Hi Dennis,
Age and longevity are relative to many factors! I was a widow when I was nineteen. I wasn't, and I'm sure no one else was, making light of any real limitations that you have. If you hang around this forum, you'll probably realize that most folks just like to have a bit of fun while posting their messages. After all, we can't see each other to see facial expressions or hear each other to detect tones. It is difficult to advise someone who is very vague in describing the issue with which they are dealing. I'm not "quite" your age, I'm 54, but today I'm feeling every single day of those years because I spent yesterday riding my V-Star (no sidecar, no windshield, ugh). I've had a sidecar rig since 1996 and no matter what anyone tells you, they're no piece of cake to handle. You're just luckier than I was because you have all of these nice folks here to give you advice. I learned the hard way, by trial and error. I didn't know anyone who owned a rig and I didn't have a computer then to location this forum or any of the other sites that might have helped me out. So, count yourself lucky, take a little ribbing (if it is offered) and smile - because no one here wants any thing more than to help you out, if they can. And you "are" young, at least, compared to most of the people that I ride with (and we ride a lot). My husband, who will turn 56 in a few days, is out riding alone because "this old chicken" is too whoopied from yesterday to ride along. He rides two wheels about 25,000 miles a year. I can't keep up with him even though he is older (he,he).
Connie
I'm not going to change my cruiser as it is brand new and I don't even have 1000 miles on this Vulcan 800 so I am not going to go to a larger bike. The reason I personally opted for the 800 is because it was around 500 lbs. and now that I am retired I am not loaded full of bucks. I wanted a Harley just to say I had at least one in my lifetime but they are way overpriced, I got my bike for half the price of a similar Harley (The Sportster 880 for example) Also, Harley has got their act back together but several years ago they were in real trouble with reliability. Mostly, I wanted a decent gas mileage. - - I once put over 17000 miles on a Honda 750 in one year riding solo. It was a 1974. I don't even have this new bike broke in yet but I believe my Honda 750's were much stronger than this Vulcan, one of the 750 Hondas I had was the SOHC, I feel the best I ever owned and the other was the DOHC, still seemed stronger than this Vulcan. I am a retired engineer so I research most everything and I love all motorcycles. In the early 70's it seems everyone of my buddies had a different bike, triumphs, nortons, BMW's, Harleys, you name it. Everybody thought theirs was the best, in truth they were all nice bikes. The revolutionary Kawasaki 900 at that time became King almost overnight. In all those years I don't believe I even saw one sidecar equipped cycle in the Northern Virginia area. You don't even ever see them at Dealers. Looking for events or shows where I can see them in my area. I actually live in Manassas VA which is in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. I would like to be sidecar equipped before the end of Fall. In VA, even in the Winter there are always a couple nice days you can get the bike out.
Dannis, that Vulcan can be tuned to run http://thundermfg.com/ try to find their products used, these guy's are tuners. Carb, intake, exhaust.
Hi Dennis,
Like I said in an earlier post, check out California Sidecar's website. They usually have an open house in October. I know that they offer trike demo rides because I've ridden them there. Also, if you're interested in a nice trip, Goldwing Road Riders (GWRRA) has a rally in Fletcher, NC,(near Asheville) Sept. 22-24. There are always sidecar dealers there. I'm pretty sure that you could take a demo ride with several different brands. We'll be heading down to Asheville the 21st, come tag along if you're interested.
Connie
Lump;
If I needed more power I would go to the Vance and Hines Pipes and re-jet kit. I don't like the HyperCharger, I have seen it mounted on bikes and I think it is really ugly. I would only do any additions for power if I needed them. I only intend to cruise along at the posted 60 or 65 mph speeds and I don't do much mountain or hilly terrain cruising so I wouldn't doubt if the stock HP would be fine, but I will find out after I install a sidecar. Before I got the 800 I had read tons of tests and articles on it. Most reviews by actual professional testers said they couldn't hardly tell the difference in their 1500 mile testing between the 800 and 1500, but I am sure you can feel the seat of the pants torque better in the 1500 and 1600's especially if you were in mountain regions.
Den, it freed it up considerable. and improved the milage. They have other intake systems then the hypercharger. In 1996 I read a bunch of articles about the royal star being a slug and handling bad. I rode 1 and it was all crap as far as I'm conserned I bought 1 and the first thing a guy brought it up, so I took him for a ride down a local canyon. I was waiting at the other end with half a smoke and I roll my own when he showed up "ya it handles real sloppy", he was on an FX. I do have pipes, ignition, and air, and the dyno shows the #'s on 2 into 1 on V-twins. I also think they run fine stock, but you said you thought it was weak, so that is all.
Dennis,
The 562 Cruiser from Velorex makes a great match for your Bike. At 2,299.00, with everything supplied but the bike, they are the biggest bang for your sidecar buck and affordable too. Fully accessorized at no extra cost, lightweight (154#), nice fit and finish (Black), and lots of free technical support after sale (me).
We now have them warehoused in Tampa, FL. Still fairly close at hand.
I even have a couple of 800 Vulcan sub-frame brackets for Velorex hanging from the shop wall to ease the mounting.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecar
nwsidecar@aol.com
That moment of peace brought to you by your local insane asylum.
Sorry, sometimes I forget to sign in first. The only balancing problem I have is in my head.
Anyhoo- with all the bangs and bruises I've had, gotta wonder if you have diabetes with a sprinkle of neuropathy or low blood sugar. OK- none of my business. I, however am a member of the Crippled Old Biker Bastards (COBB Society); if anyone wants to spend a day reading my hospital records, just let me know.
