Well, I’m thinking that I’ve satisfied the 2 post rule and I can now add pix, so without further AHDOO…
As I was saying in earlier introductions, I took delivery of my TSC Ranger last week. It’s still in the crate at this point. Much too much going on around the homestead ATM with Christmas approaching.
Also attached is the pic of the existing bike that will be running the whole rig. 2020 HD Ultra Limited. M8 114 - Great bike. We’ve had it on many long trips now in the 4 years we’ve had it. Really rolls down the road. I’m guessing that with the sidecar my average speed may take a hit. True? We typically roll around 80-85 when we can. Better for staying away from the big metal boxes on the road with us.
Priorities as for now.. Add a reverse gear to the bike BEFORE adding sidecar. New tires on the bike, before adding side car. Build a new carport so I can move the other two motorcycles and the four wheeler out of the “house garage” to make room for the new rig. Maybe paint to match the bike?
So, while I’ve got a lot to do in prep for this new toy, I’ll be knocking out the list ASAP.
I’m hoping when I have technical questions and such, I can post up for advice on the knowledge base here.
The bike pic attached is us returning from BBB 2024 Eureka Springs AR. What a great bike rally, We have made it a yearly trek.
Enough for now.
THX Merry Christmas.
Bob
[Remember you can click on the pics to view full screen. Admin]
Man, that is one good looking bike! If you have time, I'd vote for painting the sidecar to match the bike. 🤩
Seems the big sidecar drivers move along at a pretty fair clip. A few of the more adventurous have turned triple digit speeds. With a well setup rig, a bit of experience, competence and confidence I'd be willing to bet you'll be running at your comfortable pace, like usual.
Is the rear rack on the sidecar set for something special? Looks pretty cool. TSC makes some sweet products. 👍
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
My guess is that with that car, you will likely need to set it up with more car wheel lead to match it's weight to the bike's weight. I'm certain others will have more to say with more authority, but you certainly won't have any trouble pulling it along at your desired velocity.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
I had a reverse on my first sidecar ('07 Ural Tourist) but in the 13 years of piloting my BMW R1200GSA/DMC rig I've not needed a reverse. You do learn to think twice about pulling straight into a parking spot, but a sidecar is actually easier to push back than a big bike. I prefer to keep things simple and "farkles" like reverse and electric tilt adjustment just add complexity I dislike.
All that being said, there are lots of different ways to build and set up sidecar rigs. I hope you enjoy your new experience with what you finally come up with.
... in the 13 years of piloting my BMW R1200GSA/DMC rig I've not needed a reverse.... you do learn to think twice about pulling straight into a parking spot...
Hi Bob, welcome from NW Louisiana. My experience is similar - you quickly learn to pull up, or back down, into a unlevel parking spot. The only rig we've had with a reverse was a Ural cT (owned about a year before OldTimer begged to buy it back) only time I used reverse was backing into the carport, which I could have done by hand, as I've done for years. Now reverse does come in handy on soft unpaved surfaces.
As you bring this combination together, remember that piloting a sidecar rig is not the same as riding a motorcycle. I'll be glad to discuss sidecaring with you over the phone ...... or in person, but it appears we're on opposite ends of the state.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Man, that is one good looking bike! If you have time, I'd vote for painting the sidecar to match the bike. 🤩
Seems the big sidecar drivers move along at a pretty fair clip. A few of the more adventurous have turned triple digit speeds. With a well setup rig, a bit of experience, competence and confidence I'd be willing to bet you'll be running at your comfortable pace, like usual.
Is the rear rack on the sidecar set for something special? Looks pretty cool. TSC makes some sweet products. 👍
As for paint, I'm in touch with the guy who does the local HD shops work. He's supposed to give me a quote, but he's been kinda slow.
As for the sidecar rack, ATM per TSC, that's the only rack they sell (but yeah I like it). My co-pilot typically doesn't have enough room both going and coming (she's improved over the years), also the rack will be handy getting the weight lower for better balance, even though that's no longer a concern. It's always been in the past..
My guess is that with that car, you will likely need to set it up with more car wheel lead to match it's weight to the bike's weight. I'm certain others will have more to say with more authority, but you certainly won't have any trouble pulling it along at your desired velocity.
I look forward to getting deeper into this subject..
I had a reverse on my first sidecar ('07 Ural Tourist) but in the 13 years of piloting my BMW R1200GSA/DMC rig I've not needed a reverse. You do learn to think twice about pulling straight into a parking spot, but a sidecar is actually easier to push back than a big bike. I prefer to keep things simple and "farkles" like reverse and electric tilt adjustment just add complexity I dislike.
