I'm pleased to join this group. From 2002-06, I rode a Ural Tourist sidecar rig, which was my introduction to sidecars and USCA. It was fun, but left us stranded more than once due to mechanical issues. When I retire in about 30 months, we plan to purchase a new sidecar outfit powered by some type of BMW, probably a 1200cc GS. I am most interested in discussions regarding the utility to sidecarists of all the electronic aids that are available (some not optional!) on new motorcycles. Cruise control and ABS seem good, but do I need a motorcycle with multiple gradients of traction control and suspension adjustment on the fly? I will be using this rig strictly on hard-surface roads, for touring in the plains states with the occasional foray into the major terrain to our west. I don't want to spend a lot of money on these options if they have little or no value for sidecar operations. What say you all?
For sidecar usage ABS is usually disabled. Traction control issues are different between a solo bike and a hack rig. Loading ratio is also nebulous with a rig.
Most of the new optional bling is not needed for a safe handling rig. A well aligned rig and schooled pilot is the key to a good safe setup on the road.
Lonnie
Hack'n - 8/25/2013 9:07 AM
... Most of the new optional bling is not needed for a safe handling rig. A well aligned rig and schooled pilot is the key to a good safe setup on the road....
I agree with Lonnie. For example, there are a good many Aussie outback rigs built around the "old school" air/oil cooled Suzuki 1200 Bandits, in part because these bikes do not have a lot of bling.
As for anti-lock brakes, I did install a TCB brake unit on the rear of my Sportster rig, as it tends to quickly lock the rear wheel under heavy braking: http://www.tcbbrakesystems.com/technical-tcb.html. The TCB seems to help in "practice" panic stops, but, fortunately, I haven't yet tested it in the real world.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
I agree with what Hack'n said completely. That extra is sometimes nice but not necessary. That money not spent on those things can buy a lot of gas.
Thank you all for your responses. The "bling," as you call it, is so prevalent on new machines that it may be difficult to avoid it. Fortunately, I have time to explore this issue with my dealer. It may be advantageous to look for an older model BMW GS from the "pre-bling" period, and spend the money to have the major systems reconditioned (drive shaft, clutch, gearbox, and engine), rather than invest in a brand new machine with capabilities I can't use. Something to ponder.
For what it's worth, I've seen pics of a good rigs using the Triumph 955 triple Tiger as tug.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Having built almost 500 BMW GS sidecar bikes and having never turned off the ABS and always kept it working I have no idea where Hack'n comes up with the idea that you would disable the ABS. If you want to give me a call we can go over everything needed to mount a sidecar to a GS, as well as what options you may or may not want. We offer bike specific mounts for all of the GS bikes from the first air head up to and including the current R1200GS Water cooled bike as well as all of the F and G series GS bikes. We have steering modifications for most. In the case of the R1200GS we make a new from billet ball joint mount that moves the front wheel forward making for lighter steering with the sidecar. We also offer an automotive rear wheel for the bike that will interchange with the wheel on the sidecar. For the new R1200GSW we are working on an automotive wheel for the front that will interchange with the rear and sidecar wheels.
For me my first choice is the R1200GSW, Lots of power and I really like the cruise control. On more of a budget the R1100GS is a great value right now. It is also the least expensive bike to modify the steering on.
I have attached some photo's. The first several our of our M72DX sidecar which is about 4 inches wider then the Ural you had. It is mounted on the new water boxer GS. The last photo is of our M72D sidecar which is almost the same size as the Ural but with a deeper trunk area. It is on a R1100GS
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Jay:
I sat in this sidecar at the Salem BMW rally in July. This renewed my interest in a sidecar rig, which will enable my wife to ride again. By the time I'm ready to call you (this time in 2015), you should have the convertible top, all interchangeable wheels, and other innovations well in hand for the BMW 1200GS water-cooled rig. All the bugs should be out of this new model of the GS by then, as well. Hopefully, a person will still be able to purchase the GS without ESA, but have ABS and cruise control. I'm on the way back burner right now, but will contact you when I come up to the front burner.
Jim Gebhardt
Leavenworth, KS
