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#1 · September 15, 2010, 8:36 pm

Quote from Guest on September 15, 2010, 8:36 pm
Hello, I have been riding motorcycles for 38 years - would you believe my wife got me into riding back then? I ride a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic and she has a 2003 Yamaha V-Star (650.) We bought a 2006 Yamaha Venture in January of 2007 and an Aspen Classic Camper to tow behind. In 2007 and 2008, I took some great trips on the Venture and I really like the bike. My problem is that in the spring of 2009, I shattered my right leg and spent 8 months in a wheel chair. I have been walking with a cane since Christmas and my right shoe has a 3/4" thick lift on the sole. I am somewhat clumsy now and have some pain when walking or putting pressure on that foot. I don't have any trouble riding the V-Stars, but the Venture is a challange at low speeds and in parking situations. I have ridden the V-Star from home (50 miles north of Detroit, MI) to Duluth, MN and back with some side trips, to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and to North Dakota as well as many other trips in state this year, so I know I can handle the smaller bike.

I always said that when I got so old that it was hard to hold the bike up, I would get a sidecar - I just didn't think that it would happen this soon - I am only 62. I have ridden the Venture quite a bit this season, but I have never been comfortable on it like I was before my injury. The Venture certainly has enough power to handle a sidecar, but I don't believe that I have ever seen a sidecar equipped Venture on the road (or anywhere else, for that matter.) I don't know anything about sidecars and I don't need anything fancy - my primary purpose in investigating sidecars it to get something with will hold the bike up and aid in slow speed manuvering. There is a motorcycle mechanic in Interlochen, MI (near Traverse City) named Steve Moore, whom I know and trust. He has installed and set up a large number of sidecar rigs on a variety of motorcycles and it is likely that I would avail myself of his services if I get a sidecar for the Venture. Even though I have the shop manuals for all of my motorcycles and generally do my own work, I believe it makes sense to have an expert set up a sidecar rig.

Any advice or recommendation regarding putting a sidecar on my Venture would be appreciated.

Ride Safe,

John Geda

Hello, I have been riding motorcycles for 38 years - would you believe my wife got me into riding back then? I ride a 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic and she has a 2003 Yamaha V-Star (650.) We bought a 2006 Yamaha Venture in January of 2007 and an Aspen Classic Camper to tow behind. In 2007 and 2008, I took some great trips on the Venture and I really like the bike. My problem is that in the spring of 2009, I shattered my right leg and spent 8 months in a wheel chair. I have been walking with a cane since Christmas and my right shoe has a 3/4" thick lift on the sole. I am somewhat clumsy now and have some pain when walking or putting pressure on that foot. I don't have any trouble riding the V-Stars, but the Venture is a challange at low speeds and in parking situations. I have ridden the V-Star from home (50 miles north of Detroit, MI) to Duluth, MN and back with some side trips, to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and to North Dakota as well as many other trips in state this year, so I know I can handle the smaller bike.

I always said that when I got so old that it was hard to hold the bike up, I would get a sidecar - I just didn't think that it would happen this soon - I am only 62. I have ridden the Venture quite a bit this season, but I have never been comfortable on it like I was before my injury. The Venture certainly has enough power to handle a sidecar, but I don't believe that I have ever seen a sidecar equipped Venture on the road (or anywhere else, for that matter.) I don't know anything about sidecars and I don't need anything fancy - my primary purpose in investigating sidecars it to get something with will hold the bike up and aid in slow speed manuvering. There is a motorcycle mechanic in Interlochen, MI (near Traverse City) named Steve Moore, whom I know and trust. He has installed and set up a large number of sidecar rigs on a variety of motorcycles and it is likely that I would avail myself of his services if I get a sidecar for the Venture. Even though I have the shop manuals for all of my motorcycles and generally do my own work, I believe it makes sense to have an expert set up a sidecar rig.

Any advice or recommendation regarding putting a sidecar on my Venture would be appreciated.

Ride Safe,

John Geda

#2 · September 15, 2010, 9:49 pm

Like This?

http://www.sidecar.com/mbbs22/photos/show-album.asp?albumid=208&photoid=1283

This belongs to a good friend and fellow member, Newfiedad.

