I recently bought a 1992 goldwing with a 1992 california sidecar (do not know what model). The sidcar does not look to have any options except a courtesy light, driving light, and torsion bar suspension. I am 47 and have been riding bikes all my life, but never with a sidecar. I know absolutely nothing about them. I purchased thinking it would be nice for my wife and youngest son (5 yrs old ... is that too young to ride in side car) to be able to all ride together. I would be like to be able to set this bike up for very good handling (brakes ... lean mechanism) and safety (seat belt). I would also like to have the ability to communicate with both the bike passenger and the the sidecar passenger via intercom (maybe utilizing the goldwing intercom somehow). I contacted California Sidecar (via e-mail) and they said there was nothing still available for this side car. Any advise anyone would have would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone is familiar with older california sidecars can the send e-mail so I can send picture to find out what model. Thanks. Jerry
There are a number of vendors, like J&M who make extension leads and sidecar leads to connect a third headset to the Goldwing Intercom.
If you want to send a photo I'll help identify your rig. sidecarmike at charter.net . Your 5 year old is not too young, my son started much younger than that, but make sure you keep the rig balanced. Too many folks think Mom and Dad can ride on the bike and the kids in the sidecar, but that usually throws the balance way off. Make sure that the sidecar, carrying it's normal weight, weighs at least 1/3 as much as the bike with you and your passenger. In my case, when we traveled as a family, My wife rode in the sidecar with my son until he was big enough to ride safely on the bike while she stayed in the car.
Torsion bar suspension says the sidecar is of 1988 vintage or earlier. In 1989 CSC moved up to coil over shock swing-arm. The mounts were also upgraded from the marble sized ball and collet ones with the flimsy extruded "Flower".
Lonnie
We will have late summer a new frame for this sidecar that will have a proper suspention and also offer a disk brake. For your bike we make a rear wheel that runs an automotive tire. We also offer triple tree's to lower the steering effort.
If you sidecar has the old ball type lower mounts which are known to have issues we have up grade parts.
Let me know if we can be of help.
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporation
www.mysidecar.com
866-638-1793
