Greetings to all. This is a very informative website with a lot of helpful information.
I'm very interested in looking into putting a sidecar on my motorcycle, which is an '05 Kawasaki Vulcan 750 (watercooled DOHC V-twin with shaft drive). I can see from my research that there are several sidecars which would be appropriate for use with my bike; however, I'm not sure I am skilled enough to install the sidecar correctly. Does anyone know of a good sidecar firm around Sacramento which might do an installation for me...or better yet, sell me the sidecar and do the installation?
Any thoughts about the appropriate sidecar for my bike? I'm thinking Ural, Sputnik or Escort...your input gratefully solicited...
Bob
Two of your nearest sidecar only shops are SideStrider in Van Nuys, CA and Northwest Sidecars in Boise,ID. Both shops are installers, members of the Sidecar Industry Council, and handle various sidecars.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
nwsidecar@aol.com
Also, check out these resources:
Just a note: The correct email address for the CA listing for Dual Sport Sidecars is: sidecarmike@sbcglobal.net
Steve, I will be sending you updated info for Mike.
Gail
Hi Bob, I now have a Motorvation car on a 750 Honda. I have had 4 other rigs and I set them all up myself. I'm not far from Sac. so send a E mail and we can do the phone # thing. dad@softcom.net Ride safe. Dick
Hi, Dick...sorry I haven't called...been very busy. I'd very much like to see your sidecar rig, so I'll give you a call. Thanks also to Lonnie and the others who continue to supply great info about doing the sidecar thing...if I was nearer to Boise, I'd be asking Lonnie to do the install...
I'm also trying to figure out what type of sidecar to look at. I'm thinking that the Ural may be too heavy, but the Velorex (562)or Cozy might be about right. I'm also aware, however, that going too light is not good from a handling perspective, so maybe the Ural would be a good choice, after all...as long as the bike can get out of its own way.
Anyone have any thoughts about appropriate choices of sidecar for the Vulcan 750?
Bob
I'd look at a smaller sidecar for your 750 cc bike, it is was me. The Texas Sidecar Company makes a couple of light ones, or look at Kenna. If you have lots of money you can look at the bigger companies. A used car in good shape might be a bargain, but you also might end up with a unit that needs to be repaired or updated before it's very useful. Ask lots of questions. I've made a nuisance of myself by calling Lonnie at Northwest on a couple of occasions and he's been very helpful and generous with his expertise. Peter
Hey there, I'm Dave, I just moved from your neck of the woods not to long ago (Woodland), you might look at http://www.vostokmotors.com/ , and see if you could pick up a cheap Dnepr sidecar if you’re into that style. It’s worth a look and a phone call. I know several experienced fabricators in your area to fix up a mounting system. If you need any help, let me know.
Good Luck,
Dave
Hi, Dave. Thanks for the info...I had no idea that there was a Dnepr guy here in Sacramento...the nearest eastern European moto guy I found was the Central Valley Ural dealer in Modesto, 90 miles away...so I was very pleased to find out about Vostok Motors and I've already emailed them.
When I get a chance, I'm going to call Dick and go out to see his sidecar installation on his Honda 750. Maybe he can help me if I decide to try an installation...if you know some installers in the area, any info you have would be appreciated...you can PM me if you wish.
Thanks for your reply and for whatever info you can provide. Woodland is a nice place and not far from the Capay Valley, which is a nice canyon run...as I'm sure you know...
Bob
