@brstr Thanks. I will stay optimistic until a higher authority convinces me otherwise.
@miles-ladue That is certainly an option. Yamaha and Honda are really the two best options. I would consider an older Harley with the EVO motor but they definitely require more maintenance.
Looked up the victory.
It didn't make it to Australia in any numbers though I think I have seen one.
What year is yours?
They seem reliable so maybe it's your cheapest option.
Seeing as you can do your own set up.
Not seen one close but it is steel framed and does have suitable fixing points?
Ma6be run what ya bring is the starting point?
There's a Victory forum so you could ask there about keeping it running etc.
Dave, you and I have a lot in common, serious lone wolf travel style, serious photographers, yield to the appeal of the road when we can. I hope you can attend the national USCA rally in Mena, AR next week. I would love to sit with you, swap stories, tips and travel ideas.
Since my accident in Chile which resulted in a week in the hospital down there, something few can identify with, I admire others who still have the energy and gumption to explore the world. Money is an issue that all world travelers face, but can be overcome.
After Chile, I joined the sidecar world, becoming a believer. Those winds dowm there were the worse I ever experienced.
I have met too many riders who's belt has been torn or punctured by gravel. Why expose yourself to that weakness. Go with shaft or chain, neither affected by gravel. Unless you are staying on paved roads 100%. But why do that, that limits your seeing a lot of the world.
Carb vs FI, go with what you got. Don't stress over it. Just go.
Dave , I go back and forth between Cypress ( suburb of Houston) and northern NM, Angel Fre every year. We should meet up.
Jan Daub aka CCjon
A subframe is only necessary when there is nothing else to fix the sidecar to.
In the case of the R1200, there isn’t, so he needs the subframe.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Sounds like the start to an epic adventure. In regards to the book, a sidecar rig that garners attention and gets people talking may provide some pretty entertaining reading. Maybe something not quite so reliable, yet friendly and approachable.
A well designed and built subframe will definitely keep you out of many friendly farmer's barns though. So if you don't plan to have a chapter about the ingenuity and friendliness of America's Farmers, Definitely get something well built and designed. Based on location Texas Sidecars would be great folks to work with.
From my point of view, the biggest difference in the extremely competent builds being done today, versus rigs built 40 years ago has more to do with traffic patterns. For a back road weekend cruiser old rigs are fun. For a rig that is going to deal with the chaos on today's road, the more stout, nimble and reliable the better.
Wishing you great success, and look forward to the book. Followed hopefully by a movie starring Mathew McConaughey (He really needs to get out of those Lincolns). Okay, just kidding about the movie. But the book would be great! 👍
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
If I were you I would get a bike that's up to the job, one with a proper frame. Bikes are cheap and plentiful these days.
@dgs331 Dave, you might want to look around for a Yamaha Super Tenere (XT1200Z), older, with high mileage that might put it in your price range. It is about as bullet proof as you can find in a bike, 1200cc parallel twin, shaft drive.
Sample listing $3,500 off ebay: Link
TSC makes a very good subframe for that bike and it might be affordable. Lowered pegs, highwaybars, etc. might adapt it to your height.
@ben-franklin I have looked at them but the foot peg placement doesn't work well for me. i am at the point where I need forward controls or I get a lot of pain in my hips. I did buy a BMW R1150GSA and I couldn't ride it more than an hour.
Why do you want such a big bike Dave ?
Given your forward control requirements I highly recommend getting a Suzuki Savage, they have forward controls, they are light weight, they are easy to move around, they have LOTS of torque, will happily drive all day at over 60mph, and can be had for peanuts.
Suzuki Savage 650 single sidecar rig
Mick he's 6'5" with 37" inseam.
Our little Suzuki LS650's are perfect for those with ducks disease.
It's an issue for me just on 6'2" that I'm working on.
But wouldn't run mine on the superslabs either.
Mick he's 6'5" with 37" inseam.
Our little Suzuki LS650's are perfect for those with ducks disease.
It's an issue for me just on 6'2" that I'm working on.
But wouldn't run mine on the superslabs either.
That's easily solved, all he needs do is sit further back.
That's easily solved, all he needs do is sit further back.
The correct word would be FARTHER....as in...."all he needs to do is sit FARTHER back".
Furthermore, the use of the word "further" is prohibited in the Prairie Provinces, as they would simply say...
"Move your butt back on the seat, eh !"
I know how to Speak English. So please stop being such a cupid stunt.
I know how to Speak English. So please stop being such a cupid stunt.
Knowing "how to Speak English", and "doing so properly", are two different things.
Thank You for proving my point.
Oh, and have a Nice Day, eh !
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort