Hello,
I'm thinking about putting a dirt oriented sidecar on my KLR650. Thing is, I ride it to work evey day. I'm left wondering what kind of handleing issues I might run into.
Honestly, it's been about 20 years since I've driven a hack. These days, with fuel costs rising, it makes sence to have a sidecar, as opposed to 2 wheels. I'm looking for something that will retain the enduro ability while adding some more cargo area. This generally means a narrow width. I believe 54" (center to center track, measured on the ground), is the standerd for dirt side cars. Will this be an issue?
Thanks for the help.
We have a kit for the KLR and have recently mounted a Ural platform sidecar on one. We are also working on our own similar sidecar in house. Photos of the platform sidecar are up on our web site in the Ural section. We have not had a chance to get the photo's of the KLR on the web site. If you email me I will send you some photo's of the KLR platform sidecar. There are also many photo's of dual sport type sidecars in the dual sport section of our web site www.dauntlessmotors.com
Thank you.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporaiton
www.dauntlessmotors.com
jay@dauntlessmotors.com
866-638-1793
Originally written by JayDauntless on 9/9/2005 7:16 PM
We have a kit for the KLR and have recently mounted a Ural platform sidecar on one. We are also working on our own similar sidecar in house. Photos of the platform sidecar are up on our web site in the Ural section. We have not had a chance to get the photo's of the KLR on the web site. If you email me I will send you some photo's of the KLR platform sidecar. There are also many photo's of dual sport type sidecars in the dual sport section of our web site www.dauntlessmotors.com
Thank you.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporaiton
www.dauntlessmotors.com
jay@dauntlessmotors.com
866-638-1793
Thanks, Jay.
I sent a message to your info@ address this morning. 🙂 I look forward to seeing your in-house design, when you can get some pictures.
Thanks again
The KLR rig Jay is offering if pictured on the homepage right now at SCT, home of the Internet Sidecar Owners Klub.
Click on link below to get there.
Photo of the Dauntless bike is on my Links page;scroll to the bottom and click on the photo
http://www.adventuresidecar.com/links.htm
Originally written by FEF on 9/9/2005 9:48 AM
I'm thinking about putting a dirt oriented sidecar on my KLR650. Thing is, I ride it to work evey day. I'm left wondering what kind of handleing issues I might run into.(snip)
I would guess you could expect the usual issues for a sidecar-performance will be somewhat more sluggish-perhaps requiring lower gearing. Increased steering effort if front end is not modified; somewhat twitchy steering if the front end is modified for sidecar use. You will probably discover a disconcerting wobble at certain speed ranges but you should be able to tune it out drive through it or mask it with a steering damper. Asymetrical handling requiring proper techniques for steering left and right, and these techniques will not be the same as those you used when it had no sidecar. Increased wear of bike components;clutch, wheel and steering bearings, engine and tires. Decreased fuel economy. Some trails will be un-negotiable due to the width of your vehicle. Improved stability(somewhat compromised if you narrow the width of the rig)will allow you to careen across gravel, snow and mud with a degree of impunity Rain slicked streets will pose no threat. You will have increased cargo capacity, women constantly asking for rides, men drooling all over your moto and an unwarranted increase in your personal popularity; you know, the usual stuff.
Thanks, Vernon
It sounds like the normal sidecar kinda considerations. I guess the next step is to get the a sidecar put on. I'll worry about the rest later, I guess. 🙂
