Sidecar on an 1800 Valk

[Big Tom 10628]

I'm thinking that this bike would make a great Tug for a sidecar. I have seen pictures from Europe but none from the US.
Anyone on here have one?
Any thoughts on if it's a good idea?

[Big Tom 10628]

Oh, here is what got me thinking about it.  Brand new 2014 any color $8786..

https://www.cedarcreekmotorsports.com/--Great-American-Sale

[Kidd]

Damn , I should of waited 2 year to buy mine  , considering the savings 

[Big Tom 10628]

Damn , I should of waited 2 year to buy mine  , considering the savings 

Yeah, but you had two years of enjoyment...  Looking at the website I don't think that he has many to sell..

[ledany]

https://www.cedarcreekmotorsports.com/--Great-American-Sale 

I think you should buy two ! One for even days, the other for odd days   

[Kidd]

Well , that's just plain odd thinking there , ledany.
I was thinking more along the lines of a different color  everyday , for 3 days , then , start over 

https://www.cedarcreekmotorsports.com/--Great-American-Sale 

I think you should buy two ! One for even days, the other for odd days   

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

That single side fork is  on the TUG is interesting.

[pago cruiser]

That does look like an awesome rig!
While a GL1800 has proven to be an exceptional Tug over the years, the 2014+Valk might be a little more difficult.

1. The 2014+Valk is lower to the ground; adding the hack also lowers things.

2. Non-adjustable rear shock; at least not as easy as the GL1800.  That motor driven gizmo might be able to be adapted though.   

3.  The GL1800 subframe is welded; prolly where the aft lower mount is tied to.  But on the 2014, its a much lighter, bolt on affair.  Would prolly require some custom bracketry.

4. Somewhere in the 2014+ Valk Owners Manual I remember reading "Not suitable for a Sidecar".  Don't know why, as the front frame is pretty much identical to the Legacy GL1800 frame.

5.  That front end is wild - I don't think anyone on this side of the pond does that. On this side, Leading Links seem to be preferred. 

Bear in mind none of this stuff is... cost effective.  Hack subframe - $1K-2K.  Leading links $2k.  Custom rear shock - maybe $1k.  The Hack itself - maybe $5k. Easily 2X that if imported.

If you are serious, I'd give Motorvation (in Iowa) and maybe DMC (Washington), and Claude (Freedom Sidecars in PA) a call.  They have all been in business awhile; and they may have some opinions...   

Drop me a PM if you want to talk more about this; I've dealt with each of these guys (and some others) over the past 10 years and 5 rigs... It's easier on my liver than going to the bars... but a little harder on the wallet.

[bscrive]

That single side fork is  on the TUG is interesting.

That picture looks photoshopped to me.

[Big Tom 10628]

That does look like an awesome rig!
While a GL1800 has proven to be an exceptional Tug over the years, the 2014+Valk might be a little more difficult.

1. The 2014+Valk is lower to the ground; adding the hack also lowers things.

2. Non-adjustable rear shock; at least not as easy as the GL1800.  That motor driven gizmo might be able to be adapted though.   

3.  The GL1800 subframe is welded; prolly where the aft lower mount is tied to.  But on the 2014, its a much lighter, bolt on affair.  Would prolly require some custom bracketry.

4. Somewhere in the 2014+ Valk Owners Manual I remember reading "Not suitable for a Sidecar".  Don't know why, as the front frame is pretty much identical to the Legacy GL1800 frame.

5.  That front end is wild - I don't think anyone on this side of the pond does that. On this side, Leading Links seem to be preferred. 

Bear in mind none of this stuff is... cost effective.  Hack subframe - $1K-2K.  Leading links $2k.  Custom rear shock - maybe $1k.  The Hack itself - maybe $5k. Easily 2X that if imported.

If you are serious, I'd give Motorvation (in Iowa) and maybe DMC (Washington), and Claude (Freedom Sidecars in PA) a call.  They have all been in business awhile; and they may have some opinions...   

Drop me a PM if you want to talk more about this; I've dealt with each of these guys (and some others) over the past 10 years and 5 rigs... It's easier on my liver than going to the bars... but a little harder on the wallet.

"Bear in mind none of this stuff is... cost effective. " That has to be the understatement of the year..lol

F6B Deluxe is the other option I'm considering. There are a few used Low mileage out there, then at least I can have cruise control....