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Quote from Tray on February 11, 2004, 7:54 pmHowdy all!
I have been thinking that the wife would ride more if she were more comfortable. I have had various touring bikes in the past and we have had some great trips!
I've been thinking about getting a sidecar. I have so many questions I don't really know where to start!Where do I start learning? I found this forum and I expect ya'll have lots of knowledge to share. How do you know what is a good rig? I'm sure there are some brands that are thought of more highly than others.
Thats enough to start me off I think!Thanks!
Tray
Howdy all!
I have been thinking that the wife would ride more if she were more comfortable. I have had various touring bikes in the past and we have had some great trips!
I've been thinking about getting a sidecar. I have so many questions I don't really know where to start!
Where do I start learning? I found this forum and I expect ya'll have lots of knowledge to share. How do you know what is a good rig? I'm sure there are some brands that are thought of more highly than others.
Thats enough to start me off I think!
Thanks!
Tray
Quote from Jimbosidecar on February 12, 2004, 2:33 amOK, I'll start. Welcome to the sidecar community. Seeing you're from MS. I would start you out going to Sturgis MS. and check out Bench Mark Works. I don't know them, but they have a good reputation for building vintage BMWs and I assume they have done quite a few sidecars.
I'm partial to BMW and Chang Jiang sidecar rigs although I love them all.
The BMW types are a bit lighter than the Harley rigs. I prefer the lighter weight, but opinions can vary.
Regds,
Jim
OK, I'll start. Welcome to the sidecar community. Seeing you're from MS. I would start you out going to Sturgis MS. and check out Bench Mark Works. I don't know them, but they have a good reputation for building vintage BMWs and I assume they have done quite a few sidecars.
I'm partial to BMW and Chang Jiang sidecar rigs although I love them all.
The BMW types are a bit lighter than the Harley rigs. I prefer the lighter weight, but opinions can vary.
Regds,
Jim
Quote from Tray on February 12, 2004, 9:33 amJim,
Thanks for the quick response! I know the owner of Bench mark works. He is a member of our local BMW club. (Actually one of the founders I think.)
I've had several BMW's. The oldest was a 93 K75RTA. Newest is my current F650GSA. I'm partial to BMW's myself! I don't know alot about the Chang Jiang's though.
Essentially I want something that is reliable and can maintain safe interstate speeds with a passenger. Can you point me to some good info on the Chang Jiang's?
Thanks,
Tray
Jim,
Thanks for the quick response! I know the owner of Bench mark works. He is a member of our local BMW club. (Actually one of the founders I think.)
I've had several BMW's. The oldest was a 93 K75RTA. Newest is my current F650GSA. I'm partial to BMW's myself! I don't know alot about the Chang Jiang's though.
Essentially I want something that is reliable and can maintain safe interstate speeds with a passenger. Can you point me to some good info on the Chang Jiang's?
Thanks,
Tray
Quote from SidecarMike on February 12, 2004, 10:52 amOriginally written by Tray on 2/11/2004 6:54 PM
Howdy all!I have been thinking that the wife would ride more if she were more comfortable. I have had various touring bikes in the past and we have had some great trips!I've been thinking about getting a sidecar. I have so many questions I don't really know where to start!Where do I start learning? I found this forum and I expect ya'll have lots of knowledge to share. How do you know what is a good rig? I'm sure there are some brands that are thought of more highly than others. Thats enough to start me off I think!Thanks!TrayJim likes light weight rigs and I do too if you for short trips, but it depends a great deal on how you ride. I'm about 260lbs and tend to carry close to that much weight in the sidecar. Most of my riding is done at Interstate speeds of 65-75 mph. Once I get to my destination I then do my sightseeing and general putting around. For me, the Honda Valkyrie and Dnepr sidecar is the perfect combination. These days it can be assembled for under $10,000.What I'm leading up to is your riding habits. What is a full day's ride in your opinion? How much weight will you carry? Do you do your own repairs, or do you take it to the dealer? What is your budget?
Originally written by Tray on 2/11/2004 6:54 PM
Howdy all!I have been thinking that the wife would ride more if she were more comfortable. I have had various touring bikes in the past and we have had some great trips!I've been thinking about getting a sidecar. I have so many questions I don't really know where to start!Where do I start learning? I found this forum and I expect ya'll have lots of knowledge to share. How do you know what is a good rig? I'm sure there are some brands that are thought of more highly than others. Thats enough to start me off I think!Thanks!Tray
Jim likes light weight rigs and I do too if you for short trips, but it depends a great deal on how you ride. I'm about 260lbs and tend to carry close to that much weight in the sidecar. Most of my riding is done at Interstate speeds of 65-75 mph. Once I get to my destination I then do my sightseeing and general putting around. For me, the Honda Valkyrie and Dnepr sidecar is the perfect combination. These days it can be assembled for under $10,000.What I'm leading up to is your riding habits. What is a full day's ride in your opinion? How much weight will you carry? Do you do your own repairs, or do you take it to the dealer? What is your budget?
