Some time ago I was having problems holding the Wing up at stoplights in 2-Wheel mode and real problems parking it backing in or out even with the help of the reverse.
At the start of this problem I didn’t know exactly why the bike was becoming such a Pig to handle. Yes I do ride in 2-Wheel Mode and with the increase in fuel prices over the past couple of years have found myself leaving the Sidecar off most of the time, till lately that is
Well it isn’t the bike but my back that is causing the problems. It turns out that a section of the Hardware between L4 and S1 fractured at the head of a Pedicle Screw along with more slippage of L5 over S1 which is causing lots of problems including Pain and Muscle Control. After 11 years something has gone wrong with the area that was stabilized by those Rods and Bolts, either the bone has started dissolving or some other factor put an overload on the Pedicle Screw causing it to separate. In any case the logical thing to do would be to simply remove the broken parts and install new ones, perhaps along with a pair of metal disc replacements to further stabilize the area. The problem is that the Ortho tells me that they simply don’t ever remove broken hardware so there is no option to re-install it and stabilize the spine. Having positive tests for grade 1 Multiple Myeloma makes me think that the problem may be related to that, not a pleasent thought but not unexpected
All of this has left me with several problems for long term MC use.
The primary one is easily corrected by keeping the Sidecar bolted up as I have had to do for the past month or so or drop the bike when my leg lets go.
Along with the loss of muscle control comes the PAIN and a need to get out of the riding position that the Wings Cylinder Heads force. Yes I do have Hi-way Pegs and they help some but there are no control options for them and I need to get both the Footrest and Controls further forward.
I did have some hopes that the new Japanese built Wings would be a V4/V6 or some other engine configuration that would allow for more forward controls. Now that the new Wing may in fact be pushed back for another year or two I can’t wait for a look at what may be some time in the too far distant future for me.
So in the near future the Wing must go if I am going to be able to ride in any degree of comfort even with a Sidecar to help hold it up at a stop.
In my sights have been the Triumph Rocket III Touring and now the new Voyager 1700.
I have ruled out the Rocket III as an option due to its 500 watt alternator at normal cruising speeds. There just isn’t enough power there to run all the accessories we use with the Sidecar and Winter Heated Clothing. If a larger alternator could be fitted the Rocket would make a good “Tug” but being built inside the cases and oil cooled there is no option there.
I do, or did, enjoy riding the ’03 Dyna with its forward controls but having lost the ability to reliably hold it up anymore it is out of the option too.
That leaves the new Voyager 1700 as a good option for my use. It has a Steel Frame for secure Sidecar Use and no more accessories than I want with the built in ability to add the few extra ones I do want. It even comes with built in Heated Clothing Outlets and a control for an I-Pod in place of the clunky CD player we have now. There is even room in the Trip Trunk for both of our full coverage helmets. While the new V-Twin 1700 is kinda like a HD in looks it does have a modern Water Cooled OHC engine with as much torque as the Wing has without having to add a Stage 3 kit which makes the HD more of a problem than its worth which is why it isn’t on my Wish List. One concern with the New Voyager is the Alternator, which is half way between the Rocket III and our ’01 Wing at 700 watts. However after looking at the whole package it is doable with modern LED lights replacing the heavy load of the incandescent bulbs that make up a major load on the Wing. The Single Headlight gave me some pause to start with but then after looking at the Driving Lights n
This may seem an odd reply and I don't know what you have alrady tried, so don't get upset if I mention something that has already been done by you or considered by you.
Your main problem may not be solved by a power change only. Bad ergonomics may be more the problem than the power of the machine. Not simply the ergonomics of the seat, but how far the handlebars are away from you, as well as foot pedals and any controls that require movement or positioning. A change in the seat may do some to help, but looking at all variances that place any undue stress on your body will likely be the actual key. Of course, all is subject to change as your health condition changes over time. There may come a point where motorcycling just isn't the best ticket for you anymore (even with a sidecar), and you may have to consider a tryke or such. Worse case is to have to give it all up, but hopefully you are not at or near that point, although you express some serious concerns over your health status.
This may sound a bit crazy, but have someone look at your actual posture as you sit on your rig or travel on it. One gets into old bad habits that cause repetative stress on muscles and bones. We seldom realize just how much these movements have become part of our routines, and how simple some are to make meaningful adjustments for improvement. Even with your health history of the back surgeries, you may find the ergonomic changes helpful if you decide to keep the Wing and keep the hack bolted up on it.
