Hey Joe! Excellent post! But then again, you already know that... I wish you were my doc instead of Dr. Kavorkian! ;>)
Thanks Tom, but I'm afraid we scared Dennis off. Those handbooks are a little intimidating, but I'll tell ya, it was all those cautions that probably saved my butt when I first got my new outfit. I don't think there was anything that was going to scare me off, but I developed a deep respect for the differences between hacks and solos before I even took delivery on mine. As a result I got it home with body (mine) and fender (bike's) intact. As I've become more comfortable I've pushed the envelope a bit more but so far I've not even had a close call and by drawing on the experience of the guys (and gals Connie) here I intend to keep it that way.
Joe
I sincerely hope Dennis was NOT scared off. There is nothing about sidecaring that should keep a person with limitations from enjoying the sport. Jim Kelly from NY was at the RON DEE VOO this year after losing a leg to diabetes. He rode in from N.Y.
It is a flat lie that you have to be a gymnaist to operate a sidecar! Sidecars can keep many young for many years. I hate it when someone feels they are not physical enpough to ride a hack from reading some of the 'stuff' that gets put onto a printed page!! Just because it is in print on the net or even in a book, no matter who wrote it, does not make it fact!! Give it a shot Dennis we are rooting for you!
Note to Dennis:
Dennis,
I can't help you medically but if you live anyhere near central Pa. I would be more than glad to help you make your own decision whether your concerns if a sidecar is for you or not be confirmed. Feel free to email me at cstanley@sunlink.net or ca;; (570) 837-5182. Don't be bashful. You'll be riding one in a day and probably know where you want to go from there. No charge.
I definately agree with that. Sure it involves a new set of skills, but that's half the fun. If it were identical to 2-wheelin' (or 4-wheelin' for that matter) what would be the point? If it were all that tough everybody here wouldn't be riding just for the fun of it!
Joe
I have got to go with Claude on this one. It is not at all necessary or even desirable to jump around or throw your body weight on curves. On actual tests it has been found that this may add the equivalent of 15 to 20 pounds to or from the sidecar wheel which translates to about 3 to 7 mph differential depending on the curve, speed, weight, etc. In other words, it has an effect, but not too much of an effect.
Better you focus on safe driving practices, slow down before entry, extra ballast, application of front brake, judicious use of throttle, and several other techniques to build your road skills.
No, I am NOT knocking the more your butt technique - just putting it into perspective. It is but one aspect of moves in your arsenal. There are others. As they say at smoko time - light up if you've got 'em. For those who find this technique uncomfortable, give it a pass and focus on the others. It may came in time. Maybe not. But above all, drive sqafe and never overdrive your skills.
I sure hope Dennis hasn't given up on getting himself a rig also. He needs something to find the joy in life again and to get out and meet people older than himself who still consider themselves young regardless of what ever challenges life dishes out.