Here's another one.

http://www.wagnercustomproducts.com/

#3 · September 15, 2010, 11:15 pm

Thanks SidecarMike,

The second picture is more what I had in mind. Do you know what brand of sidecar is pictured on the http://www.wagnercustomproducts.com/ site?
Obviously, I have a lot of choice in sidecars from the huge one in the first set of pictures to the more traditional one in the second set.

I see that Newfiedad has a large sidecar and a trialer on his Venture and I notice that you own a trailer similiar to mine (Aspen was formed by people that left Bunkhouse.) Are there any issues to pulling a trailer with a sidecar rig other than the obvious clearance and performance (ie. acceleration, stopping and milage) issues? My Venture tows my Aspen Classic beautifully and I already have trailer brakes with a controller on the bike - again, my main concern is low speed handling and parking - that bike is a beast to hold up with a bad leg.

Ride safe,

John Geda

#4 · September 15, 2010, 11:22 pm

Hi again SidecarMike,

I just noticed that you are from Menomonie, WI and it occurred to me that I passed through there on my ride back from North Dakota last Thursday and Friday. Had a beautiful ride - rode through the Upper Penninsula on the way there and through Chicago (ugh!) on the return (was trying to stay ahead of the rain and did so.) Should have checked out this forum before I left.

Ride Safe,

#5 · September 15, 2010, 11:36 pm

JDGeda - 9/15/2010 11:15 PM

Thanks SidecarMike,

The second picture is more what I had in mind. Do you know what brand of sidecar is pictured on the http://www.wagnercustomproducts.com/ site?

I believe it's a Champion Legend. I had no problem with the bunkhouse and sidecar(Ural) on my Valkyrie, but on my Moto Guzzi(Formula II) it put a pretty good strain on the bike.

Now I have a 96 Goldwing, but have not found a sidecar for it now. Sunday I lost the transmission in my Tahoe and tonight we discovered a problem with our roof. I'm guessing it will be a year or more before I'm back on three wheels.

I'm having a ball with the Wing, as it is, though.

#6 · September 16, 2010, 12:09 am

Hi SidecarMike,

I feel your pain - had to rebuild the transmission (shop) on my '97 full sized Chevy Van 3 times in 130,000 miles. Over this past 4th of July weekend, my four sons and some friends came home and roofed my house (including taking off the two existing layers) - a little better than 24 square so it was a big job. Even though it saved over $8,000.00, we are still paying for the $3,300.00 in materials. Yes, I have great sons! Three of them rode with me a couple of weeks ago to the Blue Ridge Parkway and we had a wonderful time (we stayed the first night at the other son's place in Pittsburgh, but he couldn't go with us.)

Retirement is wonderful and I am getting in a lot of riding as you can see from my signature map, but we do have to watch our money. When my wife saw that I was having trouble handling the Venture at slow speeds, her first thought was to sell it, but I think I've got her convinced to let me put a sidecar on it. The V-Star 1100 would have a rough time pulling the Aspen Classic Camper and she LOVES camping in it. Even though she rides her own bike, she enjoys being a passenger sometimes and I suspect that she would really like riding in a sidecar.

Thank you for identifing the Chapion Legend. The fact that you attached a Ural sidecar to a Valkyrie suggests that it might also fit my Venture so that gives me more options. Am I right to assume that any number of the smaller sidecars could reasonably be attached to the Venture? Since the Venture weighs 840 pounds dry, I suspect that I will need to add balast to just about any sidecar except the really huge ones (and I'm not interested in those.) Your rapid response is greatly appreciated.

Ride safe,

#7 · September 17, 2010, 3:33 pm

I had a 2004 Venture. I loved the machine but I'm of the opinion that it would struggle with a sidecar and would really struggle with a sidecar and Aspen camper. While the Venture has gobs of torque I believe it's at the top end of the power band instead of down low where you will need it. When we decided it was time to sidecar full time I began looking for a big V twin or a Goldwing. Went with the wing. It was a good choice.

