David, thanks. This is the kind of advise I'm looking for. This just might keep me from being a statistic
FYI:
On the adjustment, if it is not adjusted properly you will either lose control without warning, or burn out a tire in no time. I experienced both of these events. We are talking about being just a half inch out of alignment and your tire is history. That being said, I have never in 43 years had more fun riding anything else!!!!! I would not trade my rig for anything else!!!!
So enjoy, just make safety your first and foremost priority and everyday will be a joy to ride!!!!!!
Great advice from everyone. I just started last winter with a hack after 40 years riding experience. I did a lot of slow miles in my neighborhood. My first right hand turn, going slowly, really got my attention! I probably only racked up 150 miles or so before heading out on a +1000 mile run up to Death Valley. We took all the back (although rough) roads and took our time, enjoying the experience. I immediately found out how much more the wind effects things. I managed the first 500 miles with nothing but head and side winds. What a workout for me and the old beemer. I have since racked up probably 5000 miles and the side car has opened up a new experience. I was getting a bit bored. Now my wife is a happy passenger as she didn't want to ride her bike anymore and disliked riding two up. I did a lot of homework on my own set up and took things slowly at first. I have had two right hand turn scares just as was mentioned above. A little too fast and not enough ballast. Nothing too close, but got my attention. My old beemer has taken a transformation since the hack installation; lower gearing, 900cc top end, deep oil pan, 9 gallon heinrich fuel tank. The sidecar option has rekindled my ages old love of motorcycling. Wouldn't have it any other way!
Who knew?
Yesterday, my wife calls me to go pick her up at the Vieux Port {Old Port in Montreal]. Its a tourist mecca. So I ride down with my rig. I arrived a half our early. I am parked and the tourists are going by in droves. The the weirdest thing happens. Tourists started to ask me if they could sit in the sidecar and have their pictures taken. 15 people eventually had their pics taken by the time my wife arrived with her friend. It was amazing! They were so happy to sit in the sidecar and the smiles were ear to ear!
Who knew?!?!?
DSMITH. Good looking rig, sounds like a great trip. Point taken, practise and pay attention to the safety items. Wife has always said she would not get on back of a motorcycle, but with me looking at sidecars she has started to change her mind. I love to ride but really want her come with me. Maybe this is the ticket.
Thanks
Roy
Roy, My wife had only ridden once in a hack with a friend of mine. He is an accomplished hacker and had his old R69S w/ Steib on two wheels with my wife as a passenger. She swore she would never get in one again. How quickly her mind was changed when I set up my hack. As I've gotten older, I have gotten slower. I figure I have a better respect for my safety and mortality. After 40 years of riding and innumerable close calls (with no accidents worth mentioning) I think the law of averages starts working a bit more. So I am now much more defensive and aware of EVERYTHING around me. Besides when we are in our mid 50's we don't heal as fast! My wife and I are best buddies and every ride now is a new adventure. She actually looks forward to our trips when before ,when she was riding her own bike, she looked at it like a lot of work. Hope your wife falls for the hack life like mine did!
Thanks, the more I hear from people the more I want to do this, even thought I might have a custom made seat w/ adjustable air and back support for the wife. If its comfortable and I don't scare her too bad she just might convert to bikes (w/sidecar). I'm looking forward to the experence.
Thanks
Roy
