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New Sidecar guy, old rider, looking at an older rig.

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(@northwetneil)
Posts: 29
Trusted Member
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OH MY! I am trying to be objective about the 95 K1100T with EML GT2000 sidecar I saw today. In short, over 85,000 miles with a well maintained and well cared for history. I met with the second owner from 2010. She is an accomplished rider in her own right and we really had a good chat. Her hubby passed over couple years ago, she had major services done in 2022 and has rode it occasionally until recent foot surgery. Bike rode well, to this 3 wheel rookie, engine is strong, shifts well, and the electronics look good on first scan. This is a rarely well done setup from the day. I remember lusting for these bikes, (not the sidecar then but recognized the brand had a good rep,) and I am having a hard time talking myself out of committing to this Unicorn. I have fairly good skills and am not put off by the potential maintenance surprises and imaginative fixes I may have to come up with. The Steering felt heavy and odd, but as I said I'm new to side car. Pretty sure some riding time will help with the familiarity. My Question is this:
If it looks like I am starting out with a well running rig with no obvious large issues, (Water pump, brakes, clutch, seals and much more done,) is about $8k worth the risk beyond the cosmetic and little issues all old bikes will inevitably have?

There are other rigs near me in similar price ranges that may be nice, but the classic car guy in me is admittedly smitten.

 
Posted : August 29, 2024 9:09 pm
Drew, sheath, Thane Lewis and 1 people reacted
Thane Lewis
(@thane-lewis)
Posts: 414
Moderator
 

Is the rear wheel from Stroker?  if not, it looks nice and beefy.  Leading links on the front will make it steer easier than any other modification.  Floating calipers are a nice modification, too. The only real issues with the bike itself have likely been dealt with: output shaft spline lube and alignment, ABS (deleted?). 

$8k is a pretty good price for all that's shown there.  EML are nice chairs from all accounts.

Others will chime in soon, but I doubt you'll get anyone saying to run away from it. 

Illegitemi non carborundum est!

 
Posted : August 29, 2024 9:38 pm
sheath, Brstr, NorthwetNeil and 1 people reacted
(@miles-ladue)
Posts: 836
Noble Member
 

Neil,   I  told you  about  this  '95 BMW K1100LT Touring w/EML sidecar rig  just 4 days ago,  and at that time I had  emailed  with the  lady that is selling it,  so I  knew  the  back story on it.

I say..... Buy It !

Most likely it has been  sitting  long enough,  that  the  tires need to be  checked  for  proper  inflation,  which may have  caused the  feeling of  heavy steering,  because  typically  a Leading Link  front  end makes steering  feel lighter....not heavier.  If the tires need to be replaced  due to  age, you might  consider  putting a  motorcycle  tire on that  front  wheel,  rather than the  flat tread tire that is  there now,  as the  narrower footprint  of the  motorcycle  tire will make the  steering  feel  lighter.

That  bike has a  RDL seat on it,  and I  am the resident  expert on  RDL seats....Russell Day Long  seats, as I have  had 17 of them made for me  personally. 

My offer:  Buy this  rig, contact me,  we will schedule a day for you to  bring the  rig to  my ranch, in the  foothills  just outside  Tenino,  where you  and I will  put this on  my car lift in my  shop.....then carefully  go over every  metric centimeter of it, raised 6 feet  in the  air....and back down on the  ground. 

I do this for  FREE, for sidecarists that are  so poor they have to  buy a 29 year old  BMW brick, and can't  afford  a modern Honda w/DCT transmission. 

friday

 

I  will be  gone to Kansas for the  Joyce  Canfield's  Sidecars in the Flint Hills Sidecar Rally,  and will be  back in  Western  Washington  on September  12th, so we can check  it out  any day after that. 

BUY.....IT....!

Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort

 
Posted : August 29, 2024 9:53 pm
Ben Franklin, sheath, Thane Lewis and 2 people reacted
(@northwetneil)
Posts: 29
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

I must admit, when you first pointed this bike out, I was worried about the age and miles and sort of pushed it to the back of my list. After going back to it to compare to the younger rigs with less miles and such, I started to realize this had a ton of cool going for it. Having had many classic sports cars and bikes, I went to look at it to talk myself out of getting into a probable "Project." Wifey just back home, earlier tonight, from a short business commitment and as we compared thoughts we realized this would be worth getting and keeping in good running order, spruce up as time and effort allow. Thanks for the kick in the aft, we already committed over an hour ago. clap  

 
Posted : August 29, 2024 11:10 pm
MJ, sheath, Thane Lewis and 2 people reacted
(@brstr)
Posts: 165
Reputable Member
 

Welcome to the asylum.  lol8  

Oldies can be goodies so enjoy the new (old) dynamics. 

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 12:27 am
(@swampfox)
Posts: 1914
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We had a EML GT2000 sidecar mated to a K100RT.  It was an outstanding combination.  We eventually sold it to a fellow sidecar enthusiast after Mrs. SwampFox acquired her own outfit and we just did not need three rigs.

My dog would've surely appreciated the nifty shade top on your sidecar. clap  

Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 5:59 am
Brstr, NorthwetNeil, sheath and 1 people reacted
(@miles-ladue)
Posts: 836
Noble Member
 

Posted by: @northwetneil

 Thanks for the kick in the aft, we already committed over an hour ago. clap  

You probably saw the same things I did, that whilst this is 29 years old, it has a whole bunch of quality items on it, like the Leading Link front end, the RDL seat, the EML GT2000 sidecar, the bimini top for the sidecar, and....noted the front shocks "covers" on that Leading Link, which told me that the previous owner(s) had taken care to protect items. And...shock "covers" on the bike's rear shocks too.

Glad you have committed to it, and my offer stands. Once I return from the Sidecar Rally in Kansas (and yes, I am driving/riding my BattleWing Galactica sidecar rig out to, and back from Kansas)...then we can throw your new-to-you '95 K1100LT Touring w/EML GT2000 rig up in the air on my lift, and go over it with a fine toothed comb.

Okay, I know this is crazy....but it's actually a test to see how insane you really are....I am leaving early Sunday morning from Tenino, and heading to the Sidecar Rally in Kansas, so.....would you like to bring your new-to-you K1100LT rig along, and experience the wacky madness of a sidecar rally ???

It will be 4,000 miles roundtrip, and I will bring along a roll of bailing wire and safety wire pliers, so we can keep your ol' brick on the road. Razz  

 

Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 6:19 am
Brstr, NorthwetNeil, sheath and 2 people reacted
(@scott-h)
Posts: 599
Noble Member
 

Right on!  It is a definite beauty, and well optioned for longevity, comfort and durability.  Congratulations on what will be an awesome rig.

My rig is a '95 BMW GS.  At first I too was apprehensive, but the service history was a big plus.  Put over 8,000 miles on it in the first year, and have had a blast.  Getting ready to head out to the Rally that Miles is writing about.  Following immediately with a trip on the Lewis & Clark Historic Trail from Omaha to the Oregon Coast.  Should make a good 3K+ mile trip.  These Beemers seem pretty ubiquitous as far as parts and repairs go. 

Had a chance to drive a rig with leading link.  It is a very different feeling from telescopic forks.  Seemed very precise/immediate, and not as forgiving/compliant.  I liked how precise it felt.  Didn't take long to get used to it.  Hope you find the same.  🍻 

Congratulations on a great buy. 🤩 

Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 8:31 am
 spat
(@spat)
Posts: 26
Eminent Member
 

That should be an awesome rig it's a great combo I don't think you'll regret it. I just sold a K100/EML sort of regret it and I did take a few extra looks at this one. This one looks better set up to travel on, mine was not but a ton of fun in the twisties. This one you've got should be the best for all roads traveled. I found at first maintenance was a big PIA but with each turn of a wrench came knowledge, learning how to caress and tolerate these beasts

Good Luck, have fun

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 9:43 am
Brstr, Thane Lewis, sheath and 2 people reacted
(@northwetneil)
Posts: 29
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Topic starter
 

Thanks folks, your feedback is encouraging! FM I am nearly that insane except, I despise holiday weekend traffic and definitely want to mess about in some parking lots practicing idiot avoidance maneuvers before jumping into the mayhem on this. Also, we just recently moved so a lot of my bike gear is still in boxes, let alone finding all my camping gear. (I tend to "glamp" and this rig will encourage continuing in comfort.) I also want to check the tire pressures and look some things over. The headlight low beam needs replacing and that looks like some scratched hand advanced yoga fun getting access. May look at bringing it home Saturday or Sunday morning when there aren't as many anxious weekenders about.

