Hi my name is Brad. and live in SE Arizona. Been riding two wheels since I was 14, now 72. I currently have 2 MC's and F700GS and a V85TT. I am researching on whether I want to move to 3 wheels. It looks like something my wife and I would really enjoy. BTW her bike is the F700GS. Since I live in an area where there are a lot of dirt roads I would like to stay with an ADV type of platform. Although most riding would be pavement we camp so dirt roads do get involved. Nothing on the level of a BDR route or 2 track, etc.
So what I am thinking about doing is either build out one of the 2 bikes we already have or sell one, and buy one that is already built out. I know there most likely are a lot here on the forum that have Ural's but they really don't tickle my fancy.
I typically do all of my own work on the bikes and have for many years. I also have built bikes from the ground up, restored barn finds, etc. I am not afraid to tackle a project. I haven't died yet on one of my builds.
Welcome Bradley! You have the courage to ask the big difficult questions and we all are in there with you.
To directly answer your question, by no means build one of your current, excellent motorcycle into a sidecar rig in order to find out if you like it and will make a long term go of it. Others will suggest asking some local hack operators for advice and to explore the experience before making a full leap. Alternately purchasing a built rig rarely comes with many downsides because they can be resold for similar prices as what you just paid. Most people in this community have done just that at some point.
youve done well by stating your goals and experience. Others will be along shortly to offer advice and ask more questions. Enjoy the journey!
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Hi my name is Brad. and live in SE Arizona. Been riding two wheels since I was 14, now 72. I currently have 2 MC's and F700GS and a V85TT. I am researching on whether I want to move to 3 wheels. It looks like something my wife and I would really enjoy. BTW her bike is the F700GS. Since I live in an area where there are a lot of dirt roads I would like to stay with an ADV type of platform. Although most riding would be pavement we camp so dirt roads do get involved. Nothing on the level of a BDR route or 2 track, etc.
So what I am thinking about doing is either build out one of the 2 bikes we already have or sell one, and buy one that is already built out. I know there most likely are a lot here on the forum that have Ural's but they really don't tickle my fancy.
I typically do all of my own work on the bikes and have for many years. I also have built bikes from the ground up, restored barn finds, etc. I am not afraid to tackle a project. I haven't died yet on one of my builds.
Bradley, WELCOME to the sidecar forums.
We do have one pretty active member of our forums that lives relatively close to you, but be aware that he is a radical hardcore off-road sidecar guy, so don't let him talk you into building a rig to go off-roading him.
He is Dane, on these forums as @ben-franklin, and he lives in what he calls Skunk Hollow, which is just outside the Casa Grande area.
He drives a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports w/DCT trans, and is seriously built for taking it almost anywhere off road.
Point is, he would be a good source locally.
I somewhat agree with The post above by Thane Lewis, our association President. I would not touch either of the F700GS's, as you and you wife can still enjoy 2 wheeling around together on those.
BUT...I would be inclined....to build a rig with that V85TT, and we have another guy on here....Bruce...goes by @brstr, that lives very far away from you, in far Western Australia, and he has a Moto Guzzi rig, so he is familiar with building one.
As stated above, buying one that is already built, even if just to test the waters, is the smart move, to begin with. There are rigs available for lower dollars, to see if you really like it, and it can be resold.
But if your heart is set on building a rig yourself, use that Moto Guzzi V85TT, have Texas Sidecar Company in Donie, Texas build you the actual sidecar and mounts, then you do do as much assembly as you want, or leave it up to them.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Hello Bradley,
Good to see more AZ individuals wanting to get into the bizarre sidecar world! Where are you in SE AZ: near Bisbee? Sierra Vista? I am in north Phoenix and own a couple of "dirt" sidecars (S10 & Ural) and enjoy some easy dirt riding during our riding seasons.
If you need help mounting a sidecar to your Guzzi Dennis Willis is a good guy and his work is recommendable, not really close to you but closer than any alternative: https://dyingtoride.com/
Thane's recommendation (buying one already made) is very valid and certainly cheaper than starting from scratch (do not ask how I know!) and it can give you the option of a fly/ride to get accustomed and decide if a rig is really the tool you need/want/can't live without.
