put that SC on a better tug than the HD, and ypu wont need a 2 wheeler...you will have 75-80 MPH touring/cruising with the Sc rig.
i like the looks and ride of my Harley and i can get 70 MPH on straight flat roads but that still leaves me 100+ MPH short of the busa
Originally written by helliott on 11/20/2006 10:43 AM
I just turned 71 and am looking for a way to continue riding. I'm presently riding a BMW R1200CLC which I love but it's too heavy for me, now. I've dropped it a couple of times, lately, in situations in which I would not have a few years ago. Also, my wife won't ride with me (I don't blame her). She swears that, if I get a sidecar rig, she'll ride with me, though.
I'm a complete novice as far as sidecars go. I know I need some sort of training. I'd like to buy a complete rig, used, preferably. I've looked at the classifieds here and see a couple within my price range under $10,000).
Anything anyone can tell me will be appreciated.
Hall
Hall,
Do you think she'd ride with you on a trike? There are a lot of nice ones out there these days. They'd almost certainly require less maintenance than a sidecar rig; and are probably as inherently stable as a sidecar (I suppose that qualifies as an oxymoron). Plus they wheely much better.
Just a thought.
Matt, I'm sure she'll ride with me on anything with more than two wheels, but I have a completely irrational aversion to trikes. I can't explain it, but I just don't like them.
I'm wondering if you or anyone has any experience with Velorex. I've run across their web site and the Cars look like the styl I have in mind -- fairly simple, clean lines, and sturdy. I know that the idea of making decisions from pictures and manufacturer's hype is silly, but it's a start.
Hall
Just one more suggestion: Have your wife get in and out of ANY sidecar you're considering. Some are pretty tough unless you're a 10 year old or agile dog.
My two cents.
Sidecar Ron
Originally written by helliott on 11/22/2006 9:07 AM
Matt, I'm sure she'll ride with me on anything with more than two wheels, but I have a completely irrational aversion to trikes. I can't explain it, but I just don't like them.
I'm wondering if you or anyone has any experience with Velorex. I've run across their web site and the Cars look like the styl I have in mind -- fairly simple, clean lines, and sturdy. I know that the idea of making decisions from pictures and manufacturer's hype is silly, but it's a start.
Hall
I had a 1972 Yamaha XS2 with Velorex 562. For years Velorex used to advertise the 562 yoked to an XS650. I also had it hooked up to a '76 GL1000 GW, but it was a bit light for that bike.
I found the Velorex to be a competent albiet bare-bones sidecar. Advantages for me were cost and weight.
I did have to fabricate one extra brace on the rear mount to triangulate and stiffen it up. There was just enough stress on it that the stock mount would occasionaly get out of whack.
Originally written by RonC on 11/22/2006 7:29 AM
Just one more suggestion: Have your wife get in and out of ANY sidecar you're considering. Some are pretty tough unless you're a 10 year old or agile dog.
My two cents.
Sidecar Ron
I was just going to mention what Ron stated above.
make sure your wife can get in and out easily. if it is hard to do, it is a sure fire reason for her to NOT ride along!
A front opening SC is great![flip open] there are several out there available.
Most of the older riders and passengers [My wife and I included--i'm 67 now] dont have the arm and leg strength to get in and out anymore.
dont consider riding here on the back seat either..she wont like it at all. she will feel like falling off in turns, same as a trike. and that is also a real possibility.
It can be done, and HAS been done, but is not a safe practice.
I almost forgot the requirement of ease of getting into and out of a sidecar.. Since my wife died a few years ago I bought the Spyder with the main intention of having a third wheel and storage with an added bonus of a little less wind resistance for 70 mile cruising which the Valk will do easily with a big reserve to boot. My daughter at 48, can get into the Spyder but I don't beleive that I could. If I did, I might not get out again.
Motorvation are good people and they make a Formula sidecar a 2place with a lift up front. You might consider that or some other brand that is also easier to get into.
I'm glad that there is some one else out there with an unexplained aversion to trikes just like me, LOL.
Originally written by solo1 on 11/22/2006 10:28 AM
I almost forgot the requirement of ease of getting into and out of a sidecar.. Since my wife died a few years ago I bought the Spyder with the main intention of having a third wheel and storage with an added bonus of a little less wind resistance for 70 mile cruising which the Valk will do easily with a big reserve to boot. My daughter at 48, can get into the Spyder but I don't beleive that I could. If I did, I might not get out again.
Motorvation are good people and they make a Formula sidecar a 2place with a lift up front. You might consider that or some other brand that is also easier to get into.I'm glad that there is some one else out there with an unexplained aversion to trikes just like me, LOL.
I mentiond getting an easy in/out Sc earlier. I have the Motorvation FII SC with flip nose. My wife loves it! flip it open, back into it and sit down, swing legs in, just like getting into a car...
we had a Terraplane before it, which also flipped open, but you walk in from the front, turn and sit down. the seat was too low down on the floor, and the sides were too high for her to get any leverage getting up and out.
the MV FII solved all those problems, plus it is wide! my 2 dogs also love riding in it.
pic was taken before mounting it, just after we got it home, last fall[2005]
One more elaboration of ease of entry and exit: Be sure to TRY IT FIRST. As some of your know, I've had lots of discussion about trying to make it easier for Luke to get out - even with a flip nose - they're not all created equal. Those that flip back near the seat are easiest because the rider may be able to just swing his/her legs out and stand up. And, as mentioned, the seat's height off the floor is another factor. That's why I replaced the OBM seat in my ol' Calif. with a Jeep aftermarket variety.
Best wishes,
Sidecar Ron
Ron, I will surely have her try it, but I doubt if there are any worries about that. She's a lot younger than I am and pretty athletic.
Hall
Ron, I will surely have her try it, but I doubt if there are any worries about that. She's a lot younger than I am and pretty athletic.
Hall
Bob (and Wayne), the car at the head of my list, for now, is the Velorex 565. It's a new model where the deck flips up for ease of entry.
I'mm not oging to jump inot anyhing and my wife will b einvolved in the process, all the way.
Hall
Hall....
I am 68, and got my first hack two years ago, an R1200C and a Champion Escort. When you get older, it is nice to know that they won't fall over. We have done 24K in less than two years, just finished a 2.4K from Miami to Virginia, and have no problems. Bought the bike and car new and had them assembled here in Miami by a trike guy. Did a great job of assembly, but didn't know poop about alighment. Took 9400 miles to find the right guy to aligne the rig, and now I know how to do it, but it is a pleasure to ride. Hands free on a flat straight road. Just cock your head and turn a bit. Go for it, and you will never regret it. Why not but a car on your CLC? Great bike for the job.
Uber
Hey, another "class of 56" or "60 ..... or "62" ..... or ..... well never did finish that PhD at the #1 Ohio State!!! Anyway, us seniors need to still together.
Ride safely and watch out for those kids on the hghways.
Sidecar Ron
Ubermon, I've pretty much come around to the idea of putting a car on my CLC. I love the bike, now I just have to determione what the best car is for it.
Hall