Just my opinion of course 😉

#8 · September 17, 2010, 4:40 pm

Apparently you never did install a sidecar on the Venture, correct?
We have hacked the Ventures and Venture Royales for years and have never heard any adverse feedback in regards to lack of power with these bikes when a sidecar was added.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

#9 · September 17, 2010, 5:30 pm

No. I didn't sidecar it, but did tow an Aspen camper. I was never really with happy with the way it towed the camper so decided to replace it when we went with a sidecar. Not knocking the machine, just what worked for me.

#10 · September 17, 2010, 7:08 pm

Hi Circuit Rider,

I've got about 25,000 miles on my Venture, much of it towing the Aspen Classic, and I agree that the power band is at higher rev's than with a V-twin. That said, I have never had any trouble towing - but I do shift a LOT. It doesn't seem to hurt it and that machine loves to run. In hilly country pulling the trailer, I usually just leave it in 4th gear. It has a mulitplate wet clutch, so using the clutch a lot starting out doesn't seem to hurt it and 1st gear is relatively low anyway. I love the machine, I just have trouble handling it at low sppeds since I broke my leg (it will never heal properly.) I'm glad to see that others have used a sidecar with the Venture and I'm pretty sure that I'll be giving it a try.

Thanks for the input.

Ride Safe,

#11 · September 20, 2010, 1:30 am

I have a 2005 Venture with a Champion Escort. It's a great sidecar but beware of the customer service at Champion (if you get any customer service). I've never had the sidecar out of town yet because I need to get the steering damper hooked up still (it's only been 3 years). I hope to drive down the Alcan next spring with my daughter and intend to take the sidecar and a Scooter Schooner camp trailer. The bike definitely feels the weight of the sidecar when driving but I've easily been over 60 miles an hour with it attached. The camp trailer pulls so well and weighs so little I doubt it would effect the bike at all. If I knew how to post pics here I would show you my set up.

#12 · September 21, 2010, 3:49 am

Hi DanLapan,

Anchorage, wow! And I sometimes complain about Michigan riding weather! Thank you for replying, especially since you actually have a sidecar on a Venture. I have found a number of pictures now of sidecars on Ventures, so I have a pretty good idea of what it will look like. Sorry to hear about the poor (somehow "poor" doesn't seem an adequate description) customer service. You are in for a beautiful ride next spring. I had the opportunity to drive the Alcan in November of '08 with my youngest son - he was transferred by the army from Fort Wainwright to Fort Riley, KS. We drove his Dodge Dakota 4-Wheel Drive manual transmission Pickup towing a grossly overloaded 7 X 14 covered trailer; wouldn't pull in fifth gear so used forth all the way but it was a wonderful trip! Someday I would love to make that trip on a motorcycle.

I towed my Aspen Classic camper extensively in '07 and '08 with no problems. It is a heavy trailer; 325 pounds empty and probably something over 500 loaded. I do have trailer brakes and I use them. Of course, the bike notices when I am towing but I just run the gears a little higher than normal and I shift a lot - the power really comes on when you get the revs up and the motor just "sings." I really look forward to being able to pull the camper with my motorcycle again as my wife and I love camping with it. With my game leg, I'm just not comfortable manhandling that beast in parking lots and uneven ground - hence the sidecar.

What's the deal on the steering damper? Does the bike with sidecar attached wobble at some speeds or are there other issues? Is there some kind of problem installing it? You mentioned that you've had the rig up to 60 mph, so I assume that the problem isn't too bad. Obviously, I am interested in any concerns that you have. Please post about your trip next spring.

Ride Safe,

#13 · September 21, 2010, 12:32 pm

check out my previous thread

Posted 5/26/2010 7:32 PM (#51487)

#14 · September 21, 2010, 2:40 pm

Quote from danlapan on September 21, 2010, 2:40 pm
Bikes with sidecars tend to have a low-speed wobble. I've had mid-speed wobbles. SCARY!!!!! You can't slow down fast enough to settle your heart, brains and arms. There is a thread on here somewhere that explains the science of the low-speed wobble. Basically it's the front tire trying to compensate (for something) and then immediately trying to recompensate - to infinity.

