new to the sidecar idea.....

"...changes the dynamics of riding quite a bit.". Boy, you've got that right!
First of all, to initiate a left turn on a solo bike you would actually turn the bars to the right to upset the balance to put the bike into a left lean, then slight left application of the bars control the left turn.
With a sidecar, there is no lean involved, so it needs to be turned initially in the direction you want to go. This is contrary to what we learn over the years as a solo rider, and some guys just can't overcome the instinct. I have allowed two of my buddies to try my sidecar rigs over the years, but NEVER AGAIN! Both times there was serious damage done when they ran over the curbs and into bushes!
On my first rig (a 1971 Yamaha 650/Motorvation Spyder) I made up an outrigger, castered wheel that rode just 2" off the ground on the left side. This kept me from going over on my side in right-handers that I was going too fast for. Of course, this was all done in large parking lots for practice to get the feel for the rig's handling.
It doesn't take long to get a good feel for the rig, but do it in a large parking lot so you don't end up meeting a car hen you swing too wide in order to not flip over in a right turn.
BTW, that Triumph/Velorex would be a great first rig to learn on, but just be careful and don't scratch either one! JK!

I've set up several Triumph/Velorex 562C and 563T rigs. Nothing but good feedback from the owners.
The post 2004 models have upgraded suspension and early models (15 mm axle/no adjustable shock) need the suspension upgraded to handle the bike weight.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

thanks for the reply. the one I'm looking at is a 2009 bonneville. sweet looking setup!

George Cordora in N.M. rides a Triumph scrambler with a Velorex. He and lovely bride travel all over the country on it. Seems to be a very good match.
J.R.
Sec.
Tex.Rep.

Here's a 2009 Bonny/563 Tour that we set up.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

That looks great!, actually almost exactly like the one I am considering. here's a picture of the 2009 I'm looking at. bike has 1600 miles on it, car was attached 300 miles ago, car is a 2014. They are asking $8995, but I may be able to get them down a bit

Another option I have been considering is adding a chair to my 2009 Suzuki c50. How would I figure out which car would fit it best? Is there a way to search the forum for others who have added a chair to the c50? Sorry for all the questions I'm just trying to do my homework before I make the purchase... so far my options are a ural, triumph with velorex or modifying my existing bike....

If you do go with a sidecar for your C50 make sure that it comes with proper bike specific not a bunch of "universal" frame clamps like Velorex, Cosy and a few others use. It will work out much better in the long run for you. Make sure that the sidecar is heavy and strong enough for the bike. Make sure if you buy new that you buy from a reputable company (see my post about safer whole sale). Check with the BBB and make sure you pay with a charge card. There are a few companies out there that are not living up to the standards one would expect (see lead time post and again check with the BBB) It is good that you are doing your home work first rather then after the fact.
If you buy used feel free to contact me before you even look at the sidecar. Some sidecars by the time you make them safe or make any needed changes to them in order to mount them may not be such a great deal.
All of our sidecars come with proper bike specific mounts designed for the C50. We can also provide these mounts for other sidecars. Our least expensive is the Sputnik we imported $2995. The least expensive we build start at $3995 and go up from there.
Should you go with the Triumph we also make triple tree's to lower the steering effort on this bike.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793

thanks, I'm leaning towards the Triumph, as it is all set up already. That said, the $8999 price tag makes me want to research my options. (not afraid to spend cash, just want to make certain not to waste it). If I did put a chair on my C50, which chair of yours would be the best match for it?, also, what would be the rough cost for the chair and mounting kit? ..... thanks in advance

My first choice would be our M72C however the M72CX, Expedition Tomahawk, Tomahawk SE, and Kenna as well as the Sputnik would al work well. It all depends on what features you need and want, styling you like and what the budget allows for which is why we have so many options. All of our sidecars the price includes the proper bike specific mounts. Prices start at $2995 for the Sputnik and go up from there. The M72C runs $5495. All of our sidecars can be seen on this page http://www.dmcsidecars.com/sidecars/
For $8999 was the sidecar installed with "universal" mounts or with mounts designed for the bike and has the steering been modified?
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793

I don't know about the mounts, but I do know there is a steering damper on the triumph. I'll ask about the mounts, thanks. I am a machinist by trade, do you think the sidecar install would be something I can do? I've rebuilt a couple of mustangs in my day , pretty mechanical guy. What are the odds I can do the install myself

Here are some C50 Suzukis we have set up with Velorex's using easily fabricated subframe brackets.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

stancotreau - 11/3/2015 7:29 AM

Another option I have been considering is adding a chair to my 2009 Suzuki c50....

Roland down here in Louisiana has been quite pleased with his C50/Velorex combination, which has traversed quite a few miles as a commuter for various family members. I don't know any details, but I understand Roland mounted the sidecar himself.

J.R. - 11/2/2015 5:40 PM

George ... in N.M. rides a Triumph scrambler with a Velorex. He and lovely bride travel all over the country on it. Seems to be a very good match....

George & Aurora and their widely-traveled Triumph/Velorex rig: