How many of you have at least one of these options

[Rams]

Realizing there are a lot more two wheeled cruisers in this group than anything else, I am curious.   I've got two two-wheeled cruisers and one trike sitting in my garage, I try to ride each one at least once a week.   Seriously considering adding a sidecar rig to one of the cruisers.  

I like the idea of variety and do realize the other options do require a different skill set from a two-wheeler but, I like the idea of having options.   So, who else rides something other than just a two wheeled cruiser?

Rams

[scooperhsd]

I would like to get a sidecar for my Valk (only MC), BUT -
1. I need to get the garage emptied
2. Sidecar rig needs to be easy on / easy off (for solo rides)
3. CO$T of sidecar.

[Rams]

I would like to get a sidecar for my Valk (only MC), BUT -
1. I need to get the garage emptied
2. Sidecar rig needs to be easy on / easy off (for solo rides)
3. CO$T of sidecar.

During my search due to my curiosity, I have discovered that sidecar rigs are darned expensive if you buy new.   So, I've been looking at used versions.   But, they aren't exactly cheap either.   Just about every sidecar rig I've looked at was mounted to another motorcycle (at some point) and the mounting hardware won't work for a Valk.   Obviously, every bike is unlikely to have the same frame mounts so, that means procuring or fabricating those mounts for the bike to use with the sidecar chosen.  That mounting hardware isn't cheap either.   Some sidecars have brakes that couple to the bike's brakes, that poses another issue.   Then, one must decided if one wants to paint to match.   This easily gets very expensive and that doesn't even include having a place to garage or store the rig once you have it.  This also doesn't include having an experience sidecar tech get everything right so the rig goes down the road like it's supposed to.

This is just something I am considering, I have a cruiser I can mount a sidecar to, I have the space to garage that rig, what I'm lacking is a whole lot of $$ to make it happen.  

This whole idea was generated when I became a grandfather, the mother and grandmother of that grandson are not enthusiastic about me taking my grandson on my trike or a cruiser.   I do understand their concern but, the boy has to learn what riding in the wind is all about.  Right?

Rams

[Valker]

I would like to get a sidecar for my Valk (only MC), BUT -
1. I need to get the garage emptied
2. Sidecar rig needs to be easy on / easy off (for solo rides)
3. CO$T of sidecar.

During my search due to my curiosity, I have discovered that sidecar rigs are darned expensive if you buy new.   So, I've been looking at used versions.   But, they aren't exactly cheap either.   Just about every sidecar rig I've looked at was mounted to another motorcycle (at some point) and the mounting hardware won't work for a Valk.   Obviously, every bike is unlikely to have the same frame mounts so, that means procuring or fabricating those mounts for the bike to use with the sidecar chosen.  That mounting hardware isn't cheap either.   Some sidecars have brakes that couple to the bike's brakes, that poses another issue.   Then, one must decided if one wants to paint to match.   This easily gets very expensive and that doesn't even include having a place to garage or store the rig once you have it.  This also doesn't include having an experience sidecar tech get everything right so the rig goes down the road like it's supposed to.

This is just something I am considering, I have a cruiser I can mount a sidecar to, I have the space to garage that rig, what I'm lacking is a whole lot of $$ to make it happen.  

This whole idea was generated when I became a grandfather, the mother and grandmother of that grandson are not enthusiastic about me taking my grandson on my trike or a cruiser.   I do understand their concern but, the boy has to learn what riding in the wind is all about.  Right?

Rams

Sidecar rigs are a lot of fun. I like the way they handle much better than a two rear wheel trike. That said, I really want to encourage someone who uses a sidecar to mount it to a completely different motorcycle. Muscle memory can get confused by a lot of factors. If you've been riding either a rig or a bike and can quickly remove or add the hack, you have a distinct possibility of seeing that memory confusion. It's that steering/countersteering thing. A local here did that very setup. He was passing a semi on I-40 one day on the rig when he swerved UNDER the trailer which then ran over he and his wife. I'm convinced (he was very experienced-but with the two wheeler) he simply forgot and tried to countersteer away from the truck while actually turning into it. Having separate bikes for each would minimize this possibility.

[LadyDraco]

Right now  I  have  2  of  each...
4 valks  total

[sidecarwilliam]

I have been pushing sidecars around for 40+ years now and of the three I have right now my favorite is my Champion Daytona 2+2 on my Valkyrie . The others are a single cylinder BMW R27 with a globe and a much modified R60 conversion with a Velorex.  I have had others. Still have not figured out how to up load pictures but will make a link.
Sidecars are not an off and on possibility. My best advice is to buy used and NEVER pay more than what the bike alone is worth and subframes aare a must.
I am very willing to share what I know with anyone wanting to get into sidecars, the good the bad and the ugly.

[Rams]

Sidecar rigs are a lot of fun. I like the way they handle much better than a two rear wheel trike. That said, I really want to encourage someone who uses a sidecar to mount it to a completely different motorcycle. Muscle memory can get confused by a lot of factors. If you've been riding either a rig or a bike and can quickly remove or add the hack, you have a distinct possibility of seeing that memory confusion. It's that steering/countersteering thing. A local here did that very setup. He was passing a semi on I-40 one day on the rig when he swerved UNDER the trailer which then ran over he and his wife. I'm convinced (he was very experienced-but with the two wheeler) he simply forgot and tried to countersteer away from the truck while actually turning into it. Having separate bikes for each would minimize this possibility.

I have no doubt about what you say, I find it similar to going back and forth from my trike to either of the two cruisers.   I even notice a difference between the two cruisers, one being darkside and the other on motorcyle tires.   Yes, the counter-steering was an issue at first but, I adapted.   I won't say nothing will ever happen but, if I do go the sidecar route, it will be on one of my Valkyrie cruisers.  But, I do appreciate your advice.

Rams

[Rams]

I have been pushing sidecars around for 40+ years now and of the three I have right now my favorite is my Champion Daytona 2+2 on my Valkyrie . The others are a single cylinder BMW R27 with a globe and a much modified R60 conversion with a Velorex.  I have had others. Still have not figured out how to up load pictures but will make a link.
Sidecars are not an off and on possibility. My best advice is to buy used and NEVER pay more than what the bike alone is worth and subframes aare a must.
I am very willing to share what I know with anyone wanting to get into sidecars, the good the bad and the ugly.

As I shared in a previous post, if I go this route, it will be with one of my two Valk cruisers.   I am interested in the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Rams

[Rams]

Right now  I  have  2  of  each...
4 valks  total

But, you didn't respond to the poll. 

Rams

[LadyDraco]

Right now  I  have  2  of  each...
4 valks  total

But, you didn't respond to the poll. 

Rams

I certainly did. 2Trikes  and 2 two wheeled

[Rams]

Right now  I  have  2  of  each...
4 valks  total

But, you didn't respond to the poll.  

Rams

I certainly did. 2Trikes  and 2 two wheeled

 

[Rams]

My best advice is to buy used and NEVER pay more than what the bike alone is worth and subframes aare a must.
I am very willing to share what I know with anyone wanting to get into sidecars, the good the bad and the ugly.

Tell me more about this "subframe" issue please.

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

Rams, here I go.  Just remember you asked and the following is just my two cents.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidecarwilliam/
you can see from the flicker thing that I have been through a few sidecars. I love them.
You may notice that gas mileage will suffer hence the 5 gal gas tank where the rear seat should be, there is also another 3 gallon tank in the right saddlebag.  There is also a subframe on the bike.  Jay (at DMC) said I was the only person that had managed to break said subframe ever.  I said I do like to ride, broke it in Miami.
The large sidecar was a four seater on the 1200 Goldwing. Broke the frame on that one in spite of the subframe. I do like to have fun.
The other two sidecars I have now include the first one I ever had and the R27 which I have owned and ridden for over thirty years.
A subframe is a must.  The frame will still be twisted if you have fun like me , so on/off is not a real possibility.
Sidecars are rare and expensive so I go back to buy a complete unit and start from there and never pay more than the bike alone is worth.
The bike/ sidecar MUST  be set up correctly or you will be very unhappy and so will the unit. The rear wheel and the sidecar wheel need to be set up much the same as a car's front end.
There is much to be learned and unlearned to transfer from a solo bike to a sidecar and also from a trike to a sidecar.  
Unless you devote a lot of time of a large time frame you may end up as the guy in the above story, under a truck. Been there and done that two years in with my wife and child in the chair, thank God the drivers coming the other way got the hell out of the way. It was not easy pulling the seat cover out of my ass.
To go right you gas it and grab the front brake and to go left you use the rear brake.
Leading link front ends are great but not necessary(like putting power steering in a '51 Chevy pickup.) 6 degree triple trees are what I use on the Valk and they do lighten the steering.
I knew Jay from DMC and would highly recommend him but he has retired and sold his business to Texas Sidecar. I have met and listened to him at rallies and he also knows what he is doing so I offer him as the expert available today.

Want more?  Let me know.

BTW I have never ridden a Valk solo and often what that would be like.
And we did 5000 miles this summer while pulling a Leesurlite trailer at approx. 80MPH the last half of the trip which had been cut in half due to the weather.

bill.

[sidecarwilliam]

A subframe is a frame that spreads the load across the bike at it's strongest points and to which the sidecar is mounted. The original frame is left intact and in place.

bill.

