Side Cars

[boatzo]

I have no idea where to post this, but this looks like a good spot. I have never seen any mention of side caes on this forum? I have been toying with the idea of a side car for some time as my wife will not ride on the pillion seat. I know that riding with a S/C is quite different and I am also concerned about no reverse gear so parking spaces would have to be selected carefully.

 

Another concern I have is connecting the brake line to the RT ABS system.

 

I would love to hear comments and experiences with side cars on RTs.

TIA

[squints]

I had a vetter teraplane on my 2004 rt for about 6 months. It does handle quite differently but nothing that cant be learned in a short time. My side car didn't have brakes on it and I never really found that I needed them so that wasn't an issue. As far as the reverse gear goes I never had any problems. You can always get off the bike and simply push it in or out of a space. The weight that the sidecar adds is not really signifigant. If I could afford a second bike I would definetly still have it set up as a S/C rig but I missed being on 2 wheels so I parted with it. The wife and son really enjoyed it.

[Paul Mihalka]

Sidecar rig driving training is essential, they can be very dangerous if not done with knowledge. David Hough has a good book on it.

In my very-very opinionated opinion if it does not lean it is not a motorcycle, and the best sidecar rig is something like a Mazda Miata

[RoanokeRider]

Theree is sidecar training at some of the community colleges in VA, including near you. It is a good way to learn about sidecars. The school provides the rigs and there will likely be students there with thier own rigs to look at and ask questions about. A very good bargain at around $100 for the weekend. I have taken it twice in SW Virginia.

[Bud]

A sidecar forum was just started on the MOA website.

[Swordofwords]

And a yahoo group; SCT. Email me if you cannot find it. They're

only as dangerous as a person not knowing how to ride a motorcycle. There is a Yellowbook, that will give you great informations, and there probably is a good training course in

your area.

The author of the yellowbook, as well as others, some no cost downloadable (reasoning is that is should cost you anything to learn how to drive safe). Buy the book, or download it. First.

Get the sidecar, you will have a fantastic time. Naysayers mean well.

BTW, they're greatlooking sidecars (hacks). and it is like a BMW:

it WILL seduce you into the light side of the force. Surrender to it, just let it happen.

I'm taking mine to the Redmond rally.

 

Scharppslicer

Casper wyoming

[boatzo]

Thanks for the info. I tried to find SCT on Yahoo and came up empty, but did find a lot of info on "Side Cars" on Google. I want to try to find someone with a sidecar that will give my wife a ride in it. I have a bad feeling that I may put a lot of time and money into something that she will not enjoy.

[Lone_RT_rider]

Sidecars are a bit more work to rider than a normal 2 wheeled scoot. I have a sidecar nesteled in the garage awaiting a day when I can find a crate bike for it. Maybe someday I will get it restored to something like this....

 

 

Shawn

[Mrs. Caddis]

I saw a scooter with sidecar outside the British Pub in downtown Denver today. Funny looking thing!

[boatzo]

Great photo Shawn, do you have any information about it, year etc. At first I thought it might be Paul (old fart)

[Paul Mihalka]

"At first I thought it might be Paul (old fart) "

 

No, not me. In those times I was riding this:

 

 

[RoanokeRider]

I want to try to find someone with a sidecar that will give my wife a ride in it. I have a bad feeling that I may put a lot of time and money into something that she will not enjoy.

 

That is very wise. My wife, who has well over 100k as a bike passenger, hates the sidecar. My Oldwing rig will be for sale soon but I am building a BMW rig instead. I want the sidecar rig for work. Sure is nice to peel your gear off and drop it into the sidecar before going in to the appointment. If you find yourself in Roanoke, let me know and we can arrange a ride.

[boatzo]

Thanks for the invite Bill. Roanoke is the other end of the world from the Rappahanock river delta, but it would make a nice ride.

 

 

[Lone_RT_rider]

Great photo Shawn, do you have any information about it, year etc. At first I thought it might be Paul (old fart)

 

It was the late 30's I believe. The man in the middle (driver) is Claude Goulding, my Grandfather. The sidecar is a Goulding Rocket, one of ours that we produced in Saginaw, MI during that time-frame.

 

This is a picture of my Cousin on the only fiberglass version ever made. This was taken at the Meadowbrook Concourse.

 

[Paul Mihalka]

Shawn, you have a lot of motorcycle DNA in your blood!

[boatzo]

Wow, That is some real history in your background. As Paul says "Motorcycle DNA".

 

Are you all still making side cars?

[philbytx]

Saw one of THESE OUTFITS at Lueckenbach recently. It has a reverse gear too. I was quite impressed with it

[boatzo]

Yes Phil,

 

I have been looking at some of those coming up for sale here and there. Sometimes the price is right and might be a better idea than fitting a side car to my RT. I know a guy that has one and he says it is a lot of fun. Probably would never use it for a long trip anyway.

[litigator]

Pick up a vintage rig and still have a real motorcycle to ride. My lab, Molly, as you see, and any kids who want rides, get a thrill every time it goes out.

[Lone_RT_rider]

Are you all still making side cars?

 

My family stopped making sidecars in 1956, but I know that there are people re-popping them, but not the model show above. More info here.

 

Shawn

[japachap]

Try-

http://www.ezs-sidecar.com/

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2008/06/sidebike-celtik-and-zeus-to-be.html

 

EZS do a wicked GS sidecar outfit courtesy of my local Bikers Motorport in the Netherlands.

[Linda Mooney]

I don't know the nuances of adding a sidecar to an RT but, I put an EML on a K1100RS many years ago. Of course, Paul Mihalka hated it when I did that! I was very afraid he wouldn't speak to me ever again- but, no worries he is a gentleman!

 

Previous to this combination I had owned/driven two different HD rigs and also a Moto Guzzi Watsonian rig. Hands down, the BMW/EML rig is a pleasure to drive, it handles beautifully and most importantly is Great Fun! This is a one of a kind rig with Earle's fork style steering, lowered suspension, car radials all way around and more engine horsepower.

 

Check out Claude Stanley's websites (below)...

 

Founder: Internet Sidecar Owners Klub at SCT

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SCT/

 

President: C Stanley Motorsports Inc.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/...rsandTrailers/

 

 

...and also Adventure Rider MC Forums, which has a Hack thread.

 

Good Luck!

 

[gottago]

I'm tagging on to this post. A friend of mine that isn't very computer savy wanted me to ask around to see if anyone from the board has ever added a sidecar to a 2002 RT. She's trying to find someone out there that could answer some questions regarding what is involved.

[Dave39]

There's a guy out here in my area I see frequently riding a vintage Harley with a side car, often stopped at markets in Freeport. His passenger is, no, not his wife, but his faithful canine companion, a German Shepard, I think.

[elkroeger]

forgive me if someone's put this up - i didn't read through every post.

 

http://www.dmcsidecars.com/

 

and

 

http://www.amazon.com/Driving-Sidecar-Outfit-David-Hough/dp/B001PQFI9G

[Selden]

Bizarre Motorcycle Side Cars Samples: