Hello,
If this has been posted before, my apologies. I am begining my sidecar journey.
I saw this sidecar with the capability for the bike to lean. Armec "Sidewinder" I think. It pivoted at what looked to be the sub frame. Now my question: What are the pros and cons of this type of rig? I don't seem to see anyone else talking about this style.
Thanks, S.
A couple of the "cons" are: That the US dollar and the Euro aren't evenly matched and the Germans hold their products in very high esteem.
Many sidecars ordered from Europe come without any mounting instructions, so the installer is on his or her own in that department.
Also many of these sidecars are just part of the conversion. Often many of the bike's major components must be changed out to complete the conversion to a sidecar combo. This is not necessarily a bad thing (since handling will be enhanced) but it can be a labor intensive and expensive thing.
In my estimation, probably not a practical "first" rig for a new sidecarist to tackle unless long on time and cash.
What if after the first 10G's or so, one loses interest in the sport?
My opinion, yours may differ,
Lonnie
Thanks Lonnie.
Steve
Dewitt, Iowa
Steve
I was "new again" to sidecars a few years back, so I re-entered with some past knowledge (as much as this old brain remembers from 35 years ago). Maybe my experience will help you. In essence, what I did was locate a used, well set up outfit. I looked for and found a rig that has a leading link fork, car tires, and upgraded suspension. My rig is old, but rock solid and a very good conversion. It handles great, and I am able to travel far with it or enjoy it around town. I enjoy it a whole lot still, and might upgrade some day, maybe. I ended up paying $6,000 for the outfit. I did have to travel about 1200 miles to first look at the rig. This is a direction you might consider. I found my rig through a WTB ad. FWIW, I know Harry Tarzain has or had an older Goldwing advetised on the Hack'd magazine web site, with what appears to be a very complete conversion.
Armec will want to mount the outfit on your bike, and won't sell "kits" as I understand. Leaners still scare me, although that's due to my lack of experience with those rigs.
There is a "leaner" sidecar site, I believe on one of the Yahoo chat groups.
Welcome to the whacky world of three wheeled, lopsided motorcycles. They're really a hoot!
Steve - Have you talked to Dave Szkudlarek, or treasurer yet? He has a sidewinder on an R1100GS.
You can find his email address here: http://www.sidecar.com/officers.html
Originally written by stevewoo on 2/4/2007 8:11 PM
Steve - Have you talked to Dave Szkudlarek, or treasurer yet? He has a sidewinder on an R1100GS.
You can find his email address here: http://www.sidecar.com/officers.html
I believe Dave's bike is for sale too.
...snip...Originally written by MikeS on 2/4/2007 9:03 FWIW, I know Harry Tarzain has or had an older Goldwing advetised on the Hack'd magazine web site, with what appears to be a very complete conversion.There is a "leaner" sidecar site, I believe on one of the Yahoo chat groups...snip...QUOTE]=================================================...Here is the ad from Hack'd:>>FOR SALE; ‘86 Honda GW with CA II sidecar, car tires all around, leading link front end, extra wheels and parts CB Radio, and Trailer Hitch. $6,500.00. Call Harry PH: 412- 963-8327 (PA)...This is not Harry Tarzian though. I think i tmay be Harry Walter. Good idea to check out hack'd.com though as there is an extensive classified section there. Also, the yahoo site referenced is called 'flexitsidecars'. Go to yahoo groups and do a search and you will get there.
Thank you all for your advice. I will post again when I get rolling. Soon I hope and assuredly with questions!
Thanks again,
Steve