In the personal opinion department, I don't think a rig is any easier to drive than 2 wheels is to ride (unless you have a particular difficulty like Bob, or me who forgets to put the sidestand down sometimes. But then, sometimes I forget where I live, too) (Before you write in- I've done the Alzheimers thing twice now and if you don't have a sense of humour then get one- you'll need it if it happens in your family). The main thing is it takes a little longer to get any good at, and you use different muscles that will take some conditioning.
Like upper back and shoulder?
Ernie;
Yes, I do have diabetes but have had it for many years. Worse than that I have a ileostomy which means I had my entire large intestine taken out and of course wear a lifetime ostomy pouch. But, does that stop me from riding, hell no. I had that major surgery operation over 25 years ago and although I am permanently disabled today because of that and my health problems I don't lay around and pine about it. It's not an easy life and riding motorcycles sure makes it more enjoyable. I often wonder if anyone who never was on a motorcycle realizes the feeling you get when you ride but they speak the truth when they say cycles are a love or hate relationship.
Dennis,
It's great to hear you are getting back to biking, despite your problems.
the rig will make you forget them..well.....almost,..... but a lot more enjoyable.! I hope we can all help you in any thing you need help with. thats why we are all here.
Originally written by lumpc1 on 9/7/2005 9:13 AM
Like upper back and shoulder?
Well, it depends on how aggressive a driver you are, or intend to be. If you really hang off for corners/ balancing, you'll use your legs a lot more. Otherwise, back, shoulders, biceps, and stomach, and joints. Sometimes I like to frolic... gets me in trouble with some folks here, though.
Dennis, I had diabetes for 37 years until I had a transplant (believe it or not). That's why I wondered- sometimes when I wasn't paying attention various symptoms would sneak up on me. Could be other things, too, of course. Anyway, I know several guys in their late 70s and into their 80s who are still riding. Heck, when the Honda Hoot used to be here, I saw several 'Wings with wheels that come down when you stop. Where there's a will, there's a way. Gitty-up!
Ernie;
Yeah, I don't know what to expect or how I'll handle a sidecar. I am hoping not to make a $2500 to $3500 or more mistake. Whenever you buy something it seems you can't ever come close to what you paid if you have to sell it.
Interesting about the diabetes. Actually, when I was 18 years old which was over 41 years ago for me I was told by the Army when I had to get the 18 year old induction physical required by the government I had high blood sugar. They said it wasn't too excessive so being young I kind of ignored it. Then at 25 years old believe it or not I enlisted in the Coast Guard and they took me but again told me about my diabetes. I pretty much controlled it for years on a diet and about 18 years ago went on medications and have been on insulin for about only 2 years but have to keep doing more for it. The bad thing about diabetes as it never ever gets better as you just build up insulin resistance. I know so many people that have diabetes today it is ridiculous. When I was a kid it seemed rare. Probably was misdiagnosed so much back then.
Hi from another biking diabetic. I just completed an around the world ride on an old (1969) BMW. A friend of mine (also diabetic)switched from BMW to Harley so his legs would get better circulation. For years my blood sugar was around 190 (fasting) and I was always told "it's a little high, watch what you eat."
Then a few years back the doctors kinda reversed their thinking and now say anything over 140 is diabetic. Don't know how many years I was around 190 and didn't think anything of it. Maybe that's why there are so many diabetics nowadays compared to years ago.
Jimbosidecar
Hi guys:
Kinda had to jump in here 'cause you're getting into an area I know at least a little bit about.
Around 20 or so years ago I started snow skiing again - hadn't been since high school (hang in there with me - I'm not in the wrong forum - this has got a point - I promise) Went to the rockies with best bud Bill & his wife. It used to drive me crazy because we'd make a run from the summit to the base and I'd have to stop every five minutes to catch my breath and ole Bill would carve right past me never breaking a sweat. I was about 8 years younger than he was, in great shape, worked out 2-3 times a week, ideal weight etc. Bill on the other hand was about 40 lbs. overweight and thought a workout meant parking your car on the far side of the lot instead of waiting for some minivan to pull out near the entrance to the fast food place. The difference, of course, is that Bill really knew how to ski, and I was using all the wrong muscles and reflexes and working ten times as hard. Now, 20 years later, I'm not in anywhere near the kind of shape I used to be, but I can out ski and out last my 18 year old time and time again. (I think that's why she turned in the skis for a snowboard - now THAT'S another good story - maybe next time) Anyway, skiing is like biking. Really. It really doesn't have as much to do with how big, or strong, or for that matter how young you are, but how much experience and training you have. It's your actions, and more importantly, you reactions that keep you upright. Someone said in one of the posts "we can control our actions, but not our reactions" and boy is that true. When I was younger I couldn't understand how ANYONE could possibly lean a heavy touring bike into a tight u-turn - my god, those things are over 800 lbs! Now I do it all the time with my Harley Ultra. Anyway, the point is, with the number of years and miles you've got under your belt (seat?) I think it's a good bet that the trouble you described in your first post has nothing to do with being on the far side of fifty. Diabetic neuropathy is certainly a possability, especially with the poor control you've had for so long, but so is hypoglycemia, TIA, hypotension, dehydration, at least a half dozen cardiac problems I can think of off hand, and at least as many vascular causes. And we haven't even started on the inner ear or vision. Trust me on this - it's what I do for a living. If you're thinking of adding a third wheel to your bike, by all means go for it, you'll find a wealth of information here. I've been riding about as long as you have, and have just added hackin' to my list of fun stuff and love every minute of it. But if you haven't done so already, please tell you doc about that episode and let him give YOU the same type of thorough evaluation you give your bikes. Some of the stuff that could have been going on even a third wheel can't save you from and we want to keep as many good bikers in this part of the sport as we can 🙂
Joe