[Jess from VA]

I love personal freedom and every man ought to do what he wants.

But for me, motorcycles are two wheeled vehicles that do what cars and other multiwheel vehicles can't.  They are the ultimate freedom machines for me.  At 70, I may have lost a couple percent of my physical and cognitive abilities.  I hope it stays that way for as long as possible. 

One of those Urals with a side car drive wheel looks like it could be a lot of fun.  But not as much fun as two wheels.   

[sidecarwilliam]

 

[Rams]

I love personal freedom and every man ought to do what he wants.

But for me, motorcycles are two wheeled vehicles that do what cars and other multiwheel vehicles can't.  They are the ultimate freedom machines for me.  At 70, I may have lost a couple percent of my physical and cognitive abilities.  I hope it stays that way for as long as possible.  

One of those Urals with a side car drive wheel looks like it could be a lot of fun.  But not as much fun as two wheels.  

In this case, it's not really about having fun, I do enjoy riding my bikes and my trike but, I also like variety and a sidecar would offer more of that.  

The fact that I became a grandfather a while back and that child's mom and his grandmother don't like the idea of him riding on a trike or a bike may have something to do with this proposed adventure.  

Rams

[Rams]

A subframe is a frame that spreads the load across the bike at it's strongest points and to which the sidecar is mounted. The original frame is left intact and in place.

bill.

Will have to look into this.   The more I learn, it seems the more it costs.   There's a limit to how much "fun" I can afford. 

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

Well at 7 myself I understand the problem with money, never enough when you need it.
Sidecars are expensive when done right and you wat it done right.
It also takes time to do it right and practice to do it right, muscle  memory and all.   
Everything I have passed on in this thread I learned the Irish, I mean the hard way.
I still love mine!

bill.

[Rams]

Well at 7 myself I understand the problem with money, never enough when you need it.
Sidecars are expensive when done right and you wat it done right.
It also takes time to do it right and practice to do it right, muscle  memory and all.   
Everything I have passed on in this thread I learned the Irish, I mean the hard way.
I still love mine!

bill.

Well, a decision hasn't been made (yet).   Still looking for used sidecar I like then, will have to see what it's going to take to couple it to my Valkyrie.   I understand there will be a learning curve to overcome and although I know I'm getting up there in age, I still believe I have the skills to do just about anything I want to.   That doesn't mean there are things I don't want to do.

But, as I was once told when test flying Army helicopters, it's not an easy job to test fly one but two is tough and I test flew three different types.   Could this be over confidence?   Yeah, it might be but, I'm still thinking I can get it done. 

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

My time with helicopters was  a while back as well ,and as an inspector on UH1 and OH6As and CH7s it all varies and helps to take time to get familiar.
I have no doubt you can handle it.  Give Texas Sidecar a look and then speak to them.

bill.

[Rams]

My time with helicopters was  a while back as well ,and as an inspector on UH1 and OH6As and CH7s it all varies and helps to take time to get familiar.
I have no doubt you can handle it.  Give Texas Sidecar a look and then speak to them.

bill.

Have checked out DMC Texas Sidecars and Hannigan in Murray, KY and one other company in FL (can't remember the name).   The cost of a new sidecar set up and ready to roll is close to $14,000.   Way beyond what I'm willing to pay.   Looking for a used one.   Called and spoke to a Velorex dealer, was told that Velorex doesn't build a sidecar for bikes over 1,000 cc.   That ended that call.

Flew OH 58A and C versions, UH-1s and AH-1s.   Was offered CH47s with the Louisiana NG when I got out but, turned that opportunity down.   

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

As DMC sold their stuff to Texas Sidecar I think you will find they are the only ones that can build you a subframe for your Valk and you will need a subframe.  You also will need to find a sidecar that will be appropriate for the size and weight of your Valk.  Too small and you get a whole bunch of other problems.  If you look at the Flicker site I included earlier you will notice the sidecar and bike in size and weight.
You may wish to check sidecar.com which will offer books for those that can read.

[Rams]

As DMC sold their stuff to Texas Sidecar I think you will find they are the only ones that can build you a subframe for your Valk and you will need a subframe.  You also will need to find a sidecar that will be appropriate for the size and weight of your Valk.  Too small and you get a whole bunch of other problems.  If you look at the Flicker site I included earlier you will notice the sidecar and bike in size and weight.
You may wish to check sidecar.com which will offer books for those that can read.

Will definitely look into that subframe suggestion.  I have found a used Hannigan that I intend to go look at so, we'll see.................

Rams

[LadyDraco]

I love personal freedom and every man ought to do what he wants.

But for me, motorcycles are two wheeled vehicles that do what cars and other multiwheel vehicles can't.  They are the ultimate freedom machines for me.  At 70, I may have lost a couple percent of my physical and cognitive abilities.  I hope it stays that way for as long as possible. 