All that being said, there are lots of different ways to build and set up sidecar rigs. I hope you enjoy your new experience with what you finally come up with.
So, reverse.. I'd sure like to get more opinions on that... I'd rather spend the money on paint.. But I don't want to get myself in a potential pickle.
... in the 13 years of piloting my BMW R1200GSA/DMC rig I've not needed a reverse.... you do learn to think twice about pulling straight into a parking spot...
Hi Bob, welcome from NW Louisiana. My experience is similar - you quickly learn to pull up, or back down, into a unlevel parking spot. The only rig we've had with a reverse was a Ural cT (owned about a year before OldTimer begged to buy it back) only time I used reverse was backing into the carport, which I could have done by hand, as I've done for years. Now reverse does come in handy on soft unpaved surfaces.
As you bring this combination together, remember that piloting a sidecar rig is not the same as riding a motorcycle. I'll be glad to discuss sidecaring with you over the phone ...... or in person, but it appears we're on opposite ends of the state.
Hey neighbor!
Sad we're on the opposite ends of LA..
I'll be asking many questions in the future and a knowledge base voice on the other end would sure be nice. TY!
I have much to learn. Thanks everyone. I'm very excited.
I had a reverse on my first sidecar ('07 Ural Tourist) but in the 13 years of piloting my BMW R1200GSA/DMC rig I've not needed a reverse. You do learn to think twice about pulling straight into a parking spot, but a sidecar is actually easier to push back than a big bike. I prefer to keep things simple and "farkles" like reverse and electric tilt adjustment just add complexity I dislike.
All that being said, there are lots of different ways to build and set up sidecar rigs. I hope you enjoy your new experience with what you finally come up with.
So, reverse.. I'd sure like to get more opinions on that... I'd rather spend the money on paint.. But I don't want to get myself in a potential pickle.
My next rig, unless it is really light, will have a reverse. Not having a reverse has taught me the significance of having it for my specific application.
I have a deep rock driveway, and just pushing the current rig (BMW GS/Dnepr) out of the garage, and getting it turned around 180 degrees is a chore. Same maneuver with the Ural (it has reverse) was a breeze. On the off road Jeep/ATV trails it would be very beneficial. Not that you'll be taking your rig off road though.
Only a couple of times on the road would it have made a significant difference. Once I buried the rig in a soft dirt parking lot that I could have backed out of. Thankfully I was able to dig two trenches to get a "running start". But then I had to fill them in so no one else got stuck. Another was a real small parking lot where the road was way too busy to back into. The pie was worth the effort. 🤩
What having reverse would do is eliminate the need to focus on those "parking opportunities."
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
What having reverse would do is eliminate the need to focus on those "parking opportunities."
Yo, crazy Utah man on the Screaming Yellow Zonker, having Reverse does not eliminate the need to focus on those "parking opportunities ".
With any sidecar, the operator always needs to focus on those "parking opportunities".
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
My next rig, unless it is really light, will have a reverse. Not having a reverse has taught me the significance of having it for my specific application.
I have a deep rock driveway, and just pushing the current rig (BMW GS/Dnepr) out of the garage, and getting it turned around 180 degrees is a chore. Same maneuver with the Ural (it has reverse) was a breeze. On the off road Jeep/ATV trails it would be very beneficial. Not that you'll be taking your rig off road though.
Only a couple of times on the road would it have made a significant difference. Once I buried the rig in a soft dirt parking lot that I could have backed out of. Thankfully I was able to dig two trenches to get a "running start". But then I had to fill them in so no one else got stuck. Another was a real small parking lot where the road was way too busy to back into. The pie was worth the effort. 🤩
What having reverse would do is eliminate the need to focus on those "parking opportunities."
The bike weighs in about 900 lbs. When we're traveling, I add 190, she adds 120 and then there's the baggage, etc.. 50lbs? Typically more on the way home.
So we may be total 1260? Plus the sidecar +350? ... 1610 lbs.. Ha.. no wonder we decided to go with 3 wheels.. It's sometimes a real beotch to hold up on two wheels in crappy places, gravel sux. And if it decides to start going over, you can't stop it..
But if there are more opinions, please share.
Thx guys, Merry Christmas.
I... believe in reverse... therefore I am
Two Million Mile Rider...All 7 Continents
Exploring the World in Comfort
My first three rigs had no reverse and I never missed it. All three were BMW GS rigs. My 4th (a K1200LT) and 5th (a Goldwing) did have reverse and I surprised myself by using it far more than necessary. What a lazy bum!
Sheath, does your driveway not have enough room for you to pull a U-ee then let gravity help back the rig into the garage?
