Sidecar Newbie

Kathy,
no sidecar questions are 'rediculous!
We all need the info!
as to your questions...
1 ,2 and 3...it is different!!! it does not lean like a 2 wheel bike..you must turn left or right like a car. it takes getting used to but not long. also. remember, it is wide! plan ahead. parking is no problem, most places you pull into a spot and can just roll out backwards. if all else fails there are always onlookers that wil be glad to give yoy a littl push backwards...makes their day!
It is much more people friendy than a 2 wheeler. lots of waves and smiles along the way.
#4....If your getting a HD car. it will be a tight squeeze for 2 kids.
also remember to install seat belts for the kids for safety.and helmets.
It really isnt reccommended for a passenger on the bike with a sidecar attached, too easy for the passenger to slide off on sudden right turns in emegencys. passenger up there must ALWAYS be aware of the road ahead.
not so riding in the sidecar...there you can relax, enjoy the scenery, wave, not worrying about sand and gravel and dumping,falling over on curves like with with 2 wheels.
others will add more comments here, but glad you guys are joinng the madness! it addicting!!

It is NOT a motorcycle anymore. It takes careful practice to develope some new skills.
As far as adaptations go (assuming you mean the rig and not you)- you'll want to investigate a 5 degree triple clamp to make it easier to steer.
If you are thinking of riding on the pillion with kids, or anybody, in the sidecar- DON'T. That's a contraction of "Do Not". I'm not as diplomatic as Bob. It messes up the handling and you can easily get hurt or killed.
Sidecars are great. Don't mean to scare you, but I'm glad you asked first.

after many years of riding lots of styles of motorcycles, the sidecar adds a lot of fun back into the picture. A lot of looks, thumbs up etc. are all a part of the publics lack of awareness that they do still make and ride such things. Are they fun, yes. I think they would be more fun to ride in than behind a cyclist. You do have to drive them now instead of ride them. ALOT safer on those rainny slick highways and much more convient when stashing helmits, coats rainsuits, chairs, tents,tools,,,,,,,you get the picture,,
"preacher"

Originally written by preacher on 5/11/2006 8:26 AM

after many years of riding lots of styles of motorcycles, the sidecar adds a lot of fun back into the picture. A lot of looks, thumbs up etc. are all a part of the publics lack of awareness that they do still make and ride such things. Are they fun, yes. I think they would be more fun to ride in than behind a cyclist. You do have to drive them now instead of ride them. ALOT safer on those rainny slick highways and much more convient when stashing helmits, coats rainsuits, chairs, tents,tools,,,,,,,you get the picture,,
"preacher"

Dont forget, that when a rig is properly set up it can outhandle a 2 wheeler in the twistys!!!
I've had to slow down for my 2 wheel buddies in front of me in the BMW club, on rides thru the hills and curvy roads :o)

We've had this argument here before. A passenger on the back of the tug is no more imperiled than that same passenger would be on the back of a Trike or an ATV. Make sure there are adequate hand holds and make sure your passengers use them

All riders of ALL Motorcycles (all vehicles, for that matter) must be aware of their surroundings at ALL times.
Many of us got into sidecars so we could take the family with us. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it.

Just make sure that you understand that the one third ratio always applies. The sidecar must weigh AT LEAST 1/3 the weight of the motorcycle any time it is on the road. That means with it's saddlebags packed and both riders in place.

Hi,

Adapting meant us and not the vehicle; sorry I wasn't clear. For years my husband had considered getting a side car for one of his other bikes, but we never followed through.

The bike and sidecar are 2006. The bike is a HD Ultra Classic Electraglide and we are purchasing a 1 of 15 limited edition radical paint set which includes the HD TLE Ultra side car. The bike is a plush touring bike, there's no p-pad. I am confused by your comment about not riding on the pillion -- there was no mention at the dealership about me not riding on back while kids are in the side car.

Is a 5-degree triple clamp something that is used in older retrofits? Is it something that is used on all models/makes when paired with a side car?

Originally written by modelakathy on 5/11/2006 5:38 PM

Hi,

Adapting meant us and not the vehicle; sorry I wasn't clear. For years my husband had considered getting a side car for one of his other bikes, but we never followed through.

The bike and sidecar are 2006. The bike is a HD Ultra Classic Electraglide and we are purchasing a 1 of 15 limited edition radical paint set which includes the HD TLE Ultra side car. The bike is a plush touring bike, there's no p-pad. I am confused by your comment about not riding on the pillion -- there was no mention at the dealership about me not riding on back while kids are in the side car.

Is a 5-degree triple clamp something that is used in older retrofits? Is it something that
is used on all models/makes when paired with a side car?

that Harley dealer doesnt know much about sidecars except how to sell them.
Mike mentioned above about passengrs on pillion of a SC rig are not in any more danger than trike or ATV passengers. they ALSO should beware! can also be thrown off.
also that passengers and riders must always be aware of everything going on . agreed! but!!...a pillion passenger will not be concentrating full time like a driver will...he/she may be gazing at the great scenery, looking at a map, whatever, and the driver makes a sudden swerve to the right. that is going to throw the passenger off to the left side of the bike, hanging on for dear life, if she is still there. At the same time it is going to transfer her weight to the outside of the turn making the rig VERY unstable, and possibly lose control.
remember , the bike will not lean into turns any more...any left or right turn will shift the passengers weight to the outside of the turn.
some say "I will be driving well within my limits"..but..S*** happens, and it happens quickly! no time to grab on .
last year a couple crashed on a curve when the driver made a quick right turn, throwing the lady passenger off the Goldwing into an oncoming truck. rig lost control, and crashed.This was mentioned on the SCT forum.
many couples ride 2 up on the rig for many years with no problems.
this says it can be done , but ,not reccommended . at all!
also kids in the SC must wear helmets and have child seats if under a certain age. and should be belted in for their safety. keep them from squirming around, and being thrown out in the event of a crash. You dont want the kids sliding down the road into oncoming traffic. being belted into the car is the safest thing to do for them.
Or else Momma holds him/her on their lap. :o)
buying a SC rig so you can take the kids along is great, but, take turns...you ride in the SC, then take the kids out for a ride. much safer.
actually many rigs dont even have a passenger seat.
my wife rode about 2 miles on the pillion of my rig when I first attatched it. At that time I had to stop and she got out, and climbed into the SC...first thing she said..."AHHHHH this is much safer! I felt so out of balance up there going around the corners!"
SC's are great fun ...if you learn to ride them safely. much safer than 2 wheels.
I'm not trying to scare you guys, just a little ejucation ! :o)