One of those Urals with a side car drive wheel looks like it could be a lot of fun.  But not as much fun as two wheels.   

You have  followed  me  in the  mountains  Jess..

[Jess from VA]

I know I have Tracy. 

We were on the same rides several times.  It's been awhile.

Johnson City TN area comes to mind.

[LadyDraco]

I was thinking  of  one  of the  Hillbilly rides  when I  had a group with me  and  had  to intercept
Don's  group

[Rams]

I was thinking  of  one  of the  Hillbilly rides  when I  had a group with me  and  had  to intercept
Don's  group

I don't remember the particular ride but, I do remember trying to stay with LadyDraco (in a group ride) once, it was all we could do to keep her in sight.   

I'm somewhat surprised only one person (per the polling) has a sidecar rig.   I know that Keith in Lexington, KY has two or three sidecar rigs.   And another member in NC rides a sidecar rig.   Doesn't matter, if I can find one appropriate for one of my Valks, pretty sure I'll try one out.

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

Hannigan makes really great stuff.
They tend to like to do  their own rigs at their place which limits your choices and keeps the price up but gives you a better than average rig. The sidecar alone can be great but still needs a subframe and proper setup.
I have set up a couple for others. 


bill.

[Rams]

Hannigan makes really great stuff.
They tend to like to do  their own rigs at their place which limits your choices and keeps the price up but gives you a better than average rig. The sidecar alone can be great but still needs a subframe and proper setup.
I have set up a couple for others.  


bill.

Yeppers, I've contacted Hannigan about setting up the one I've found.   They told me I would have to bring the bike and sidecar to them and they could/would be happy to make it a roadworthy unit.   The problem is, the $$$ they want to do it.   I could buy another nice Valkyrie for the price they quoted me just to couple the two units together.   That doesn't include the price of the sidecar.   Looking at alternatives/options.

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

If you know someone with a Ural rig go see them and snag a ride. I know its not what you want but will give much insight as to whether you want to do it. The inputs are the same, goes left under braking or cutting throttle and pulls right under acceleration etc. With the Ural you are less likely to suffer from your mistakes and you will make mistakes :tickedof
Try a Ural club near you, they seem to be all over the place.
If you are still looking when we get out this summer I may stop by just to let you try mine (Valk)

bill.

[Rams]

If you know someone with a Ural rig go see them and snag a ride. I know its not what you want but will give much insight as to whether you want to do it. The inputs are the same, goes left under braking or cutting throttle and pulls right under acceleration etc. With the Ural you are less likely to suffer from your mistakes and you will make mistakes :tickedof
Try a Ural club near you, they seem to be all over the place.
If you are still looking when we get out this summer I may stop by just to let you try mine (Valk)

bill.

Bill, you're welcome anytime.  This assumes I'm still in Mississippi.  The wife is wanting to move to Tennessee.  Doesn't matter where I'm at, Valkyrie riders are welcomed at my home.

Sounds like good advice.  But, I've looked around my area and haven't found any sidecar groups or individuals other than seeing a sidecar rig going down the street (normally in the other direction).   But, I have two friends that have agreed to let me try out their sidecars and they are both Valkyrie units.

Rams

[LadyDraco]

There  is  a  Ural rally every July  not  far from us  .
We  use  to go every year  for  a few  years...
It was only 88 miles  from the  farm..
We  would  chat with everyone.. AS  we  tossed  around  the  thoughts  of a  Ural gearUp ..

[Rams]

There  is  a  Ural rally every July  not  far from us  .
We  use  to go every year  for  a few  years...
It was only 88 miles  from the  farm..
We  would  chat with everyone.. AS  we  tossed  around  the  thoughts  of a  Ural gearUp ..

Sounds like a lot of fun.   Unfortunately, it's a bit over 88 miles to your place.   

Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

The USCA is having a rally in Mississippi June 6-9 at JP Coleman Park in Iuka MS everyone is welcome.
No I will not be there but I may still drop by your place wherever it may be. Or at least a nearby restaurant.

bill.

[Rams]

The USCA is having a rally in Mississippi June 6-9 at JP Coleman Park in Iuka MS everyone is welcome.
No I will not be there but I may still drop by your place wherever it may be. Or at least a nearby restaurant.

bill.

Appreciate you passing that information along.   Awful close to Inzane but might be able to work it in.  This assumes I'm still in Mississippi in June.   Where ever I hang my helmet, you're welcome.   Everyone will know if I move.


Rams

[sidecarwilliam]

I still want your garage


bill.

[Rams]

I still want your garage


bill.

Well, it's available for free if you buy the house.   

Rams