Hi Brad,
V85TT would be a fun rig, with a lighter sidecar. As long as it doesn't require cutting up the bike and welding things in place, it is reversible. Well, it's just metal, so even if you have to cut and weld it's still reversible.
Texas Sidecars may have a bolt on subframe. https://www.texassidecars.com/ Good quality stuff, at what seems reasonable prices.
As to a sidecar for off road, light is right. Especially in any kind of deep-ish sand/gravel or rocks.
Good luck with your journey. 🍻
Scott
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
G'day Brad good to have you aboard.
Yes I am the Guzzi owner.
Though mine is a V9 Bobber.
It's the earlier version of your engine.
Had to check on the more recent developments in the 850cc small block.
Is yours the variable valve version or earlier?
Basic figures.
Mine is 56hp yours possibly 79hp.
The BMW is up there somewhere.
Now I love my Guzzi rig as Guzzi's are the best ride in many ways.
Also yours has the bigger tank.
An advantage with sidecar.
Mine is a full cradle steel frame so easy to bolt a subframe to.
Yours looks a half cradle?
But still not so hard to build a subframe.
The Beemer would take a little thought and work to fit a chair to.
The thing with mine is it has a very high 1st gear.
A smidge higher than yours with the difference being primary drive gearing.
My solution was a low profile car tire that changed the gearing ratio by almost 15%.
Doesn't feel like a moon launch every time I take off.
That wouldn't work for you without a wheel change and even then.
Of course the added ponies may make up for it.
Not the best for more difficult offroad work though.
A lighter rig may well work for dirt roads .
The Beemer has chain drive?
Easy to change ratios and carry extra fuel to compensate for the smaller tank.
The easy option is of course to find a complete rig that has been well fettled.
Will you both be pilots?
Fitting a sidecar.
Choose a tug.
Buy or build the chair.
Subframe and hardware.
Install
Upgrade suspension.
Wiring etc.
Steering mods so the old shoulders don't hurt as much.
Fine tune and fettle.
Argue about tire choices, oils etc, etc.
All can be done with coin and/or calluses.
You've made a good start by asking.
Check out manufacturers and second hand prices.
Then do what fits you both.
Looking forward to seeing how you get on.
Oh and if you find a viable solution to changing Guzzi ratios let me know.
@prmurat1 I am located between Sierra Vista and Bisbee. I am in Hereford.
First off thanks for reading the post and giving NON Cynical responses. All of the responses add food for thought and what to do. Also I should have added some model years. The V85TT is a 2020 E4, the PO did some performance mods so the actual HP is not know and have not put it on a dyno. I have not ridden a stock V85 so I can't state with a definite answer that it has more HP than stock. What I will say is in the almost 30k miles I have ridden it is no slouch.
Yea that is not something that the normal guy should do. Bolt on subframe and such would be a better option for me.As long as it doesn't require cutting up the bike and welding things in place, it is reversible. Well, it's just metal, so even if you have to cut and weld it's still reversible.
Bruce, Yes mine is a half cradle. Yes the BMW is chain drive. Yes we would both be pilots at some point.
This process will take a while to get done. I really need to fins=d a rig that we can try for a few hundred miles before a hard decision is made. Thanks again to all for the great input.
Bradley, almost ALL sidecar rigs can be used on the little bit of dirt/gravel roads that you have mentioned above. Even "street" rigs can be driven on most Forest Service roads, and campground dirt roads, etc.
The only need for a "real off-road rig" is when traversing far off the beaten path trails, or serious rock roads, with what we call Babyhead rocks.
I would suggest perusing the classified ads for "Complete Sidecar Rigs" on our forum, and look on ADVRider, in the hacks threads, as the 2 of the first 3 threads on the "hacks" forums over there also post ads for sidecar rigs around the country, or the World.
Do you have an "idea" of a budget you would like to stay within, for this "trial and error" rig ?
