Hi and thanks for reading this. I have a 05 HD Electric Classic and have been thinking about mounting a side car. I know nothing about sidecars, how to drive with one or anything. Can one have a passenger in the side car and also on the back of the bike at the same time? This would mostly be for parades or very short bike ralley runs here in Calif. Thanks
You'll get differing answers to this, but my answer is yes. Now I have to qualify it. You want the heavier passenger in the sidecar and the passenger on the bike must be alert to sudden moves. One of our members likes to say that a passenger can fall off if they're not paying attention, and he'll tell you that he knows of someone who fell off and died, but the truth is that if you are on a motorcycle you must pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
I've seen a lot more people fall off of two wheels than three.
Hi Jim. Once can have a passenger in the sidecar and also on the back of the bike at the same time. At parade speeds, placement is not so critical, but at normal speeds you would want to have the heavier person in the sidecar. If you imagine a traingle created by the contact patches of your three tires you would, ideally, like to keep the weight inside those lines. Weight outside those lines can be destablizing. Example: right hand turn without making any adjustments: the body weight of the rear seat passenger and rider falls at least half outside the triangle making it easier for the sidecar wheel to come up.
Hie thee to Whitehorse press and order a copy of "Driving A Sidecar Outfit" at this link: and/or check out the sidecar manuals available for free download by starting at www.sidecar.com, then clicking on "Links and Books" and then "Books and articles."
Consider signing up for a STEP class (Sidecar/Trike Education Program) either throught the Evergreen Safety Council in Seattle (www.esc.org) or through Adventure Sidecar in Oregon (www.adventuresidecar.com/).
Sadly, there is no training available in CA that I know of. Perhaps others will chime in.
Depending on where you are in CA and how patient, consider attending the Griffith Park Sidecar Rally in La on October 22nd. You'll see lots of different rigs and be able to talk to lots of different folks.
How is that for a start? Good luck!
Originally written by SidecarMike on 5/30/2006 6:12 PM
You'll get differing answers to this, but my answer is yes. Now I have to qualify it. You want the heavier passenger in the sidecar and the passenger on the bike must be alert to sudden moves. One of our members likes to say that a passenger can fall off if they're not paying attention, and he'll tell you that he knows of someone who fell off and died, but the truth is that if you are on a motorcycle you must pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
I've seen a lot more people fall off of two wheels than three.
Mike makes it sound as if there is only ONE person with this advice...truth is there are MANY SC Drivers with tons of experience that will tell you the same thing. including those with many years experience, and have published books on the subject of SC safety.
it all boils down to...it's your choice..you have been advised..
If you can take a sidecar class www.esc.org you will learn answers to this and questions you do not now know to ask. If you can not take a class buying the book "Driving a sidecar outfit" is a good idea. You can buy this book many different places including from my company Dauntless Motors Corporation $24.95
Jay Giese
Dauntless Motors Corporatoin
www.mysidecar.com
866-638-1793
Chili, oil, BBQ sauce, martini recipes, should/can I carry a passenger on back. All topics brought up in innocence from babes sent from the dark side.
My narrow-minded 2cents; below 20mph, yes. Any faster, no.
After that, picture Dirty Harry. Are ya feeling lucky?
Coda,
Go for it!
Your Harley Sidecar owner's Manual discusses the ins and outs of their cars and precautions without verging on the "Chicken Little" syndrome.
Let common sense prevail, learn you and your sidecar combo's limitations with time and reasonable caution and stay below these limits and you will enjoy many miles of refreshing sights, sounds, smells and enjoyment.
Download the books here or get the Yellow one. MOST of the information is valuable for a tyro to learn. There again: Let common sense prevail.
Good Luck,
Lonnie
Years ago I lost my licence and I spent many miles (and many months) on the pillion seat of my wife's rig with my dog in the sidecar. No problems at all so long as the rider knows what she is doing.
I was heavier than the dog, so idealy I should have been in the sidecar and the dog should have been on the pillion seat - but we couldn't get him to stay there. 🙂
Actually we did have one problem; I once tried to get in the sidecar with the dog - the dog jumped out (at about 80km/h). Poor thing lost some skin. So I didn't try that again.
