I think I made a big mistake. I bought a California Friendship II with the intent of hooking it up to my BMW K1200LT. I should have done more research first, but I didn't. I had no idea how involved and how expensive it would be to put this rig together.
My new thinking is to forget about the BMW and get a 2nd bike for the stable. Something smaller and more suitable for connecting a sidecar. What are some opinions from the group on what kind of used bike to look for? (and what bikes to stay away from)
I'll look forward to seeing some input.
TIA.
Bill, when I was looking for a tug to replace my Ural rig, I wanted simple and suitable. Something with little or no bodywork, shaft drive and lots of brakes. That led me to Japanese cruisers and I wound up with a Yamaha 1100 V-Star. I also looked at the Suzuki 1500, Kawasaki Vulcan series and Honda VTX.
I have a Ural tub on a Texas chassis and the V-Star works just fine though a little strained on the freeway. 65mph is fine.
The 1100/1200 GoldWings are also great tugs.
Al Bond
05 V-Star with Texas/Ural hybrid
08 KLR 650
09 FLHTP
One of the best for touring and all around use is a 1982-'83 GL 1100. Inexpensive and just about bulletproof. Just change timing belts at around 50K and you are good for another 50K.
(The first 1200's had a few problems. The later Goldwings have reverse.)
Lonnie
Hack'n - 5/15/2011 11:38 AM One of the best for touring and all around use is a 1982-'83 GL 1100. Inexpensive and just about bulletproof. Just change timing belts at around 50K and you are good for another 50K. (The first 1200's had a few problems, the later ones had reverse.) Lonnie
Sorry Lonnie,
No 1200 had reverse. That wasn't brought about until the 6 cylinder in 1988.
Boatzo - 5/15/2011 7:26 AM
Something smaller and more suitable for connecting a sidecar.
TIA.
You will be better with something bigger for connecting a sidecar.
And it is possible to find GL1500 Goldwing for not too much money.
Bill,
If you really want a 1 st class rig stay with the "LT". You'll need a subframe................ and virtually anyother rig will also require a subframe. The 1st class hack rigs include the 1500/1800 Goldwings and the BMW 1200LT and not just because of their superior horsepower but more so (Torque). All of these include the electric reverse and combined with "electric tilt" you will have a well balanced rig at any speed/ load/ road crown/ cross wind. These features help in easy low fatique cross country touring at reduced tire wear. Additionally, the K1200LT is the winner in fuel economy in this trio. Plus "LT" has a very simple way to reduce trail by moving the front suspension ball joint which gives the finger tip control at even slow speed. You already own the best "hack hauler" in my opinion.
I didn't even mention your "Electric Windshield" or the ECC "Electronic Cruise Control" or heated grips or "computer security system" ................ ABS brakes................................... and at 4 1/2 dollars a gallon what other rig can beat you in mileage? Plus, the alternator will handle all the "Ham Gear" you can fancy with nary a warning. You see.................... you've already got the best motorcycle.
I was thinking the '86 had reverse. Wrong again? I never was much of a Winger. I've had several of the '84 and earlier rigs but only till I could sell them. Nice bikes but not for me.
L.
VLAD - 5/15/2011 10:04 PM
Boatzo - 5/15/2011 7:26 AM
Something smaller and more suitable for connecting a sidecar.
TIA.
You will be better with something bigger for connecting a sidecar.
Bigger than the LT ????
Thanks all for the input. I am not looking at long touring with the hack. It is very light, doesn't have the shock absorber, brake, or electric lean, (an older FS II). As I said, I didn't do my home work. The Admiral has already said that she will not ride in the side car!! She will ride pillion though and the dog can ride the hack. One of my thoughts was to keep the LT for 2 wheel touring and have a smaller bike with the hack for riding to work. I need the space in the hack to carry my tools, etc.
I agree that the LT would be a great tug for a big hack like a Hannigan or such, but that is out of my league. I remember when I was stationed in England in the early 60s, there were a lot Triumphs, etc. with some pretty nice looking hacks. Those bikes werent all that big and they seemed to get along just fine.
My side car came off a GL1100. The wing had no sub frame as far as I could tell, all the connections were bolted on to the frame.
I am keeping a very open mind for now, keeping an open mind, and am not in any big rush.
PS: 73s to ya Carl. 🙂
Boat,
I'll be mounting my sidecar (Auburn Gemini) to a GL1100 over the next few weeks. No subframe is planned.
It will fit on GL1500 just right. Will not need stinking subframe. And lust time i checked GL1500 300cc bigger then K1200. Keep K1200 for fun too.
"Those bikes werent all that big and they seemed to get along just fine." - It is some differense in the roads in England and Europe and USA. My first rig Jawa350/Velorex will be too small for USA highways.
You are not looking at long touring with the hack right now, but it will come to you soon. Just put sidecar on something and it will bite you in the rear end. Most likely about year from now you will start with car tire on the rear, stearing modifications, etc...
VLAD - 5/16/2011 2:07 PM It will fit on GL1500 just right. Will not need stinking subframe. ...
I'd love to see how you attached without a subframe. I have one in the back that gives me both upper and lower mount, and a second in the front for my lower mount.
This thread is getting interesting. Keep em coming. 🙂 I am learning alot.
SidecarMike - 5/16/2011 4:08 PM
VLAD - 5/16/2011 2:07 PM It will fit on GL1500 just right. Will not need stinking subframe. ...
I'd love to see how you attached without a subframe. I have one in the back that gives me both upper and lower mount, and a second in the front for my lower mount.
I bought sidecar with California factory installation kit for Gl1500. I gess you can call it subframe.
Rear lower mount is a U shaped bracket connected to passanger foot pegs on both sides. Top rear mount is a weard bracket attached to the tryangle (?) frame under right side cover. Have to make hole in sidecover,but now i never will loose it unless i take sidecar off.
Boatzo - 5/15/2011 7:26 AM
My new thinking is to forget about the BMW and get a 2nd bike for the stable.
TIA.
Why stop there you can get at least one more sidecar rig, and one (2 or 3 or 4...) more single bike(s). Think how much fun you will have... Do not forget trikes.
California sidecar is bad to deal with but you can try to call them about some factory mouns for some bikes. Also it is fleebay. It takes time ,but it is a good staff you can find there.