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
Do you have an "idea" of a budget you would like to stay within, for this "trial and error" rig ?
Without selling a bike I would need to stay in the 6K and under range. I am fine with an older bike as long as it is mechanically fit. Like I mentioned I typically do all my own wrenching, but I am not an engine and transmission tear apart guy. I also would like to stay with BMW or Guzzi but open to others if it is fit for us.
I saw this on FB and like how it is setup. No reference to the owner. Photo taken in Horseshoe bay Alaska. If anyone knows the owner please pass along their contact info please.
Bradley, The Great Grabowski, there is a BMW rig for sale close to me, and I think it is worth looking at.
It's posted on our forums, in the classified ads as a Complete Rigs for sale; https://sidecar.com/forum/complete-rigs-for-sale/repost-1995-bmw-1100lt-with-eml-sidecar-8500/#post-91107
1995 BMW K1100LT, w/EML sidecar.
The EML sidecar is a nice touch, as it is European built, to a higher standard than what can be found in the US, and the bike has a Leading Link front end on it, so even better handling.
The owner, @NorthwetNeil, has dropped the price at least once, maybe twice, and I know he would like to sell this rig.
Take a look at the ad, the owner can answer any questions for you, and if you choose to do a Fly 'n Ride, I will offer to pick you up at the Seattle airport...SeaTac...and drive you to the owners house in the Aberdeen, WA. area.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
@grabcon I love riding in your neighborhood; did the Geronimo Trail up through Animas, NM a few months ago. The ride between the top of Coronado Nat. Mon. over to Patagonia on the dirt roads is also quite nice.
I would think the Guzzi would work out pretty well for a hack rig. For the budget you mention, you would likely be able to find a used chair, buy a mounting kit (Maybe from Kent at TSC, in Texas) and be in business with a little work.
An already built BMW GS rig might be a reasonable alternative, but probably north of $10k for something you would want.
You can always spend more on steering mods, suspension, etc to tailor a functional rig to your roads, but the Guzzi would be a great start.
If you head up towards Skunk Hollow, ping me and/or Phillipe (he is a little farther north than I am.) Happy to offer opinions, for what they are worth.
I went the wrong direction and built a new rig on a new bike, then spent about the last three years rebuilding it to function off road reasonably well.
It pretty much goes where I want it to, now, though:
Hi Brad, and welcome to the forum. I am in Payson, probably a couple hundred miles from you. A few years ago, I had a Ural and the wife, and I had a lot of fun with it, However, we wanted to use it for road trips, and it was just too under powered for that, so I wound up selling it.
A couple of years ago, after 60 years of riding and owning about 40 bikes of different brands, I bought my first BMW, a 2012 R1200RT. I really loved the bike and put quite a few miles on it. A few months later I ran into a very good deal on a 2017 R1200RT, I bought it thinking I would sell the 2012. After a few months past with no serious offers, the wife and I were reminiscing about the Ural, and decided that the 2012 RT would be a good candidate for a sidecar. I contacted Dennis Willis, in Prescott, and he suggested a Texas sidecar. I was surprised to learn that they stocked the subframe and hardware for that bike. He ordered the sidecar and installed it last month. I was very happy with his work. He has installed a lot of them and is very familiar with the geometry involved for proper handling.
Dennis
@Old School: I am so glad you mentioned Dennis Willis: I had the chance of picking up a 6 BMW with a Hannigan (new) that a pal from our club had ordered: it was the best sidecar I ever rode (despite the Beemer 6) so I decided to have him mount my Goldwing on a California Sidecar FS3 I have been rebuilding for a few months! Dennis is mounting the SC frame to the GW (body is still been painted in Puerto Peñasco) as I write this and I should be able to pick it up soon. I can’t wait!!!!
Well I get to drive 1800 miles round trip this weekend to pick up my new addition to one of the bikes. Most likely the V85TT. It is an Easy Rider sidecar that has never been painted or mounted on a bike. I hope it is as good as it sounds.
Details after I pick it up. Someone said it wouldn't be long and it wasn't. 
I will post pictures next week of the find. Good or bad.
