I just crashed and burned my HD and the first thing my wife said (and maybe I thougth) was its time to hang up the helment.
So here I am laid up with a broken ankle and wondering if and when do I get back on and how to do it with her.
So I found this site and here's question(s):
Is driving a hack safer (I'm not a wild man at 58)than a bike?
Can you cruse at 70-75?
Does it take a lot of getting used to?
I have been cross country (NJ to AZ) nearly a dozen times and now my son is back there again, and I just can't bear the thought of driving/flying out, but how is a hack for that kind of distance?
Thanks for any feedback I get.
js
Sorry about your misfortune. Been there, done that.
A sidecar rig is more visible which is an asset in traffic.
Three wheels are a lot more stable on wet roads, loose gravel, unpaved surfaces, leaves, mud, etc. You may slide a bit but you're not going down.
A well aligned sidecar combo can cruise at well over 65-75 MPH if desired.
At over 75 fuel usage may be more than desireable.
There is a short learning curve involved. Especially for current solo motorcycle riders as there are some differences in handling involved with sidecar rigs. For instance you no longer countersteer, you steer left to go left and steer right to go right. You no longer need to put your feet down when you stop. One has to take into consideration the wider vehicle and stay in proper lane position.
There are sidecar training classes available in many areas. If not, instruction books for self training are available here linked to the welcome page. Initial learning curve is quite short.
Sidecaring is a great sport that is very people friendly.
You may want to hang one on your Harley when it gets rebuilt. There are sidehacks that fit all models of Harley, not just the ones Harley sells.
Warning: Sidecars can be habit forming!
Lonnie
After I got whacked, the SC is the only way my wife will get near a bike. I think they're more work, but then look at what I drive- hardley a luxo-tourer. Plus I don't do the freeways much, so the mountain roads take more effort.
Safer... more visibility, no need for a sidestand, you're more likely to take the turns slower... On the other hand, until you get good, it's dangerous for different reason. An entirely different set of skills, IMO. Worse gas mileage than solo, but then again, everything gets better gas mileage than a Beemer.
Most wives love to be parade queens, too.
Originally written by Uncle Ernie on 5/8/2006 11:42 PM
Worse gas mileage than solo, but then again, everything gets better gas mileage than a Beemer.
Except Valkyries. :0)
Hi Jes,
Crashing on two wheels is a great reason to give sidehacking a try, but it can be an expensive proposition if you get a rig and then decide that you don't like it. (Maybe, you could check one out at a rally or take a class where they furnish the rig).
I've been driving a rig for ten years now (after my tumble) and I love it, both to drive and to ride in the sidecar. I love riding two up on my husbands 1800 Wing, as well, but hated riding behind a friend on his trike. Rigs are definitely more work than two wheels, but a rig has lots of advantages that two wheels can't offer. How far and how fast you can travel depends more on your cycle's power and comfort than the fact that it has a sidecar attached. In 2002 we drove from Virginia to California, went north to Washington and headed back east. We went to a bunch of national parks on our 24 day, 8,000 mile trip. With my sidecar, I had enough clothes for the entire trip without having to do laundry. By the way, I was 51 when we took that trip. So, if an old lady like me can make long trips with a rig, I'm sure that you could do it without much trouble.
I don't know about your wife, but I've never had anyone in my sidecar that didn't love it. It just makes you smile when you're riding in a sidecar - - that has to be a good thing!
Speedy mending!
Connie
Jes,
Get mended and come on over to the ISOK Sidecar RON DEE VOO II in August. It is in central Pa about 50 or so miles north of Harrisburg. There were over 200 there last year and there will be many rigs to check out and ride in. There is a sidecar trainging session too. See ad elswhere on thsi site and at SCT (link below)as well as various magazines.
I have done some sheet time too from two wheelers and also three wheelers. Still ride both but sidecars are certainly addictive:-)
Hey Connie, good to see you post!!
Where been ya girl?
Get tired of us old farts?
Lonnie
Hi Claude & Lonnie!
You guys are so cute! I've been keeping an eye on you all the time! Never get tired of checking out the posts, but since I don't know anything about all of the technical stuff, I only yap once in awhile.
So, you guys behave because I'm watching you! And trying to learn from all of your advice.
Connie
Hey Js. Hope you are on the mend. I am not one to give technical information but can relate to your situation and wanted to address your queery about the fun aspect of long distance with a hack. I am paraplegic, not motorcycle related! I rode on 2 wheels everywhere I went before my injury. I bought an old Honda with a velorex sidecar about 1995 and adapted it a little and got back on the road. Today I am on my 4th sidecar rig vtx1800 with a lowered Ural sporting a vtx rim and also now have an electric shifter. I hate going anywhere in my truck other than the grocery store or post office. I still get that magical feeling on long rides. However, if you can still manage the Harley on two wheels when you're fixed, just look your wife square in the eye and say "sorry Honey, it's an addiction"! Don't let anyone control your pasions in life, life's to short.
Originally written by herwing on 5/10/2006 5:49 PM
Hi Claude & Lonnie!
You guys are so cute! I've been keeping an eye on you all the time! Never get tired of checking out the posts, but since I don't know anything about all of the technical stuff, I only yap once in awhile.
So, you guys behave because I'm watching you! And trying to learn from all of your advice.
Connie
Gulp....Hey Lonnie we better straighten up.
Originally written by herwing on 5/10/2006 5:49 PM
Hi Claude & Lonnie!
You guys are so cute! I've been keeping an eye on you all the time! Never get tired of checking out the posts, but since I don't know anything about all of the technical stuff, I only yap once in awhile.
So, you guys behave because I'm watching you! And trying to learn from all of your advice.
Connie
guess Connie never actually SAW you guys...heeehheee!
Now Bob, see what you made me do! I had to logon to defend two of my favorites here. Actually, I have not had the pleasure of meeting Lonnie, yet, but I hope to someday. I met Claude in 2004. I have to admit that he was looking pretty puny, but after all, he had just had major surgery. I was absolutely amazed that he was out of the hospital, much less attending the ISOK RON DEE VOO. I had no idea that he was so ill at the time, but he fielded a "bunch" of questions from me about the rally with very patient, good humor. Guess you could honestly say that I'm a big Claude fan. Yep, Claude and Lonnie are "cute" to me! And I greatly appreciate the fact that they don't exclude me in the "conversations" here just because I'm a woman! I like being just one of the "guys" even though I'm not a guy.
Connie (grin)
Ah shucks Connie.
woo!
I can just imagine the size of Claude's head right now! :o)
actually, he is one of my favs on the lists and in person at the RDV rallys
Helped me a lot, and we have a lot of the same viewpoints.
Connie,
You're out there with 3 in the wind, that's what's important to us.
Lonnie