 

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 10:02 am
(@scott-h)
Posts: 599
Noble Member
 

If you haven't already checked out the "library" section on this web site there is some great reading to help you get a solid start.

Along with all that great info, I ordered a book through Texas Sidecars called Driving a Sidecar Outfit.  It was recommended by a member here.

https://www.texassidecars.com/product/driving-a-sidecar-outfit/

In the book are exercises, and course layouts to do some basic practice.  Went to the local dog supply store and picked up a bunch of cheap tennis balls, which were cut in half to make cones.  Had a lot of fun practicing in a school parking lot when no teachers/students were around.  Also provided plenty of entertainment for the school maintenance staff.

A few months back I had the "big brain" idea to do some high-ish speed avoidance practice.  So my good buddy stood half way across the lot, and would put up his arm pointing to the direction of danger (like a deer, car, etc..).  All this at a random time and direction.  I had to move at least 6' from the path of travel as quick as possible.  OMG! we've never laughed so hard.  School maintenance guys did finally "suggest" we find a better place as i got really out of shape a few times.  But they were laughing as hard as we were. 

Have fun! Hope you'll post up your adventures and mis-adventures! Makes for fun reading. 😎 

 

Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 10:32 am
DRONE, NorthwetNeil, FlyingMonkeys and 1 people reacted
(@miles-ladue)
Posts: 836
Noble Member
 

Posted by: @scott-h

In the book are exercises, and course layouts to do some basic practice.  Went to the local dog supply store and picked up a bunch of cheap tennis balls, which were cut in half to make cones.  Had a lot of fun practicing in a school parking lot when no teachers/students were around.  Also provided plenty of entertainment for the school maintenance staff.

A few months back I had the "big brain" idea to do some high-ish speed avoidance practice.  So my good buddy stood half way across the lot, and would put up his arm pointing to the direction of danger (like a deer, car, etc..).  All this at a random time and direction.  I had to move at least 6' from the path of travel as quick as possible.  OMG! we've never laughed so hard.  School maintenance guys did finally "suggest" we find a better place as i got really out of shape a few times.  But they were laughing as hard as we were. 

Have fun! Hope you'll post up your adventures and mis-adventures! Makes for fun reading. 😎  

 

OR....you can do just like I did....get on your very first sidecar rig, and drive it...period !

After 6 years, and 7 sidecar rigs, turns out I am the 3rd best sidecar pilot on Earth. Cool  

 

Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 1:11 pm
(@northwetneil)
Posts: 29
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

Posted by: @thane-lewis

Is the rear wheel from Stroker? 

I'll take a look once I pick it up Sunday. Is that a brand that will be stamped in the rim? They are beefy tires and nearly new. I hope to live as long as these tires should.. The rims seem to be painted and need cleaned up but all 3 match and that seems rare from what I've learned, so far.

 

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 7:48 pm
(@northwetneil)
Posts: 29
Trusted Member
Topic starter
 

Posted by: @miles-ladue

Posted by: @scott-h

In the book are exercises, and course layouts to do some basic practice. 

Have fun! Hope you'll post up your adventures and mis-adventures! Makes for fun reading. 😎  

 

OR....you can do just like I did....get on your very first sidecar rig, and drive it...period !

After 6 years, and 7 sidecar rigs, turns out I am the 3rd best sidecar pilot on Earth. Cool  

 

As a SCCA Street Survival skills instructor I will probably take ideas from all and modify to my tastes. I am a bit from the seat of the pants school. There was this early dicey incident on my friend's Hodaka and a big drainage ditch. Bike survived it better than this noob! lol8  

 

 
Posted : August 30, 2024 7:53 pm
(@aceinsav)
Posts: 783
Moderator
 

Hi Neil

welcome aboard, looks like your off to a great start. Nice looking rig you just bought. Remember if you don't put up pictures after you get it home it didn't happen.

 
Posted : August 31, 2024 4:18 am
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