Quote from Tray on February 12, 2004, 12:09 pmHowdy SidecarMike.
In answer to your questions. I'm around 200 and I will probably carry that or a little less in the sidecar. I really think that this would be our touring rig. A full day of riding for me by myself is anything up to 900-1000 miles if I'm really trying to get somewhere.
A usual day of riding with the wife is around 300 max. So I can see where I would want the sidecar rig to use for riding around town, weekend trips and sometimes a nice vacation tour of 500+ miles.
I do some of my own repairs. New bikes these days limit what you can do in regards to maintenance. Fuel injection is usually a dealer service only item. I have done throttle body sync's, adjusted valves, rebuilt carbs, etc on bikes in the past. That being said, I really like warranties!
Budget, hmmmm. I think I would like to spend the least and get the most! But who doesn't. I really have no idea what to expect as to price. I will spend what I need to to get a quality rig that is safe and fun to ride. Can you do that for say $10000???
Howdy SidecarMike.
In answer to your questions. I'm around 200 and I will probably carry that or a little less in the sidecar. I really think that this would be our touring rig. A full day of riding for me by myself is anything up to 900-1000 miles if I'm really trying to get somewhere.
A usual day of riding with the wife is around 300 max. So I can see where I would want the sidecar rig to use for riding around town, weekend trips and sometimes a nice vacation tour of 500+ miles.
I do some of my own repairs. New bikes these days limit what you can do in regards to maintenance. Fuel injection is usually a dealer service only item. I have done throttle body sync's, adjusted valves, rebuilt carbs, etc on bikes in the past. That being said, I really like warranties!
Budget, hmmmm. I think I would like to spend the least and get the most! But who doesn't. I really have no idea what to expect as to price. I will spend what I need to to get a quality rig that is safe and fun to ride. Can you do that for say $10000???
Quote from Hack__n on February 12, 2004, 3:52 pmTray,
With the weight you intend to carry (guess) and the usage you describe I would suggest a bike with a displacement of around 1,100ccs or more for a sidecar platform. A smaller bike would work for your local putting but wouldn't handle work on the superslab for 500 miles as well. There are a lot of bikes produced in the '80s that make excellant sidecar tugs for touring purposes. 1100GLs, 1200GLs, Yamaha Ventures, KZ1000 Kawasakis and /6 and /7 Beemers for example. Most of these are readily available for budget prices and parts are easy to find. You can match one to the sidecar of your choice and probably stay close to a $5,000.00 budget with a little shopping.
Some of the things I look for in a tug are: Good parts availability, Low speed torque and tractability, Good disc brakes (3 if available), Air assisted anti-dive front end suspension, Shaft or belt drive for smooth power transfer(although a chain drive is easier to adjust drive ratios).
I also prefer a conventional double loop frame for ease of installation (less sub-framing equals less expense).
For a smaller rig like your present ride, take a look at the F650GS Bavarian Classic outfit in the albums; Hack'ns Hacks.
Tray,
With the weight you intend to carry (guess) and the usage you describe I would suggest a bike with a displacement of around 1,100ccs or more for a sidecar platform. A smaller bike would work for your local putting but wouldn't handle work on the superslab for 500 miles as well. There are a lot of bikes produced in the '80s that make excellant sidecar tugs for touring purposes. 1100GLs, 1200GLs, Yamaha Ventures, KZ1000 Kawasakis and /6 and /7 Beemers for example. Most of these are readily available for budget prices and parts are easy to find. You can match one to the sidecar of your choice and probably stay close to a $5,000.00 budget with a little shopping.
Some of the things I look for in a tug are: Good parts availability, Low speed torque and tractability, Good disc brakes (3 if available), Air assisted anti-dive front end suspension, Shaft or belt drive for smooth power transfer(although a chain drive is easier to adjust drive ratios).
I also prefer a conventional double loop frame for ease of installation (less sub-framing equals less expense).
For a smaller rig like your present ride, take a look at the F650GS Bavarian Classic outfit in the albums; Hack'ns Hacks.
Quote from Jimbosidecar on February 12, 2004, 8:08 pmHi,
Yes, I agree with everything said on this post. If you want to stay with BMW one good place to look is www.IBMWR.org in their marketplace section. I think there are 6 sidecars for sale right now in there. If you go to e-bay and click on motorcycles and then type in sidecars you can get what's for sale on there.
