You guys, and some of the emails I've traded back and forth with a couple builders, have definitely convinced me to do a sidecar.
I think my ideal build is still a Triumph based rig, but considering how late in the season it is, Iam thinking about snagging up a used rig for this year and do a Sweet build once I rewire the shop. I know the local Ural dealer had a line on a few used hacks, and I've seen a few Harley rigs for sale here and there.
If you are looking to do some thing quick, you could go with one of the Sputnik sidecars we have $2995 which would include proper bike specific mounting hardware and ship in about 3 weeks. Then latter down the road as you would have the mounts on the bike you could build the rig you want or just change out the body of the sidecar to what you want.
BTW we just posted photo's in the manifactures section of our new "Classic" sidecar now that we have the proto type done.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
An interesting Gold Wing rig with trailer for $2,500.00 in North Dakota.
http://fargo.craigslist.org/mcy/5661164175.html
That's a lot of outfit for the price!
I saw that, it's a shame I'm too young and too shallow to ride a Goldie
You could buy the rig, take a hammer to all the plastic, spray what's left flat black and be a genuine badass!
IamDan - 7/1/2016 9:49 AM
I saw that, it's a shame I'm too young and too shallow to ride a Goldie
Hey, hey, hey! I resemble that remark! Seriously, what's the stigma attached to riding a 'Wing? I had one ('76) and put over 200,000 miles on it, most with a sidecar and trailer. Loved that bike! Long story, but modifying it's engine earned me my bachelor's degree from GM.
The one in the CL ad sure looks like a nice rig, except for those flimsy-looking wire wheels on the trailer. That would have been a really nice starter rig, but it's apparently gone now, too. Says the ad has been removed by owner.
trikebldr - 7/2/2016 5:41 PM
IamDan - 7/1/2016 9:49 AM
I saw that, it's a shame I'm too young and too shallow to ride a Goldie
Hey, hey, hey! I resemble that remark! Seriously, what's the stigma attached to riding a 'Wing? I had one ('76) and put over 200,000 miles on it, most with a sidecar and trailer. Loved that bike! Long story, but modifying it's engine earned me my bachelor's degree from GM.
The one in the CL ad sure looks like a nice rig, except for those flimsy-looking wire wheels on the trailer. That would have been a really nice starter rig, but it's apparently gone now, too. Says the ad has been removed by owner.
I'm only in my early 30's so the AARP won't let me buy a wing yet.
Actually the truth is that I think fairings are hideous, no matter what their on, and the look of big touring bikes just isn't my thing. I prefer the simplicity and clean lines of old school and retro bikes.
If the retro look is your thing, then you need to get yourself a Ural!
What is this fascination with Urals?
Never had one so I shouldn't be critical. But, my recently acquired 1999 Honda (yes he said Honda) Shadow American Classic edition with Dauntless sidecar, painted to match', really has a classic look. Have had several serious bikers tell me it had to be older than that. When the Hog riders tell you it looks classic, it can't be all bad.
But, when we had the rally in April and the general public got to pick "best of show", a stock Ural Patrol wins first place.
Mike I n MS
MrMike - 7/6/2016 12:32 AM
What is this fascination with Urals?
No kidding, I showed my wife a pic of an Ural and she said "Yep, that's what I want." Oh no!
I don't get it, no power, they break all the time, and have a loyal following of folks that hate/love them.
Here's a riddle wrapped in an enigma -
Part 1. Test ride - I have never driven a sidecar, never ridden in a sidecar. I THINK I'd like to get a sidecar rig for a lot of the reasons mentioned in several of the newbie threads (including my own). BUTT - no local dealer has a a rig to test, I have no friends that own a rig & no classes that I can find. Several of you have said they would NEVER, EVER let anyone "just test ride" their rig. So the Q - how do I see if I'd like having a sidecar, let alone get experience w/o killing myself if I can't test ride one?
Part 2 I've pretty much decided getting a used rig is my best bet to train on, then move into a new sidecar for my bike. BUTT - I read the horror stories about a poorly set up rig and the problems associated with that. So the Q - How do I tell if a rig is poorly set up if I shouldn't test even drive it and if I don't know what I'm looking for anyway?
Part 3 Without a class or a sidecar driving buddy - how do I gain enough experience so as not to be a danger to myself or others on an actual road in real traffic?
btw - you guys have been great with all your insights, info and advice so far. Much like the guys on the Venture Riders forum. My thanks to all.
Red, which part of the country are you in? There are USCA members in every state. Maybe one of us can link up with you and help answer your questions in person.
redsimp - 7/20/2016 10:04 AM
Here's a riddle wrapped in an enigma -
Part 1. Test ride - I have never driven a sidecar, never ridden in a sidecar. I THINK I'd like to get a sidecar rig for a lot of the reasons mentioned in several of the newbie threads (including my own). BUTT - no local dealer has a a rig to test, I have no friends that own a rig & no classes that I can find. Several of you have said they would NEVER, EVER let anyone "just test ride" their rig. So the Q - how do I see if I'd like having a sidecar, let alone get experience w/o killing myself if I can't test ride one?
I ran into that situation myself. The local Ural dealer said he would let me ride in the chair, but his lot is too small for a test ride, and he isn't comfortable putting a rookie on the street.
I was able to get a local guy to give me a ride in the car and it was a blast, but I was a bit apprehensive because i wasnt in control.
That has led me to the idea that I should get a used Ural to train in, yea it's got no power, but they are set up from the factory, and the crazy Ural fan base seems to keep the values steady, so I can buy one to mess around with and then I can sell it without losing too much cash and get something a little slicker.
Red, while it's hard to get real experience without any seat time, you CAN gain a lot of insight by reading the Sidecar Manuals available on this forum - look at http://www.sidecar.com/links3.asp and you'll see them. Read them and you'll have a good idea of how to operate a sidecar - then you just have to find a dealer who will let you have a test drive. Some dealers insist on you being a passenger rather than a driver, but others will let you drive - usually in their parking lot.
