Help me find a bike and sidecar

I’d like to draw on your experience. What bike(s) and what sidecar(s) would you recommend given the following criteria:

1. My main reason for looking at a sidecar is for my wife. She would like to ride with me but she dislikes riding pillion, and really does not want her own bike. She wants to be reasonably comfortable, have a view forward and plenty of stability in mounting and dismounting, she has a knee which is problematic.

>>> This is not uncommon. For ease of entry you will probably be best off with either a flip front or a sidecar that has a door opening of some type<<

2. I been riding almost 40 years with a background in sport bikes and adventure-touring bikes. I'm currently riding a V-Strom 650 which I like very much. Dauntless Motors can set up the V-strom with a sidecar but I'm not sure that is what I want to do. I was never drawn to cruisers, but in combination with the side car could be convinced pretty easily. I don’t have experience with sidecars but I learn quickly. I’d like to avoid a bike that makes the learning curve harder.
>> You need a stable rig. The cruiser type bikes make that a lot easier than when a sidecar is bolted to a dual sport typoe bike?<<<

3. Would like to stay away from Harley, BMW and Goldwings.
>> Okay<<<

4. Cost is an issue but, maybe, not the primary one. Is there a make/model you’d recommend that stands up well and a used bike might be a good alternative? I’ve never met anyone who didn’t have a budget. Just folks who’s budget was far larger than mine.
>>> Makes sense<<

5. I’ve read a lot about recommended front suspension modifications. What is your take?
>> I would advise to try the stock steering forst and give yourself soem seat time before making a decision to change it. Yes, many jump in and do trail changes right away and it does make steering easier but many folks do quite well with stock steering geometry if they give themselves soem time to get used to it and driving a sidecar rig<<<

6. Primary use would be for me and my wife on day trips, some overnight (2 or 3 day) trips and eventually some multi day touring. Both of us are fairly heavy but not tall, I’m about 250 my wife is less than me.
>> Don't go wth too small a bike. Power makes for a happier tiem when on the road<<

At this point I don’t have a preference for buying bike and sidecar separately or already as a unit, but I would like to have professional installation of the hack. I do my own oil changes and that kind of maintenance but would rather not tackle large jobs.
>> With all you have said I you still have a lot of options. For a pretty big bang for the large displacent v stars or other japanese cruisers do well with sidecars. The Suuki Bandiot and others are good choices as well. See pic below of one of our CSM1 sidecars on a C50 Suzuki<<

Moto Guzzi. Classic lines you won't see at every stop sign. Easy to work on if you need to. plenty of torque to pull a hack. Even though they don't officially condone sidecars, you can order what they call sidecar gears.
And if you think you've ever met motorcycle fanatics, just go in to a room with three or more Guzzi owners. :0)
Because it's not one of the Big Three, the prices for used bikes are pretty reasonable and most of them have frames that are easily adapted to a sidecar.

Originally written by SidecarMike on 11/19/2008 6:10 PM

Moto Guzzi. Classic lines you won't see at every stop sign. Easy to work on if you need to. plenty of torque to pull a hack. Even though they don't officially condone sidecars, you can order what they call sidecar gears.
And if you think you've ever met motorcycle fanatics, just go in to a room with three or more Guzzi owners. :0)
Because it's not one of the Big Three, the prices for used bikes are pretty reasonable and most of them have frames that are easily adapted to a sidecar.

Yes, excellent choice.

I ride a Yamaha V Star 1100 with Hannigan Classic car. The V-Star is powerful without being twitchy and handles a car easily. The price of a nice used V-Star is also often very reasonable because they've been in production since 1999. The 1100 is a shaft drive bike so there are no greasy chains to lubricate and adjust. There is no reverse but other than Harley big twins, GW's and Urals very few, if any, other bikes offer that option. For normal use or on a very heavy bike you simply don't need a reverse.

Sidecars range between basic to very plush depending upon your choice and budget. There are many styles available including hard tops. Some offer soft tops and some do not offer the option at all. Some have brakes, some don't but can be fitted and others have no brake available.

Yamaha is known for it's reliability, has an excellent dealer network and parts and service are easily obtained.

The 1100 has a smooth power curve all the way through it's range and is a comfortable ride. It's capable of speeds guaranteed to get you a "Performance Award" from your local LEOs and remains tractable even at higher speeds. If you want a highway cruiser then take a look at Yamaha.

if you are looking to star with just a bike i have several bikes for sale 01 road star 1602 cc
suzuki bandit 1200 cc
also a moto guzzi jackal
any of which would make good tugs

stace

Another newbie asking a question. I am thinking of taking a sidecar cross country next summer. I might need to use the Interstate from time to time. Are the Urals up to the task, particularly on the Interstate? Thanks

hatihati...
Hello to you, i have owned a dnepr and a ural, and although they have been refined somewhat, i think most folks who have piloted a ural will suggest to you that @ 60-70mph you are at the top of the powerband and that stresses the engine, and more importantly reduces your safety margin for a pull-away option. This issue has been talked about in a number of threads in the past; search "ural" in general discussion forum. I somewhat remember how this debate seemed to go on for ad-infinitum! Best wishes......Leo

The URAL sidecar units are at their upper limits when operating at freeway speeds and are not designed for extended driving at 70mph and above.
Another drawback for extended touring is the lack of decent dealer support and parts availability in case of breakdown.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars