I had someone say something the other day and just for fun I though I would check it out. When thinking of yourself do you call yourself a Sidecar driver or a motorcycle brand name (HD, BMW, Honda, etc) rider?
this is a hard one to answer... I have owned many different motorcycles over the years... now I have 2 HD and a Kawasaki but that could change. I would like to get an old BMW sometime, only have one sidecar, so I can't say that sidecars are the only thing. I do like the car and feel more comfortable with it every day. For me it is more enjoyment of riding and antique bikes.
There was a time when I would emphaticly call myself a "BMW Rider", with what would probably be a snootish attitude. I'm trying to get away from that elitist attitude and accept the fact that there are many really good bikes to be had these days, and Beemers are not always the best choice. I started off on BMWs, and have always owned the opposed twins, that is till a few years ago I broke brand and bought a KLR 650. It bothered me that it was somehow disturbing to break loyalty. I guess realizing that it was silly to feel that way was theraputic. Anyway, I have two solo bikes, and two sidecar rigs.
Driver, Rider, Pilot,... motorcycle, hack... what's the difference? As long as I don't have to pedal it or push it, I am absolutely drawn to it. 2 wheels, 3 wheels, 4 wheels, 6 wheels, etc, propeller(s) wings, hulls (even with sails), just whatever will somehow get in motion, (gravity & downhill is also good!) sleds, skis, Jamaican "push" carts, ANYTHING THAT MOVES IS JUST WAY COOL TO ME... been that way since I was 2 years old. Oh yea, goin' fast once in a while is ok too. (seen 150 mph+ on 2 wheels and 4 wheels, 70+ mph on skis...) Tally-Ho!
Originally written by Pfestus1 on 1/24/2007 8:58 AM
There was a time when I would emphaticly call myself a "BMW Rider", with what would probably be a snootish attitude. I'm trying to get away from that elitist attitude and accept the fact that there are many really good bikes to be had these days, and Beemers are not always the best choice. I started off on BMWs, and have always owned the opposed twins, that is till a few years ago I broke brand and bought a KLR 650. It bothered me that it was somehow disturbing to break loyalty. I guess realizing that it was silly to feel that way was theraputic. Anyway, I have two solo bikes, and two sidecar rigs.
I felt the same way when I bought my first Honda, a used CB750, and liked it. I somehow felt I was a traitor to Harley Davidson. My father stopped riding when Indian stopped building. He was certain that no one else could build a better bike so he wouldn't even try another brand.
It got even worse when I could afford another Harley and discovered that I liked the old Honda better than my brand new TourGlide! That's when I decided the whole brand loyalty thing is a waste of time.
Now, when I decide it's time for something new, I try them all and buy the one that feels right, no matter who built it.
I could ride about anything I wanted to but really like the Gold Wing. Used to think only Harley would do. I drive my sidehack and ride my 750 Yamaha and my Ski Doo snowmobile.
Ralph
Rather ride 'em than polish 'em and two or three wheels are fine with me. I am only brand loyal anymore to the bike that is under me at the time. On or off road is fine but don't care for interstates unless needed. Like speed but also like to putt sometimes. Do like some bikes more than others but for different reasons. Used to be different but times have changed a lot for me. After over 40 years in the wind while living a few different lifestyles and over 20 of that with sidecars I now feel like the main thing is to just enjoy the ride. I wave at all riders and if they don't wave back that ain't my problem. After all we are just passin thru anyhow.
I reckon just a motorcycle fanatic while riding driving for 50+ years,at present touring and camping to make up for all the time spent behind the wheel of a big truck. Now a three wheel limit. TRIKES SIDECARS AND TWO WHEELERS
I'm just starting into sidecaring.
I first rode in 1947, a Whizzer motorbike, then a Matchless 500 thumper. Many bikes since then, liked them all although each was different.
I presently have had my Valkyrie for 10 years and I've just added a sidecar. I've always wanted to try sidecaring and my age (79) and my arthritc knees and ankles said I was ready. This will be my last bike and it works for me. The comfort and the six cylinders work just fine for me and adding the sidecar took care of the 800+ pounds of weight of the Valk.
