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Hello from new member
13 Posts
Quote from
md835 on November 28, 2016, 6:58 pm
I just found and joined the forum yesterday. I'm 81 years old and have been driving motorcycles for about 68 years. Starting with a Whizzer, I've owned and ridden many bikes but have never been on a sidecar. Leg and back problems have made it more and more difficult to comfortably ride my current '79 R65 BMW so I decided to go to a side car which will also make it possible for my handicapped wife to ride with me again.
So, I have an order in for a URAL CT and should have it in a week or so. I've been doing a lot of reading about the difficulties I'll have transitioning from the 2-wheel (my first attempt at our daughter's Spyder was something to behold) to the point that I wonder if I've done the right thing. But I'm anxious on get on it and feel it out. I'm sure I'll be on the forum with questions once I see how the bike and I get along.
Malcolm
(San Diego)
I just found and joined the forum yesterday. I'm 81 years old and have been driving motorcycles for about 68 years. Starting with a Whizzer, I've owned and ridden many bikes but have never been on a sidecar. Leg and back problems have made it more and more difficult to comfortably ride my current '79 R65 BMW so I decided to go to a side car which will also make it possible for my handicapped wife to ride with me again.
So, I have an order in for a URAL CT and should have it in a week or so. I've been doing a lot of reading about the difficulties I'll have transitioning from the 2-wheel (my first attempt at our daughter's Spyder was something to behold) to the point that I wonder if I've done the right thing. But I'm anxious on get on it and feel it out. I'm sure I'll be on the forum with questions once I see how the bike and I get along.
Malcolm
(San Diego)
51 Posts
welcome from Massachusetts. Take your time learning about the rig .... they are very different than 2 wheels
Stan
welcome from Massachusetts. Take your time learning about the rig .... they are very different than 2 wheels
Stan
1,331 Posts
Hello Malcolm and welcome! A hearty e-shake of the hand to ya.
Hello Malcolm and welcome! A hearty e-shake of the hand to ya.
Tom Wells aka Reardan Tom
1,139 Posts
USCA BoardUSCA Member
Quote from
RichardMc4 on December 1, 2016, 10:00 am
Welcome
Welcome
1,981 Posts
Quote from
Peter Pan on December 1, 2016, 3:39 pm
Malcom, you soon will say too:
"Why didn't I do that long ago?"
That happens to all of us. Even I at the age of 23 did say it to myself.
A rig is much more versatile then the solo.
Only take care. It is a complete different animal and you need to learn fresh from new. The dangerous moment comes when you start to feel comfortable.
"It is never too late for a happy childhood!"
Enjoy with your wife every moment.
Sven
Malcom, you soon will say too:
"Why didn't I do that long ago?"
That happens to all of us. Even I at the age of 23 did say it to myself.
A rig is much more versatile then the solo.
Only take care. It is a complete different animal and you need to learn fresh from new. The dangerous moment comes when you start to feel comfortable.
"It is never too late for a happy childhood!"
Enjoy with your wife every moment.
Sven
196 Posts
Quote from
jkmolt on December 1, 2016, 3:45 pm
I would suggest if you can find one close by that you take a sidecar training class. I was a "youngster" of 65 years when I went to sidecars and have never looked back. Basically, you'll be unlearning all you know about riding two wheels, and learning new skills for three wheels. I doubt you'll have any trouble but do ride slowly and carefully for a while.
I would suggest if you can find one close by that you take a sidecar training class. I was a "youngster" of 65 years when I went to sidecars and have never looked back. Basically, you'll be unlearning all you know about riding two wheels, and learning new skills for three wheels. I doubt you'll have any trouble but do ride slowly and carefully for a while.
13 PostsTopic Author
Quote from
md835 on December 2, 2016, 8:33 pm
Thanks for the encouragement.
Malcolm
Thanks for the encouragement.
Malcolm
13 PostsTopic Author
Quote from
md835 on December 2, 2016, 8:40 pm
Several years ago, I attempted to ride my son-in-law's Spider with no instructions or warnings about how it handled. My journey consisted driving out of the driveway and leaning into a left turn while the bike continued straight across the street to the opposite curb. At least I've talked to several experienced sidecar riders who will give me a hand and have read a lot about what to expect.
Several years ago, I attempted to ride my son-in-law's Spider with no instructions or warnings about how it handled. My journey consisted driving out of the driveway and leaning into a left turn while the bike continued straight across the street to the opposite curb. At least I've talked to several experienced sidecar riders who will give me a hand and have read a lot about what to expect.
13 PostsTopic Author
Quote from
md835 on December 4, 2016, 7:36 pm
I was supposed to have my Ural delivered today but the dealer who is 190 miles away, called and said his delivery truck blew the transmission so I probably have another week to wait. I'm concerned about buying a vehicle with the support so far away but we have no dealer in San Diego.
In the meantime, I had a prospect look at my '79 BMW today. He wanted to buy it but wanted his dad's opinion so his dad took it out and promptly jumped the curb and dumped it in a neighbor's yard. Sold!
Hope my first ride on the Ural is more successful. Malcolm
I was supposed to have my Ural delivered today but the dealer who is 190 miles away, called and said his delivery truck blew the transmission so I probably have another week to wait. I'm concerned about buying a vehicle with the support so far away but we have no dealer in San Diego.
In the meantime, I had a prospect look at my '79 BMW today. He wanted to buy it but wanted his dad's opinion so his dad took it out and promptly jumped the curb and dumped it in a neighbor's yard. Sold!
Hope my first ride on the Ural is more successful. Malcolm
164 Posts
Quote from
Valkrider on December 4, 2016, 10:20 pm
Welcome, I'm a new comer here myself just getting started at 70. Found this helpful on what to expect http://motorvation.com/scmanul1.htm . I purchased the so-called yellow book "Driving A Sidecar Rig" it has a series of specific driving instructions for the beginner. Kind of expensive though and has a lot of redundant beginner motorcycle rider stuff.
Welcome, I'm a new comer here myself just getting started at 70. Found this helpful on what to expect http://motorvation.com/scmanul1.htm . I purchased the so-called yellow book "Driving A Sidecar Rig" it has a series of specific driving instructions for the beginner. Kind of expensive though and has a lot of redundant beginner motorcycle rider stuff.
The problem with humanity is: we have paleolithic emotions; medieval institutions; and God-like technology.