I know this is a loaded question and there are probably dozens of answers . But are there three or four bikes I should be looking for that would be better suited for a sidecar setup. I do not have excessive funds so cannot buy a $15K bike and a 7K sidecar .
I have time to find something suitable or already setup. I am sure there are some that are better.
My first rig is a 1974 BMW R90/6 with a Velorex sidecar that I attached this last winter and I have been driving it around since March. This last weekend I took it on a 500+ mile ride and I loved it. I think I am pretty well hooked and do not see a time in my life I will not have a sidecar.
When I say suitable I mean, fairly easy to attach a sidecar, reliable engine and transmission to take the added loads, the availability to purchase leading link front end. Some may say nice but not needed ?
Any thought would be appreciated
Craig
There is a very nice Gold Wing with Champion sidecar on the forum For Sale board that might work for you. Check out the pictures.
I think there are hundreds of answers, it depends on how you want or need to use the rig. For me I want a sidecar big enough to take my wife and dog in the sidecar, don't want the lighter dog in the car and my wife on the back of the bike. The size of the sidecar should determine the size of the bike. So for me it is a Goldwing, preferably a 1500, dependable, comfortable, and can be bought for a reasonable price, but getting a little difficult to find parts for and most dealers won't work on them any more because of their age. I'm sure you will get lots of thoughts on it, good luck with your search.
I have been thinking about picking up an 1800 Valkyrie for use as a tug. It has the GoldWing Engine and brakes without the added weight of the trunk, bags and fairing.
The best tug is the bike you own and love...
I would say two things are important for any bike fit to add a hack - good brakes and horsepower. Most current day modern motorcycles are not designed for sidecars other than maybe Ural - not very modern day! Also weight of sidecar, weight of passenger and weight / volume of cargo all add to bike consideration. Lastly speed in which you expect the rig to top out at and to maintain and stop from. Brakes / stopping distances are often overlooked when just strapping on a sidecar. Maybe someone can chime in on details of HP / Weight / Speed . . . my 2 cents!!
The most important thing is to find a bike that "speaks" to you. Next is to go with a bike that unless you can fabricate you can buy proper bike specific mounts for as in general "universal" fits nothing universally. Next up are steering modifications available for the bike (leading links are just one way to go and often the most expensive) and last, if you are going to put a lot of miles on the bike is it a bike that can run an automotive tire on the rear of the bike. For me, I run a BMW GS, these bike speak to me and how I like to ride but even there it is not all that simple, I have an R1200GSA with an Expedition sidecar for road riding and moderate off pavement riding and an F800GS / Enduro for more aggressive off road riding, for others it may need to be a Harley or nothing. If there one set answer for every one it sure would make things easier as a manufacture.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