The Champion Escort people finally (after many months, monies, emails and phone calls) sent me the front fork attachment for the steering damper. Then they eventually sent me the instructions. But the instructions were not for the Venture. They were for some other STAR motorcycle. The sample picture shows the steering damper going through the engine guard area. Problems is - the Venture has a lower cowling with wiring inside and other items blocking that path. Also, the steering damper (basically a shock absorber) is not long enough to reach from the sidecar mount location to the front forks. SO, is my sidecar installed too far back? I never got an answer. I currently have a friend welding a piece of angle iron to extend the mount from the sidecar location. Hopefully I get it soon as our summer is quickly disappearing.

I keep hoping to take the sidecar and trailer for a ride together just to get used to them but I think the sidecar will keep me driving slow enough that I won't have to worry about any stopping issues from the trailer. I don't know what my trailer weighs but it seems very light (even with my camping gear loaded). I don't think Scooter Schooner offers trailer brakes.

Next summer my oldest daughter graduates from high school in Washington state. I should also have a class reunion in North Idaho. I plan on leaving Alaska by the first of June. I could make better time without the sidecar but it would make for longer days for my other daughter who would be riding with me. I think she would enjoy the trip better in the sidecar as she could read, nap and watch movies on her DVD player (I have a 12v plug wired in and a cup holder installed). I hope to stop in Whitehorse for part of a day, Watson Lake, Laird Hotsprings, Banff (to visit Lake Louise and hike to the Valley of Seven Glaciers) before landing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. From there to Aberdeen,WA for at least June 11, 12. Then down the coast with stops in Portland & Albany, OR then Redding, Sacremento, Ca and maybe Disneyland for a couple of days. I hope to schedule some rallies along the way (Ventureriders.org, Venturers.org or this site). I'll probably drop the sidecar in Aberdeen and pick it back up on the way home. This should allow for quicker, more agile riding down the coast and then we'll take the ferry back to Alaska. Now if I can save enough money to afford the trip. DONATIONS ACCEPTED!!!!! 🙂

Bikes with sidecars tend to have a low-speed wobble. I've had mid-speed wobbles. SCARY!!!!! You can't slow down fast enough to settle your heart, brains and arms. There is a thread on here somewhere that explains the science of the low-speed wobble. Basically it's the front tire trying to compensate (for something) and then immediately trying to recompensate - to infinity.

The Champion Escort people finally (after many months, monies, emails and phone calls) sent me the front fork attachment for the steering damper. Then they eventually sent me the instructions. But the instructions were not for the Venture. They were for some other STAR motorcycle. The sample picture shows the steering damper going through the engine guard area. Problems is - the Venture has a lower cowling with wiring inside and other items blocking that path. Also, the steering damper (basically a shock absorber) is not long enough to reach from the sidecar mount location to the front forks. SO, is my sidecar installed too far back? I never got an answer. I currently have a friend welding a piece of angle iron to extend the mount from the sidecar location. Hopefully I get it soon as our summer is quickly disappearing.

I keep hoping to take the sidecar and trailer for a ride together just to get used to them but I think the sidecar will keep me driving slow enough that I won't have to worry about any stopping issues from the trailer. I don't know what my trailer weighs but it seems very light (even with my camping gear loaded). I don't think Scooter Schooner offers trailer brakes.

Next summer my oldest daughter graduates from high school in Washington state. I should also have a class reunion in North Idaho. I plan on leaving Alaska by the first of June. I could make better time without the sidecar but it would make for longer days for my other daughter who would be riding with me. I think she would enjoy the trip better in the sidecar as she could read, nap and watch movies on her DVD player (I have a 12v plug wired in and a cup holder installed). I hope to stop in Whitehorse for part of a day, Watson Lake, Laird Hotsprings, Banff (to visit Lake Louise and hike to the Valley of Seven Glaciers) before landing in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. From there to Aberdeen,WA for at least June 11, 12. Then down the coast with stops in Portland & Albany, OR then Redding, Sacremento, Ca and maybe Disneyland for a couple of days. I hope to schedule some rallies along the way (Ventureriders.org, Venturers.org or this site). I'll probably drop the sidecar in Aberdeen and pick it back up on the way home. This should allow for quicker, more agile riding down the coast and then we'll take the ferry back to Alaska. Now if I can save enough money to afford the trip. DONATIONS ACCEPTED!!!!! 🙂

#15 · September 22, 2010, 9:49 pm

John,
I have a 2000 Venture and had to get a sidecar for the wife. We looked at a lot of them and purchased a two seater from Motorvation, Sibley, Iowa. It has its own brake, big help on right turns. I did not modify the front end so at times requires muscle. Grades will have to drop into 4th as I am finding out and recommendations from riders on the Venture Riders site.

