I am a newbie to sidecars and just received my new rig back from Hannigan;s.
The local BMW club that I am in is buzzing and itching to get into sidecars. After seeing mine 2 fellows are making arrangements to ship their bikes off to Kentucky.
Is there a real growing interest in sidecars?
Bob
That's really hard to say. There are no good numbers about sidecars on the road because they are not usually licensed as anything other than motorcycles. Personal observation in this group is probably skewed because it seems that sidecarists seek each other out; maybe it's to share knowledge and maybe it's just herd instinct. Most probably the former because there isn't a lot of good information just lying about regarding sidecars and most (not all, I said most) motorcycle shops know little or nothing about hacks.
All that said, many of us feel that there is a general growth in the sport. There are some good reasons for this. First, the general motorcycle riding population is up and is substantially older than in previous years. If there are more riders, it stands to reason that there would be more sidecar drivers. That aging thing keeps popping up too. Many riders become rig drivers to extend their riding years. Other factors include the comfort and increased carrying capacity on long trips and the idea that a significant other might no longer be comfortable as a pillion passenger. All manner of animals are sidecar passengers too. Some of us have come to the point where our spouses are once again willing to travel with us and prefer the sidecar for the comfort and stability. I guess there are all manner of reasons for growth in sidecaring but as far as I'm concerned the number one reason is that it's fun and more folks are finding that out!
Just as an example of the diversity of intrests in sidears, I use mine for installing the smaller projects that my welding shop produces. I have a 110 volt welder that rides in the car and a drop in tool post that holds a vise and a magnetic drill press. Also, my truck gets 14 miles per gallon and my Honda GL650/Dneper gets 38 miles per gallon. You do the math. Just going to town to check the mail puts a smile on my face.
Speaking from the industry side, I can concur with Al.
Add to the facts the current costs of fuel, bridge tolls, ferries and parking problems and you get a lot more people who are commuting with rigs these days. With a sidecar rig they still get a break on mileage, tolls and (at least in the Puget sound area and Canada) first in line on the ferries.
And there's room for the golf bag.
Lonnie
