newbie question

I would lean towards one of the Honda Shadow models. They are heavily framed and low center of gravity with tough durable engines.
My 750 Aero shadow has been a dedicated sidecar tug for more than 4 years now in use every day. Normal maintenance and tires and gas are all it wants.
The 1100 cc models have a lot more power though. The 1300 is another good choice.

Thanks Phelonius,
I had a Honda A.C.E. which I liked, but I'm particular to the cafe racer/tracker look and was hoping to keep this theme with the sidecar

Here are a couple of shots of my '82 Goldwing configured close to what you describe, saddle bags, no trunk and only a stubby, blanked out windscreen.

Here's a "77 GL/ Hitchhiker rig we sold recently. And a Kaw Police bike with an early Velorex from back when.

The Kaw hack was later given upgraded wheel, tire and suspension.

Lonnie

Thanks guys. I am grateful for the pictures

Would either of these bikes require a subframe or any extra gusseting?

I would go with the Goldwing, You will find parts for it much easier to come by then other bikes of its vintage. I also find used leading links and car wheels still from time to time for the GL1100. I have never seen them used or new for the Kawasaki. Sub frames are needed not only just for strength but also so that you can place the mounts further apart and where they need to be. For instance on the GL1100 many people will clamp to the rear section of the frame which puts the lower rear mount much higher off the ground then the lower front mount. The problem with this is when you go to adjust the alignment when you lean the bike out to help with a pull to the right, you end up toeing the sidecar out causing more of a pull to the right. We of course make sub frames as well as sidecars, You will not want to go with a light duty sidecar such as the Velorex , Cozy or Spirit eagle on these bikes, way to light duty, safety must come first. If you are looking at used sidecars feel free to contact me before you buy. Some, once you get them ready for your bike may not be such a good idea or deal. We can supply mounting hardware for most sidecars.
BTW, I put 150K on a GL1100 with a sidecar, great sidecars bikes.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793

thanks,
I have a 75 Honda CB550 and a 78 CB400A. I'm still entertaining the possibilities of putting a sidecar on either of these. The CB550 is probably the better choice, as the 400 uses the engine as a stressed member and mounting options are scarce.
I assume someone has put a sidecar on a CB550 before, too.
I am just concerned abut going back and forth between the sidecar and solo because mine is in the cafe racer style, and has Norman Hyde M bars and I would like to keep the center stand

Back in the seventies I had a friend with a sidecar on a CB550. He was a good engine builder and former sidecar racer from the old days. His 550 could do above 90 mph with his wife aboard the hack.

We have mounts for the CB550, no problems at all to mount a sidecar to. While we have not done the 400 I would not think that it would be all that much of an issue. These smaller bikes would allow for a lighter sidecar. Small bikes with small sidecars can be a lot of fun. I had an MZ silverstarr gespan for a while, 500cc rotax single, fun bike, one of my wife's current bikes is an F650CS / Sputnik rig (for sale, in the rigs for sale section) it is a lot of fun. If you are thinking about the 400A as it is automatic you might also consider the CB750A which works well as a sidecar bike, we have one for sale that belongs to my sister in law, she stopped riding it about 10 years ago when at 29,000 miles it developed an oil leak from the head gasket area, it has been sitting in my shop since $400. However if I were planning on a long road trip at highway speeds I would much rather have a heavier bike. The larger bikes of course also have larger brakes.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793