Beagleman, I'm 62 with arthritis in the upper body for over 20 years.Have a Yamaha Vstar 1100 with a Velorex sidecar and a popup trailer and can do 400 miles a day. No modification to anything. I carry #60 of ballast at all times ( took it out one time droped off the wife ane forgot it wasn't there had one H*^* of a ride ) I'm #170 the wife #130.
Henry
I had drag bar on my BSA. It was okay with sidecar. But that slowed down pace with stock "big horn" bar is priceless.
Hi Peter Pan!
Just joined yesterday,I have a Dnepr 2WD 800cc w/sidecar. You're right! getting the sidecar adjusted and alined is a pain,but what a difference.The brake adjustment is critical too.I found that out, had the sidecar brakes too tight,the drag really heated up the drum and pulled to the right.The Dnepr already has the gear down plus reverse so,I'm keeping everything hooked as one unit. I also have a '85 BMW R80 that I use just for a solo bike.I've been riding motorcycles since 1972,but this is my first bike with a sidecar.I just read about sidecar ballast,went and put a 50lb bag of sand behind the seat.What about a steering stabilizer? can I get one locally?I read somewhere about using one from a Volkswagon,did they mean a VW Beatle....Play hard & Ride Safe!...Steakmaker
Just ol' Bob's opinion but I think that either an old Spirit of America (in their many incarnations) or the new Texas Ranger is an almost perfect match in size and asthetically for the W650. Kinda wanted to put one together my own self. [If I could just buy a good Lotto ticket i could actually build ALL of them rigs I'd like to try.]
