Hello,
I live in Northern California and am considering buying a sidecar. It looks like a lot of fun, and more importantly, the wife thinks it might be fun. I'm not sure if I'm going to buy a motorcycle and add a sidecar to it, or use one of the bikes I already have. I currently have a 2010 Harley Heritage and a Honda 600 VLX. The 600 might be a bit small.
It looks like you guys have quite a bit of information available, so I'll just do some reading, and maybe make a post or two as the spirit leads me. I look forward to talking to you all.
Thanks!
Welcome
there is plenty of info to be found here, and owners of every possible set up you could imagine so you should be able to get good hands on input to cover just about any rig you want to try
be sure to do your research and look into a safety training, riding class, riding a sidecar rig is not your average stroll on the bike
Good Luck and good hunting for your new rig
Welcome!
depending on how much you want to put into a sport which you are not sure of yet, you may consider buying a complete rig. if you can confirm that it was built/set up by a good shop, that is often preferable. either way, be sure it's a comfortable rig for your passenger. that will be a more positive introduction into the sport for her!
Welcome to the slightly off-center world of sidecars Montag!
As stated, you might want to shop for a complete rig, known to be set up well. That way, if you discover that the oddities if this one-of-a-kind mode of transportation is not for you, you can sell it again, taking minimal financial hit. Be sure to read up on rig operation and check back with us when/if you get one. Jumping on a rig for the first time and just twisting the throttle and leaning into a turn as you normally do on 2 wheels is guaranteed to end badly!
I concur with all the above. I installed an Escort on my Valkyrie and unless you enjoy wrenching and a challenge get a turnkey rig. As others said make sure it's properly set up using quality hardware. Proceed cautiously. Having local experienced help is ideal
I concur with all the above. I installed an Escort on my Valkyrie and unless you enjoy wrenching and a challenge get a turnkey rig. As others said make sure it's properly set up using quality hardware. Proceed cautiously. Having local experienced help is ideal
Montag,
Welcome to the off-set world of sidecars. We have many USCA members in California who you could visit with, maybe get a ride in a sidecar for your wife. I know a gentleman in Bodega Bay who has several sidecars and has owned numerous rigs in the past. Let me know if you are near that area and I'll send you contact info.
Jon
Either bike would work, while we have done the 600 we never tooled for production, your Harley is not issue. As stated above, make sure what ever you do has quality mounting hardware that is bike specific NOT universal. Universal seldom works well if at all. While we are a fair distance away being near Seattle it might be worth your while to come for a visit, in person I can answer any and all questions you may have in far more detail while showing you examples then I can do via email.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Welcome the world of sidecars. After many years of two wheels I ventured into the unbalanced world and love it. I have been riding for 47years and side cars for 14. I can see now at almost 68 I see it as a way to extend my riding, plus my wife loves it!