Also this page and the yahoo groups SCT and click on the "un-Classy Fieds" There are a few rigs there for sale. I'm headed to Daytona in about a week with my latest rig, a 1969 BMW R69S powered by a BMW R100S motor. I just bought a Jawa hack off this site, but I doubt I'll have it in time for this trip. I am planning a cross country trip this summer with it, which is the reason I bought such a big motored conversion. Good Luck and fun riding.
Regds,
Jim
Hi,
Yes, I agree with everything said on this post. If you want to stay with BMW one good place to look is http://www.IBMWR.org in their marketplace section. I think there are 6 sidecars for sale right now in there. If you go to e-bay and click on motorcycles and then type in sidecars you can get what's for sale on there.
Also this page and the yahoo groups SCT and click on the "un-Classy Fieds" There are a few rigs there for sale. I'm headed to Daytona in about a week with my latest rig, a 1969 BMW R69S powered by a BMW R100S motor. I just bought a Jawa hack off this site, but I doubt I'll have it in time for this trip. I am planning a cross country trip this summer with it, which is the reason I bought such a big motored conversion. Good Luck and fun riding.
Regds,
Jim
Quote from Guest on February 13, 2004, 1:20 amWELCOME Tray...I sent you an e-mail! "SKULL"
WELCOME Tray...I sent you an e-mail! "SKULL"
Quote from Tray on February 13, 2004, 9:32 amSkull,
I think your mail was a victim of my mail "spam" filter. Can you resend please?
Thanks
Skull,
I think your mail was a victim of my mail "spam" filter. Can you resend please?
Thanks
Quote from Tray on February 13, 2004, 10:52 amGood info Hack'n!
I am particular to Beemers. It seems that they may require more frequent care. Not sure just an assumption from reading about them on other sites.
I hadn't thought of the older KZ's. those are really strong bikes and pretty maintenance free. If I remember correctly they also have the doubel loop frame you suggest for ease of install.
Thanks!
Good info Hack'n!
I am particular to Beemers. It seems that they may require more frequent care. Not sure just an assumption from reading about them on other sites.
I hadn't thought of the older KZ's. those are really strong bikes and pretty maintenance free. If I remember correctly they also have the doubel loop frame you suggest for ease of install.
Thanks!
Quote from Tray on February 13, 2004, 10:55 amJimbo,
I really like the looks of the R69S's. I bet it looks fantastic with a Steib or similar looking sidecar!I would love to have a rig like that but I don't think the stock motor is up to the task of interstate speeds whie carrying a sidecar. Thoughts?
Jimbo,
I really like the looks of the R69S's. I bet it looks fantastic with a Steib or similar looking sidecar!
I would love to have a rig like that but I don't think the stock motor is up to the task of interstate speeds whie carrying a sidecar. Thoughts?
Quote from Guest on February 13, 2004, 2:52 pmHey Tray, I re-sent your e-mail...let me know if you get it skull@ctaz.com "SKULL"
Hey Tray, I re-sent your e-mail...let me know if you get it skull@ctaz.com "SKULL"
Quote from Guest on February 13, 2004, 3:52 pmWell Tray, it came back saying, ADDRESS NOT FOUND! Oh well...anyway, for all the info you need on Sidecar's, go to http://www.sidestrider.com & talk to Doug Bingham, owner & builder...he did my Hack over 15 year's ago...you can go to the Photo section on this site and see my Coffin Hack...hope this help's out! "SKULL"
Well Tray, it came back saying, ADDRESS NOT FOUND! Oh well...anyway, for all the info you need on Sidecar's, go to http://www.sidestrider.com & talk to Doug Bingham, owner & builder...he did my Hack over 15 year's ago...you can go to the Photo section on this site and see my Coffin Hack...hope this help's out! "SKULL"
Quote from Tray on February 13, 2004, 6:36 pmJust to make sure you have teh right address its tray@netdoor.com
And thanks for the info!!
Originally written by SKULL on 2/13/2004 3:52 PM
Well Tray, it came back saying, ADDRESS NOT FOUND! Oh well...anyway, for all the info you need on Sidecar's, go to http://www.sidestrider.com & talk to Doug Bingham, owner & builder...he did my Hack over 15 year's ago...you can go to the Photo section on this site and see my Coffin Hack...hope this help's out! "SKULL"
Just to make sure you have teh right address its tray@netdoor.com
And thanks for the info!!
