I am basically self taught. I bought a rig and rode it home very carefully. I had read a lot on how sidecars act so I had an idea of what to expect. I found that large, unobstructed parking lots make good practice areas. Practiced enough that you get the feel of how the rig acts when you speed up and slow down. Just know that the appendage on the side has it's own mass that acts according to the laws of physics. When you speed up the sidecar tries to lag behind and pulls the rig to the right. When you slow down it pushed the rig left. These actions have to be corrected to keep a relatively straight line. After much practice the compensating becomes natural. The more you practice the more natural it becomes. It is not a whole lot more difficult than that. The turns require other actions related to what I have just described. There are books available on this forum that better describe the stuff to look for in turns. Go there for more guidance.
At my age, if I woke up and didn't hurt somewhere, I'd expect to look up and see dirt over me!
I read somewhere about pushing to turn vs pulling. Which is better?
Best thing you can do is read the yellow book. It will answer all your questions. I'm 64 and started driving hacks 2 seasons ago. Many years of 2 wheels including track time. Manual and seat time are all you need. Avoid high traffic so you can focus on what you are doing and what the effects of your inputs are. No passengers until you are comfy and things feel natural. Learn to fly the car with confidence. You are not experienced until you can fly the chair. It is all part of getting the feel.
Regards and welcome.
Rob
We are in a big city hilly residential area where I basically have about a 4-block x 4-block circuit of relatively level, low-traffic streets to begin practice on. The nearest parking lot is about 1-1/2 miles away in very heavy traffic. I have a 100' x 15' driveway where I plan to practice basic starts and stops and turn-arounds before getting out on the street.. It's enough to shift through a few gears as well. I also have a side street which is about 6 blocks long and very wide (2-lane but wide enough for 4 lanes) and low traffic. I can go up and down through the gears there and do some significant acceleration and braking. After that, I can head for the parking lot. Although the traffic is heavy, it's very slow with no turns in the main road to get there. I won't go from one to the other until I feel comfortable. The next big step will be to get it on the highways. Where we are, going more than a couple of miles from home requires traveling the freeways on which traffic generally runs from 75 to 85 mph.
I'll post photos of the rig when it's delivered.
Malcolm
Malcolm, by your description I wonder if you live in the Hilltop/ Mission Village district. Could you help me out?
Hi,
I'm in Mission Hills, about 6 miles from Mission Village. Actually will be there tomorrow (Sunday) What can I do for you?
Just got my new 2016 Ural CT off the truck this morning. Loving it!
My wife has limited movement and strength in her legs and I'm looking at options to get her in and out of the car. I'm focusing on an additional step and stowable stand with a bar she can pull herself up with. Any body else have a good idea that works for them?
Malcom, I grew up in SD county. Worked for the gas company and that's how I know some of the neighborhoods. I moved to Wyoming in 1977. Occasionally think about San Diego and the way it was. Good luck on your rig.
My wife's family lived in Wheatland.
md835 - 12/6/2016 5:33 AM
At my age, if I woke up and didn't hurt somewhere, I'd expect to look up and see dirt over me!
Bloody brilliant! 🙂 Made my morning.
Wheatland is good.
