I have been looking into getting a motorcycle for some time now and I realized today that I think i might want a sidecar. I have some experience with motorcycles in the past and have a base knowledge of their operation. However sidecars a whole new world for me, so I let the questions run out; Are many sidecars interchangeable between different bikes? Are the sidecars build to one specific bike? Are some bikes more inclined to using sidecars? Is there one very common cheap motorcycle sidecar rig? How much am I looking at to get into a ride? I read a forum post here that I would need to get a separate endorsement for a sidecar, is this correct? I am mechanically inclined and could do some fabrication of parts, adapting and what have not if necessary. Thanks for any help.
-Jorge.
Jorge
The laws vary from State to State. You may want to try www.ama-cycle.org to check on the endorsement question. They have a nice breakdown on what is needed by state.
You may also want to purchase and read through the "Driving A Sidecar Outfit" This gives you some excellent background on the preparation, driving and even assembling of a basic Sidecar Rig. It is well worth the cost.
Also you will find that some of the more experienced riders will leave you some fantastic advice as well. I have been riding for 30 plus years but have only just begun my experience with a hack'd rig.
I can only tell you the first month has been some of the most fun riding of my life! There are many reasons behind that, but I can ride easier with family and even my dogs.
I wish you the best of luck what ever you decide. have fun and ride safe
Jorge,
First what are your plans for the rig? What makes a good off road rig will not do well on the interstate. The H/D sidecars are for H/Ds most of the others will mount to a number of bikes. If you go to the home page here you will find a link to some books that make for good reading and they are free.
Welcome to the world of sidecaring,
Probably the most used sidecar platforms are the Japanese cruisers. Having full double cradle frames makes them easy to mount a sidecar and they are low maintenance and plentiful. With disc brakes and mostly shaft or belt drive, good front ends, good low end torque and plenty of power they make great sidecar tugs.
For highway use I would recommend between 750cc and 1100cc bikes. a 650cc is fine for back road usage if one wants to stay off the superslab.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Yes Lonnie,
I agree with you completely. I have changed my red GL 1800 / 01 after 75.000 km solo driving into a stream-silver
GL 1800 with an EML GT 2001 sidehack 2 years ago and have proved it now for nearly 35.000 km riding thru whole Europe.
Since I was 18 I tried all kind of motorcycles and it was always my dream to run a rig. As you know very well, sidecar riding is a complete different world of motorcycling and nothing is equal to 2 wheel riding. But since you start with you become addicted and can´t stop it anymore.
Believe me, my combination is extremely powerfull and high comfortable and makes a lot of fun not only flying on highways, but even more on curvy roads and serpentines which I have plenty in front of my door since
I am living in Germany 30 miles South of Cologne in the Highlands named >EIFELNÜRBURGRINGGREEN HELL<, is only 40 miles from here.
To become such a satisfying rig the following
MOTORCYCLE MODIFICATIONS have been made:
- ExtensoDive front fork with a 165/65R14 tyre mounted on an EML manufactured 14” front wheel assembly.
- A stiffer aluminium triple tree replaces the stock lower triple tree.
- The steering head is made longer and is reinforced.
- The Honda available brake disc covers can be mounted.
- The sidecar is mounted on a stiff sub-frame attached under the engine.
- A 185/60R15 tyre mounted on an EML manufactured 15” rear wheel assembly.
- A GL1800 ABS works properly. The side car has a high effective discbrake which works in combination with the Honda brake system.
-SIDECAR WHEEL.
A 14” inch 165/65R14 Michelin tyre mounted on an EML manufactured wheel. The wheel is mounted with stainless steel bolts.
SIDECAR BRAKE SYSTEM.
Grimeca 2-piston brake calliper with 200 mm brake disc and stainless steel brake hoses. Works in combination with the Honda brake system.
SUSPENSION SYSTEM.
H.C.A.D. with the stainless steel adjustable (return stroke damping) shock absorbers. Suspension distance 100 mm.
H.C.A.D. SYSTEM.
The H.C.A.D. (High Comfort Anti Dive) sidecar suspension system brings a new dimension to sidecar riding.
There is much left to be desired in regard to the ride comfort of sidecars. Due to the rigid suspension which most of the present sidecars are equipped with, the passenger feels the rough and unevenness of road surfaces. This caused by the short stroke suspension.
The H.C.A.D. suspension system in combination with the new EML developed shock absorber of which the return damping can be manual adjusted, results in a suspension stroke of 100 mm.
This suspension system will provide you and your passenger(s) added pleasure in riding.
Here in Germany we have about 45.000 registered sidecars. In total there are 5.4 millions motorcycles registered, thereof nearly 500.000 driven by women.
End of August every year, we celebrete
the great Euro Sidecar Rally. Three days, three wheels: That's the motto on the camp ground at Weiswampach/Luxembourg. This year we expect appr. 1.800 sidecars from all over Europe.
If you like have a look at this site for many interesting pics from the 2008 - rally.
http://3rad.smugmug.com/gallery/6960046_ZTKag/1/469011717_XWU3c
BTW: It is very interesting to see you from the other side of the pond sitting on a BMW sidecar but it fits you very well. What type of rig is it ??
Before I forget: I have tried to enter your website HTTP://www.sidecar-industry.com/dealers but unfortunately it does not work.-.-.-.-.-.-
Regards from Germany
S I G I
My arrivial on the camp ground at EURO SIDECAR RALLEY 2008 with my wife Nanny and grandson Elias in the sidecar.
SIGI,
The sidecar combo you mention is a 1977 BMW R100/7 with a 1971 Jawa 560 Velorex sidecar. After completion this rig was shipped to a member of the US Army Corps of Engineers in Seoul, Korea.
FYI: Our page on the Sidecar Industry Council site is informational only.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars, LLC
You can hook up with some side car mfg and buy side cars already matched to motorcycles. One I know that has a showroom floor is Hannigan in Murray, KY. I would think that California Sidecar and Texas Sidecar do as well along with some of the other big names.