Originally written by SKULL on 2/13/2004 3:52 PM
Well Tray, it came back saying, ADDRESS NOT FOUND! Oh well...anyway, for all the info you need on Sidecar's, go to http://www.sidestrider.com & talk to Doug Bingham, owner & builder...he did my Hack over 15 year's ago...you can go to the Photo section on this site and see my Coffin Hack...hope this help's out! "SKULL"
Quote from Guest on February 13, 2004, 9:14 pmI used your e-mail address on your User Profile...it's the same that you have typed! Huh...oh well...need any help, feel free to e me! "SKULL"
I used your e-mail address on your User Profile...it's the same that you have typed! Huh...oh well...need any help, feel free to e me! "SKULL"
Quote from Jimbosidecar on February 14, 2004, 6:38 amHi,
Actually even old R50/2 BMWs carried Steib and other fairly heavy sidecars. My R69S has a 1978 R100S motor so it could probably pull a Kenworth!
I also have several Chang Jiangs and even with the flathead motor they come with (22 HP) they do quite nicely pulling an all steel (heavy) hack up to about 55 MPH.
I have another nice rig which is a Chang Jiang with a 1951 BMW R67/2 motor. That one will do 70 MPH and I believe it has only 28 HP.
I like the look of the Plunger Frame Chang Jiangs but the swing-arm /2 BMWs are more comfortable for longer trips.
Check out www.changjiangunlimited.com and click on registry and my name. I believe I have a full page in there.
I'm headed to Daytona with my R69S in another 2 weeks. There is a nice sidecar show there every year.
I have a rig for sale if you're interested. Just contact me off-line.
Regds,
Jim
Hi,
Actually even old R50/2 BMWs carried Steib and other fairly heavy sidecars. My R69S has a 1978 R100S motor so it could probably pull a Kenworth!
I also have several Chang Jiangs and even with the flathead motor they come with (22 HP) they do quite nicely pulling an all steel (heavy) hack up to about 55 MPH.
I have another nice rig which is a Chang Jiang with a 1951 BMW R67/2 motor. That one will do 70 MPH and I believe it has only 28 HP.
I like the look of the Plunger Frame Chang Jiangs but the swing-arm /2 BMWs are more comfortable for longer trips.
Check out http://www.changjiangunlimited.com and click on registry and my name. I believe I have a full page in there.
I'm headed to Daytona with my R69S in another 2 weeks. There is a nice sidecar show there every year.
I have a rig for sale if you're interested. Just contact me off-line.
Regds,
Jim
Quote from Tray on February 14, 2004, 3:19 pmJim, Thats the type of info I'm looking for. Real world data! What to expect from different type of rigs in respect to performance.
Whats a plunger frame? Is that like Earles fork BMW's?
I sent you a PM.
Jim, Thats the type of info I'm looking for. Real world data! What to expect from different type of rigs in respect to performance.
Whats a plunger frame? Is that like Earles fork BMW's?
I sent you a PM.
Quote from SidecarMike on February 14, 2004, 3:52 pm[QUOTE}Budget, hmmmm. I think I would like to spend the least and get the most! But who doesn't. I really have no idea what to expect as to price. I will spend what I need to to get a quality rig that is safe and fun to ride. Can you do that for say $10000???[/QUOTE]I paid $8000 for a 1998 Honda Valkyrie with only 6,000 miles on it. I still have two more years left on the warranty. I've seen a number for sale cheaper than that lately. Another $550 or so will get you a rock solid subframe from Dauntless and Jimbo is selling his Chaing sidecars for under $1000. Now you have 100+ horsepower that will pass everything except the gas pumps. (Fully loaded I only get about 25mpg), but I tend to spend most of my time over 65 mph.
[QUOTE}Budget, hmmmm. I think I would like to spend the least and get the most! But who doesn't. I really have no idea what to expect as to price. I will spend what I need to to get a quality rig that is safe and fun to ride. Can you do that for say $10000???I paid $8000 for a 1998 Honda Valkyrie with only 6,000 miles on it. I still have two more years left on the warranty. I've seen a number for sale cheaper than that lately. Another $550 or so will get you a rock solid subframe from Dauntless and Jimbo is selling his Chaing sidecars for under $1000. Now you have 100+ horsepower that will pass everything except the gas pumps. (Fully loaded I only get about 25mpg), but I tend to spend most of my time over 65 mph.
Quote from Tray on February 14, 2004, 3:57 pmThanks Mike!
I'll definately check into that!I guess I need to research what bikes can be used for sidecars and also the differences in the sidecars.
Is there anywhere on the net or something in publication that I can get this info? It would be nice to have a "Buyers guide" to sidecars!
Any magazines that have good info on sidecars?
Thanks!
Thanks Mike!
I'll definately check into that!
I guess I need to research what bikes can be used for sidecars and also the differences in the sidecars.
Is there anywhere on the net or something in publication that I can get this info? It would be nice to have a "Buyers guide" to sidecars!
Any magazines that have good info on sidecars?
Thanks!