I started rising in the 50s and going to a sidecar was hard but wife could not handle the long rides on the back because of her legs.

Highly recommend Motorvation. If you want will be glad to e-mail a photo. Just let me know or call me at 870-833-0741.

Bill
Malvern, AR

#16 · September 22, 2010, 10:47 pm

Hey Pete,
I looked at your pictures and really like the way Hannigan did the steering damper (under the cowling) and the bike side attachment for it. So I emailed Hannigan to see if I could get one from them for my bike. Their response:
Dan,

Due to insurance and liability concerns, we can not provide our products or pieces thereof to be mated with non-Hannigan equipment or for purposes other than their original intention and design.

John A. Lee

Hannigan Motorsports

Murray, KY
270-753-4256

hannigan@apex.net
-------------------------------------------
SO I responded that I wanted it for my Venture to be connected to a generic steering damper. Their response:
Dan,

Sorry for the inconvenience. Such policies are unfortunate necessities of the day and age we live in.

Have A Great Day!

John A. Lee

Hannigan Motorsports
--------------------------------------------------
He either has a law degree, a philosophy degree or both. Either way they won't sell me the part. Bummer.

#17 · September 23, 2010, 1:51 pm

John,
once you are on 3 wheels you will ask yourself: "Why did I wait so long for this?"
But keep strongly in mind You will have to start learning as a youngster. IT IS DEFINITELY A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY to ride a rig then a bike!!!!
On such a big bike it is an excellent investment to modify the steering.
Lurk through this forum and you will find many tips and advises.
Best wishes for the new life.
Sven

#18 · September 23, 2010, 2:56 pm

I've had a Escort on my 99 Venture for 7 years now & have found that 5th gear is lost unless you have a tail wind or are heading down hill. There is a common way to help out with both trailer pulling and sidecars by doing a final drive swap from a V-Max. It is a straight foward swap, pretty much one step farther than doing a rear tire change. See http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13266 about the change. It's one I have been thinking about doing but just haven't gotten around to it.

#19 · September 23, 2010, 8:13 pm

Hi Dan

Wow, I'm really suprised that they would not help you out. They were great to work with when I had my side car installed. They shipped all the parts to a local Dealer/installer who carried out the work, however it was ordered as a complete system 🙁

#20 · September 23, 2010, 8:32 pm

Hi Themickeyd, PeterPan, LaBill, & PeteBooth,

Thank you all for your responses. I am getting more enthused about a sidecar for my Venture. Currently, I am leaning toward something like the Ranger from Texas Sidecars. I like the looks of it (there is a picture of one mated to a Venture on their web site) and I got some really complete answers to some questions that I emailed to the company. Pete, your rig is beautiful!

I know that adding a sidecar will affect my performance and milage. Two years ago, I towed my Aspen Classic Camper to L'Anse, Mi and back - a little over 500 miles each way. I went there in 4th gear and home in 5th. There was less than 1 mpg difference in my milage which averaged around 33 mpg. Both 4th and 5th gears on the Venture are "overdrive" and I believe that it is probably easier on the engine to use 4th rather than taking a chance of "lugging" in 5th.

Since my primary purpose in getting a sidecar is to make ME comfortable (bad leg, big bike, not good,) I am not real concerned about load carrying capacity or passenger comfort (my wife rides her own.) Of course I can hear her now: "Now I CAN bring the kitchen sink!" I have been reading this forum for the last week or so, but there is a lot to digest. Won't have the money for a couple of months yet anyway, so I will learn all I can - including the "yellow book."

Once again, I am very pleased with all of the thoughtful responses to my question.

Ride safe,