But not exactly new to sidecar rigs. I've been riding 2 wheels for over 20 years now. I haven't been riding much since I moved to south Florida 11 years ago. My go to bike is a 99 BMW R11RT, but I also have a 00 Kawasaki Super Sherpa that is unfortunately a basket case at the moment.
I took the sidecar class in 2001 and rode a friends rig a few times and was definitely bitten by the bug. I had the opportunity to ride another acquaintance's HD rig from here (souFL) to Denver a few years ago. I practiced by riding around town and had a blast. He did a UCCC with his family and left the bike here after completing the ride. I returned the bike to him and flew home. Riding it for more than 2k miles convinced me that the Harley was not for me. I prefer the more sit-up-and-beg posture and I had a hell of time trying to find a place for my feet.
Anyway, I'm very curious about what it takes to set up a successful rig as I'm thinking that I would like to add a car to one of my rides. I'm really not certain as to what I want to do other than I would like a sidecar rig to ride.
What I'm looking for is suggestions from the list for places/books to read that will acquaint me with the technical aspects of setup and whether or not I should acquire a complete rig or attempt to construct something myself. Budget (as always) is limited, but I have great enthusiasm.
Thanks for listening
LindaT.
www.customtankbags.com
West Park, FL
Never fly the chair on ice.
Wow. Thanks, that'll keep me busy for quite a while. Standby for the inevitable questions.
LindaT.
www.customtankbags.com
West Park, FL
We can help for your RT with either complete sidecars with proper bike specific mounts, or provide you with a frame for you to build your own sidecar, or we even offer the frame in a you weld it kit. For your bike we also have steering modifications as well as an automotive rear wheel. The most popular sidecar for your bike has been our least expensive the Kenna single $3995 complete with the proper mounts.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the info. I have a question about the Kenna cars and I haven't spent a lot of time in a car - I've always been behind the handlebars. How does someone actually get into a Kenna? I notice most of the other cars have a small step for climbing in, but your 'glove box' sorta takes that away.
Also, what changes do you make to the steering of an RT?
P.S. You nailed my bike. I also have the fastest color - black 😉
To get in and out of a Kenna you step over the side. On your RT as it has a telelver front end, there is a ball joint mount that bolts to the forks, we make a plate that moves the mount back and up which in turn moves the front wheel forward while maintaining ride height.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Hi,
We have a Kenna double on a Vstar 1100 Custom, with the pillion pegs replaced with floorboards, so the easiest way is to step onto the floorboard between the tub and the tug, then down into the tub. I'll hand-hold for stability of the monkeys (also known as my wife and son) as well.
When hot, you need to be aware of the pipe. If not aware, it only takes once for that lesson to get hammered home! 🙂
And, as far as getting in and out, we had to get over worrying about the paint. I tell people to step on the seat, sit on the back of the car, whatever it takes. One of the things you can do for a Kenna and other "step-in" tubs is to put some of the clear, 3M paint protector on the parts that get the most abuse in the process and just have fun with it.
SideCar
I like your approach. My wife is always worried about putting dings in the rig. Trying to tell her we are supposed to have fun.....
The Kenna has a super strong fender, just sit on the fender and swing your legs in. Slide down into the seat and you are ready to do drive by shooting.
Buy one of these:
😉
Sorry, but I could not withstand the temptation. 😮 😉
I know the same story with the Velorex on the Jawa. at least mine has a metal step. 🙂
Too many people worry about look. Once you have a dog stepping inside, all paint will get scratched anyway.
Watch how exited dogs get...they know the essence of rig riding.
Watch, surf, smell, flatter the ears, enjoy! 🙂
Dogs understand motorcyclists, wives appearantly very seldom.
Sven 😉
