Hey!
I am currently riding a Honda Shadow VLX 600. Some of the sidecar companies I have talked with said that a VLX does not make a good tug. However, it seems that people are running around with Silver Wings as tugs for sidecars. I would like to have one in order to ride my lady or dog around in, keep my camping stuff in, and keep my papers dry. I teach. And I would plain like something eccentric.
I am reasonably sure that somewhere out there, there is a small enough sidecar to fit this bike. I know there have been posting on the net by people who own Vulcan 500s and said they go at interstate speeds for quite a while at a time with a 562.
I do ride on the interstate both by self and with others, but I am more interested in highways and prefer that. A small, used sidecar that would keep my VLX able to do about 5-10 over the speed limit no matter where I might be would be just the thing. Any recommendations, advice, etc.? Primary email addy is dannyasmith1@yahoo.com.
We have installed Sputnik sidecars on these bikes and they worked out fairly good. The Sputniks are out of production but our Kenna should work out well.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporation
www.dauntlessmotors.com
The 562 is a good match for your VLX. There are a few 562Es and Standards around in the used market. Your best bet is a new one though.
The only new 562s available are the Cruiser models that have improved suspension, a larger 20mm axle, upgraded longer swing-arm, a wider wheel and progressive adjustable shock absorber. They are much better riding and don't sag in the turns like the old 562 did.
They do cost a little more though.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecar
Y'all:
Something around 130-150 lbs. would be a good fit according to a book I read once that said a sidecar should weigh around 30% of bike weight. I do love my little silver 452 lb. VLX, "Flash": I've really fixed it up cosmetically and functionally to where it is how I want it. Seat studded with hex nuts, Nat'l Cycle screen deflector, bullet hole decals, compass/clock mounted on the risers. I think it would look really awesome with a 562, for example. Good bike for a soon to be married, young 29 year old man on a budget. Could take dog riding or kids as long as Lover Girl didn't know. Ha ha ha.
Only catch is that the bike rides, of course, like a 600. It's weight is great for me. It's look is great for me. However, I have to wind it out as compared to my older bikes which were Harley and Triumphs. Not much low end on the little bike. The 562, just for a specific example, would be a great looking match. But I am concerned about drag, power loss, etc. I would be willing to do whatever to the little engine to make this configuration work. I could get a higher performance air filter, do a 4 degree timing modification. Surely there is somewhere I could big bore. But I need to know what the configuration would and would not be able to do, even potentially, before I can even think about actually buying a sidecar for "Flash."
I love the bike, love the idea of a sidecar. Would hate the idea of such a great looking bike not running acceptably. Thanks in advance for y'all's advice.
C
P.S. Upon thinking about this and editing this message, maybe I could simply keep the sidecar on the bike for when there is a possibility for riding at night and in rain when visibility or stability might be limited. If on a run that's only going to be daytime with good visibility and non-nasty weather througout, I could detach beforehand and let 'er rip?
A used 562 would be a good asthetic match, the easiest to acquire and are usually equipt with all accessories. There are plenty of them around. At 154# the 562E (Euro) models or 562 Std. (America) models make a great combo with your VLX. The new 562C Cruisers have many more upgrades in suspension and finish but at $2,299.00 MSRP plus setup and destination charges they are probably out of your budget range. A used 562 can be had for less than half of that sometimes.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecar
nwsidecar@aol.com
But would it run like I would want it to? I.e., would it go five to ten over anywhere I went for a while at a time? Remember: I really like the little bike and would be willing to do performance mods to it.
If you want to run with the big dogs, I would suggest a sidecar platform with more cc displacement. Your 600 won't sustain extended superslab speeds due to wind resistance and torque (not horsepower) limitations. You will have no problem exceeding most speed limits for short periods of time but you are asking too much from too little to expect your 600 to perform like an 1100cc rig. Speed mods aren't a replacement for torque as torque is what makes the wheels go around. As the old saying goes,"You can't beat cubic inches".
The 600 outfit with a lighter weight hack makes a fine back road runner and will cruise 55 or 60 all day long with no problems.
Have been recently told that a 15 tooth front sprocket, a less restrictive (but hopefully quiet) exhaust, a rejet, and a more free flowing air intake system would take care of the bike with hack. Maybe a four degree timing modification.
Maybe later on, I could consider getting leading link front forks to help out with the 6.5 inch trail. Or I would be barely willing to consider selling it and getting a good used outfit off of here. I really do hate not to use my VLX considering that I really like it a lot. Lonnie, would you happen to have any used, small sidecars for sale so that I can think further about the future? A 562, or maybe a 700 would be more aerodynamic?
I am glad this forum is here so I can learn more, and I appreciate all y'all's help.
Sorry,
We get very few trade in sidecars. Maybe 3 a year and thet go fast. Most sidecarists move their chair to the next bike unless they are making a major change in size of bike or sidecar. It seems they grow on you after a while and most have been personalized or customized (just like bikes)to suit the owner (or passenger's) needs.
Lonnie
Lonnie, I have a new Triumph Thruxton,and would like to know what side car would fit the bike best....thanks for your reply.
Willie,
With the classic retro look of the Thruxton, I'd match it with a Motorvation Spyder with the Brooklands windscreen, or if the budget wouldn't go there a 562C Cruiser.
Lonnie
Thanks lonnie,I'll let you know what I do, willie
