About a week or so ago, I bought my first bike ever. I bought a 2000 Moto Guzzi Jackal with a Ural sidecar. That is about all I know regarding the bike. My cousin had purchased it a couple of years ago from someone who was selling it due to health issues, but she learned she was pregnant right after buying the bike and never had much chance to ride since then. I've always loved the bike, so when she mentioned selling it to me, I jumped. Many people have told me how much more difficult it will be to ride than regular bikes, but I don't find it bad at all, maybe because I don't have to overcome habits of riding a two wheeler.
My wife and I put a couple hundred miles on the bike this weekend, and loved every minute. I will be taking the S/TEP course when they next offer it at a local college as I figure more training is almost always better. Between this forum and the Guzzi forum I found, I am glad to have resources to bounce questions off of. So, far other than some noises, I haven't found too much about the sidecar that I question, but I still wouldn't mind having someone more versed in them look it over for potential issues. Does anyone here know of a mechanic or member near Roanoke, VA that is good at setting up sidecars that I could pay to look it over?
You can see the full size image here:
Welcome to the site. I'm in Pearisburg Va. Just went to the State HOG event in Roanoke this weekend. I had 96 GL1500 w/ Hannigan 2+2 and a 88 GL1500 w/ hannigan 2+2. Both sold this past year, I still have my 03 Ultra Classic w/ a Hannigan 2+2. and just bought another 03 Ultra Classic to reinstall my original TLE HD sidecar on it.
Jason at THE SHOP in Salem has done a lot of work for me. He has several sidecar clients. He is on Rt 11 going to Dixie Caverns.
Again Welcome!!
Welcome to the site. I'm in Pearisburg Va. Just went to the State HOG event in Roanoke this weekend. I had 96 GL1500 w/ Hannigan 2+2 and a 88 GL1500 w/ hannigan 2+2. Both sold this past year, I still have my 03 Ultra Classic w/ a Hannigan 2+2. and just bought another 03 Ultra Classic to reinstall my original TLE HD sidecar on it.
Jason at THE SHOP in Salem has done a lot of work for me. He has several sidecar clients. He is on Rt 11 going to Dixie Caverns.
Again Welcome!!
RU going to take the sidecar course an NRCC in Dublin, Va?
HOG,
Were you in the police escorted parade that went through downtown this weekend? If so, then I was on my bike sitting at the intersection of Campbell and Jefferson as the parade went past. I saw a few sidecars in there.
Thanks for the info on The Shop, I will swing by there when I am out riding again. I was looking at the course in Lynchurg, but if they decide not to have another soon, I might consider Dublin or Danville.
Sam
No, I didn't get into the parade.
Good luck w/ your class. It took me a yr to get into the class around 2004. I had a guy from GA. that found Dublin was the closest sidecar class he could find. The biggest thing that helped me after driving my sidecar for a year before I could take the class was in right hand turns to give it a little front brake to keep the hack down.
I'll try the front brake trick on right turns. So far I haven't found too many difficulties. I don't know if I will ever go back to two wheels....
I am actually an adjunct teacher at Danville Community College, so I might see if they have any openings since I am over there fairly often during the school season.
Sam
For what it is worth, We built this rig several years ago.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Do u ever ride to the wall? Or go to Bike weeks MB or Daytona?
Might see ya around someday. We ride to Sams often and u may be in Giles one day. This area has Mt Lake, lots of river creeks and pretty byways
I haven't ridden too much of anywhere yet, just went up to Floyd yesterday. I'd love to meet up someday, just let me know if there are any events in this area. I have a feeling that it won't take much for any excuse to ride......
jaydmc,
Your company built this particular rig? That is great to know. I found a business card for Dauntless Motors in Covington, WA in all the paperwork. Since I just bought the bike, I don't know of anything I need right now, but I will certainly keep DMC Sidecars in mind if I do find something I need!
Sam
Hello from Martinsville, Va! Its great to have another hack driver in the area. I come to Roanoke lot due to several close friends and a couple of motorcycle dealers. My wife and I do a fair amount of traveling on 3 wheels and I know a few other rigs in your area. Best of luck and the step class is really good. The instructor is a really great guy. I know he teaches several classes in Danville and Lynchburg not sure if he teaches in Roanoke. Enjoy your ride!
Nice rig there sknapp. Welcome to the fun. You're off with a good start & plan. Ride safe!
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
draperg1,
I drive by Martinsville on my way to South Boston weekly during the school year, maybe we can meet sometime for a drink. Or, if you are planning to be in Roanoke, and have some extra time, shoot me a message.
Thanks everyone for the welcome!
Sam
my email is draperg1@comcast.net shoot me a mail! 🙂
I live in Roanoke and am building my 2nd rig now. We used to have a sidecar club here but it has pretty much fallen apart. Someone to check your rig is Mark Mcfaddin in Callands, VA 434 251 3114. If it was put together by DMC, unless someone has been messing with it, it likely does not need anything. Watch your tire wear for problems. Think about joining our local riding club at www.twinvalleyriders.com. There are breakfast meets every weekend and several members have rigs. Check for the Burb rally at Willeville. I THINK that it is this weekend. It is a Ural rally but everyone is welcome. Mark teaches the STEP class in Danville in Sept this year, the DCC website should have the date listed. Ride safe.
