I get lots of comments about my sidecar rigs both from motorcyclists and non motorcyclists alike, they often ask to take a picture, to which I rely of " course you can ", then I offer to take a picture of them sitting on the bike or in the sidecar which usually makes them very happy. They say " that's really cool", to which I reply there is noting to stop you getting one, then all of a sudden they go quiet. Usually they just walk away, or sometimes say they would miss being able to lean the bike going around the bends ( I live in Saskatchewan : )
I understand both solo bikes and sidecar combinations, and like others here I also have motorcycles that don't have sidecars , but the bikes I have the most fun with are the sidecar outfits , they are also much more useful .
To me it's a no brainer that every motorcyclist should have a sidecar rig, but not for everyone else.
WTF am I missing ?
Great question. Frankly, I got nothing and truly believe that if MC enthusiasts were to give (good ones) one a try, they'd be hooked.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Motorcycles are a very small percentage of the motoring population.
And sidecars are a very small percentage of the motorcycle population.
I never recommend motorcycles because the desire has to be from within.
The risks are real and born by the riders personally.
It's similar with sidecars.
How can I recommend that a sane person completely stuff up a perfectly functional motorcycle?
I say this as someone who loves quirky wheels as all sorts.
I was very annoyed when dad sold his Lanz bulldog tractor after letting it sit for 45 yrs.
10.3 liter single cylinder 2 stroke diesel you started by hand.
I would have loved driving that about town.
What are you talking about ?
I get lots of comments about my sidecar rigs both from motorcyclists and non motorcyclists alike, they often ask to take a picture, to which I rely of " course you can ", then I offer to take a picture of them sitting on the bike or in the sidecar which usually makes them very happy. They say " that's really cool", to which I reply there is noting to stop you getting one, then all of a sudden they go quiet. Usually they just walk away, or sometimes say they would miss being able to lean the bike going around the bends ( I live in Saskatchewan : )
I understand both solo bikes and sidecar combinations, and like others here I also have motorcycles that don't have sidecars , but the bikes I have the most fun with are the sidecar outfits , they are also much more useful .
To me it's a no brainer that every motorcyclist should have a sidecar rig, but not for everyone else.
WTF am I missing ?
Well if I may respond to the initial post.. at 74 I have been trying to get back on 2 wheels. Recently took a MSF rider course for a refresher. Glad I did because it not only did refresh a lot of 2 wheels skills that have long gone .. but it also made me aware that my 2 wheel window had closed. I have hip arthritis, so mounting the bike and, more important, lifting my feet off the pegs when stopping turned out to be a real struggle. So I very much look forward to this summer on 3 wheels, as I have recently adopted a Ural Tourist. For someone with physical issues a motorcycle with a side car is really a no brainer. Just my 2cents here.
Many of the local motorcycle enthusiasts that I've known for years simply view a sidecar as an option for a rider that can't "handle a motorcycle" for some reason --- unlike me, who simply enjoys sidecars. The comment is usually something akin to: I'll consider a sidecar when I can't handle two wheels any longer. One particular rider considered a sidecar as a "crutch" that would be embarrassing if he "had to ride one."
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
@swampfox yeah, I sort of get that from my crowd, but then I show up on two wheels and it confuses them.. I tell every one that if they wait til they can't ride two wheels then they probably won't be able to ride three. That also confuses them. Of course it isn't necessarily true, a lot of people transition to a sidecar after they give up two wheels but it's a lot easier if you ride one earlier than later. I was younger when I started so I suppose the idea of a Sidecar appealed to me so I pursued it. Saying that, I suppose one has to really want one instead of actually need one.
Many of the local motorcycle enthusiasts that I've known for years simply view a sidecar as an option for a rider that can't "handle a motorcycle" for some reason --- unlike me, who simply enjoys sidecars. The comment is usually something akin to: I'll consider a sidecar when I can't handle two wheels any longer. One particular rider considered a sidecar as a "crutch" that would be embarrassing if he "had to ride one."
That one particular rider must have a very small dick 🤣
Many of the local motorcycle enthusiasts that I've known for years simply view a sidecar as an option for a rider that can't "handle a motorcycle" for some reason --- unlike me, who simply enjoys sidecars. The comment is usually something akin to: I'll consider a sidecar when I can't handle two wheels any longer. One particular rider considered a sidecar as a "crutch" that would be embarrassing if he "had to ride one."
That one particular rider must have a very small dick 🤣
As I like to say when hitting on college girls "but baby, size is just a number"
I'm glad I don't have to impress anyone... when I hit fifty I thought I'm never going to be a great man...whew! well THAT takes the pressure off