Your choice, but before I'd be considering a different rig as the only solution, I'd at least check out the cheaper means of a fix that may be a lesser investment. Perhaps a better seat, different angle of sitting, different angle of the handlebars, different placement of other items, different shock settings or even pedal adjustments of such could be just the ticket to an improved ride for you when it comes to comfort and satisfaction.
Having said all of that, you do indeed have health issues that play a major role in what is happening for you, at present. Only you will know when it comes to a point where the rig is just too much for you to handle safely. Although it is a bad thing to have to consder, it is a reality as well. Unfortunately, you mention more than a single medical issue, so, again, only you will know when it is time, in that regard. The back issue is something that is likely exaserbated by the other. The loss of muscle tone is probably more of a concern than the actual plates and such of the back surgery repair. Tie it all together and it will be a day by day thing to decide when things are too stressful on your body to continue with a bit rig. I don't mean that as a doom and gloom thing either, but you will have to be the one to decide when things related to the motorycle riding/piloting can't be fixed by simple changes and such.
Good luck on your choice and finding just the right thing that suites your specific needs. Good luck and prayers to you in a positive outcome on your medical health status as well. We all will face health issues in our future, so it is something to consider in riding a rig. Additionally, I believe one of the installers here does some handicap modifications, but the Pashnit website also lists some folk who do so as well. They may be able to offer up some indeas as well for you.
Go toward the bottom of the page to Handicapped Sidecar Rigs and Bikes area to view.
http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/sidecar.htm
Have you looked into electric shifters yet. It's one of those add ons that will take the place of a foot shift for those with disabilities. Different risers will move the handlebars back to ease back strain and there should be a lot of different choices for your wing. The rear brake can be coupled to the front for use with hand controls as well. The only real choices for having a reverse is what you already have or buying a Harley and having a Champion reverse fitted. Hand controls are available for Harley.
Jerry, You have always seemd like a very knowledgable and insightful rider..that said, i would echo what Pat Huey said, although I also suspect you may have already considered this.Have you looked at the new Victory? As i understand it has very long floorboards which allow multiple riding positions. Also lots of torque (although no reverse!)Another considereation is how a bike will handle a sidecar without modifying the trail. From what I understand, the Wing is better that some...might be significant if you plan to ride both with and without the car.Best of luckgreg
I hate to give up the Wing's reverse and short trail for use without fork mods but I will if I need to and it seems the time has come.
Thought about modifying the seat for a more rearward position to streighten out my legs but the wife tells me I am pushing back too much now to releve the Pain and crowding her out. Of corse I could put come Bar-Backs on, cut out several inches of seat padding and put the wife in the Sidecar but she just won't ride with the Dogs, the little Blue Heeler maybe but not the Red Heeler or all three! ;o)
The only way I can get out of the feet under my butt seating position is to get rid of those heads on the pancake engine which means a change of engine style. Over the last 48 years on MC's the Feet under Butt position has been my favorite letting me "Ride the Pegs" in a standing position on muddy roads, deep sand or just to relax a bit. Feet Forward is the only comfortable position now and it just can't be done on the Wing without having my feet out in the cold in Winter or in the Hot Air off the radiators in the 100 deg heat of Summer even if I am able to get the foot controls working forward. The Electric Shifters I have seen on the 1800's are Clunky at best and not a good option with your leg bumping up against the unit. Moving all of the brakes to the Front Brake Cylinder would be questionable at best if even possable. Simply adding the Sidecar brake to the Front Brake Master Cylinder puts it in the so-so position as it is which is one of the reasons I have a seperate Sidecar Master Cylinder and Pedal along side the Rear Brake. Several of the other Champion Sidcars I have seen with the Brake added to the Front Brake on the bike bairly function as it is.
The Heat Issue rules out Air Cooled engines for long rides with the Hack, except for Winter that is;-)
I do have to say the the Suzi 650 Burgman is looking more comfortable all the time.
I'll keep looking and thinking of options or possable mods this Winter though.
Jerry,
With your physical deterrants and passenger needs and limitations it seems that a large watercooled bike with reverse gear, multiple foot (and butt) placement options, a comfortable sidecar for your wife and a nice trailer for the 1 to 3 Heelers would be just the ticket for all concerned and quite doable.
The bride would be in the chair (where she belongs, safetywise) and protected from the elements without having to share space with the pooches. You would be more comfortable and not crowding her, and the dogs would have their own private ride that could easily be accessorized to be more dog friendly than the sidecar is.
The Burgman won't do it with Mum on the back and the mutts in the hack.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
