I am wondering if anyone has a sidecar specifically that is on the Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic or VN800A before I make the commitment to purchase one. I want to know if there are any problems cruising at the posted highway speeds of (65 mph) when cruising on the interstate with a passenger. The projected weight of the sidecar is about 170 lbs more or less trying to figure mounting hardware. My passenger is 125 lbs. It isn't a very good idea around here if you cannot keep up with the traffic on the interstate. Most people are going 70 or 75 mph but usually cruising at 65 and they aren't right on top of you. Cruising slower than 65 mph and there is constantly someone right on top of you. You can't compare a larger 1500cc displacement machine to the smaller V-Twins like a 800. I don't know the stock HP of a Harley Sportster 880 but they probably have more HP than the Vulcan 800. The Vulcan 800 is stock at 54 hp. I don't want to spend hundreds on mods for my Vulcan 800 if it can be avoided. It may sway my decision of buying the sidecar. Right now I am about 90% to go for the sidecar but I don't want to make an expensive mistake. Those who know my configuration sure could help me with my decision
Dennis
Dennis, The Vulcan 800 makes a fine sidecar bike however one thing we have found is that the rear shock really is not up to the task. The 800 will do freeway speed no problem. If may not want to do it while fighting a strong head wind.
We have two Vulcans in the shop right now mounting sidecars to them. One of them is the 500cc Vulcan. It will be fun to see how it works out.
Let me know if we can be of any help. We have many models of sidecars with prices starting at only $2495.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporation
www.dauntlessmotors.com
866-638-1793
www.dauntlessmotors.com
866-638-1793
Jay;
I know it has the single rear shock so you mean by "Up To Task" that it really can't handle the extra weight of the sidecar and passenger and ride comfortably. The shock is of course adjustable for a stiffer ride. I guess the "Up To The Task" has me a little concerned as I not only want things to be right I want things to be safe. To the best of my knowledge I believe the Vulcan line is the only one with the single displaced rear shock. They of course did a few things on the Vulcan to save money and that and keeping the chain drive were a couple of their choices. I sure would like a sidecar but I don't want to be unsafe or have problems.
The stock shock will work but one with a stronger spring would work out much better for you.
Jay
Jay;
You install sidecars all the time, do you have access to get a shock that has the stonger spring in it for the Vulcan 800?
I've been working on a project with a Vulcan 800B and a sidecar. I went w/a lighter sidecar (weighs in at 196# rigged)and have the rig up and running. Have been on a several trips (500mi +). This Vulcan is a '96, converted it to belt drive and upped the ponies to about 55hp at the rear tire (dyno). Loaded w/gear (Rider 200# + Pax of 150# + gear 50#) it will run 65mph comfortably. Last trip w/wind (gusts to 40) and hilly country we averaged about 40mpg...highest was 46...lowest tank was 32. Into the wind (30 mph w/gusts to 40) 60 was working the engine hard... and uphill into the wind required a downshift to hold 50 mph. For shorter trips w/wind under 20mph, keeping 65 is realistic, but the rig seems to relax more at 60mph. Top speed no wind, on the level, is just over 86 mph. I did put progressive heavier duty (over stock) springs/valves up front, and adapted an upgraded aftermarket heavier duty rear shock/spring from a Suzuki 1200 Bandit for the rear. That combo has worked well. My take on this combo? I did it because I had a spare bike in the garage, didn't know if I would like hacking, and wanted to learn all I could by building one before I paid bigger bucks to have someone build me a "guilded" rig (if this turns out to be a "go"). We are pleased w/the experiment. As a first timer and novice hacker (been biking for 46 years), I've learned a bunch (with considerable help from folks here on the forum), the rig is fun and works as a starter rig for us. Next rig...I'd go w/more ponies because I tour more than I cruise...if I was commuting or crusing...I'd stay where I am.
I went w/a lighter sidecar (weighs in at 196# rigged).
That Cozy must be ballasted to come up with that weight.
Lonnie
Correct Lonnie--that weight was for the car/all attachments/all accessories. Additionally, I filled in some of the "tub"-frame to add weight...and probably over-built the strut assembly/cycle sub-frame. Heavier than needed, but my wife reports the ride is very comfortable. I also note that even at night the lighting seems not to chatter...smooth transitions over bumps.I also noted after my late night foray in posting, that this thread was an old one with the initiator's account "deleted". Thought I was being so helpful. 😉
