The Definitive Sidecar Thread....

[CopterDr]

I'll ask my father-in-law....he's a retired Missouri State Trooper......if he can find out some "latest and greatest" stuff with other states, I'll shout.

It seems a bit strange though....it still a bike whether it be trike or sidecar....hmmmm.

 

[elizilla]

My friend who is making electric scooters says that as long as it has three or fewer wheels it is considered a motorcycle by DOT and is therefore exempt from the safety standards that require things like airbags and crumple zones in four wheeled vehicles. I would assume that therefore requirements like motorcycle endorsements and helmet laws would still apply, even if it's a trike with roll bars and seat belts. But the DOT standards are federal, and the licensing of the drivers is left to the states, so it could be different everywhere.

 

[CopterDr]

Your right Katherine.......it's a big box of worms alright. We know Europe has been sorted our forever.......I guess with the popularity over here now, some law makers will start taking notice....for the good ..or....bad.

 

[elizilla]

I've never driven a sidecar outfit, or ridden in one either. But it seems like they would be easier at very slow speeds, and tougher at higher speeds, compared to a regular motorcycle. On a regular motorcycle, in normal street use, I find that at parking lot speeds, making U-turns, backing up, etc, it takes a lot more care and attention, to make sure I don't drop it. But once I get above about 10mph, the bike control parts are easy and the real challenges have more to do with idiots drinking coffee and texting while piloting huge SUVs, than with handling my own machine. With a sidecar, it seems like you wouldn't need to worry nearly so much about dropping it in your garage, but everything you do at 20mph or 50mph, requires more skill. Am I correct in this?

 

[Bear]

I have a friend who lost his left foot in a motorcycle accident. For him, the Can-Am by Bombardier was a Godsend. He can continue to ride and also work as a motorcycle mechanic. The Can-Am is a very unique machine--takes a bit of getting used to. My only problem with the bike is that it has a ravenous appetite for gasoline. Bombardier should look at maybe offering a small diesel

 

[RedLdr1]

Bombardier should look at maybe offering a small diesel

I just about lost it laughing when I read that one... Can you even imagine how the press would respond...it would be hilarious reading the reviews from the "must go fast" motojocks!

Supposedly Can-Am will be coming out with a "leaning" Spider soon to address the complaints that it doesn't "feel" like riding a motorcycle.

 

[CopterDr]

Great info folks.......I'm hoping I can have a first hand as a newbie on a Ural this fall.....hopefully it will bring a laugh or two...

 

[Bear]

Red, I would not discount a diesel. Some of the new diesels are lightweight and have a lot of punch. I have a Yanmar diesel that puts out 27HP and can push a 10 Ton Sailboat at 7 Knots. A diesel in a three wheeler is not anything radical.

 

[RedLdr1]

Red, I would not discount a diesel.

I have owned several diesels including the Sierra Club's poster child, a Ford 7.3 Liter Power Stroke Diesel Excursion, so I don't discount their capabilities at all... But I do believe the "must go fast" motorcycle press will...

 

[CopterDr]

Seems I've read that BMW was working on a diesel bike engine. After watching last years GT series and seeing the Puegeot diesels run away from the pack, it made me a believer.

My brother has the 7.3 in his F250 4x4 auto....and he gets 21 mph at 70....and she never knows a hill....awesome torque.

 

[charlie b]

I agree the bike press will hoot at it.

But, there is quite a large diesel motorcycle group in europe and some in the US. Some pretty nice conversions, mostly using beemers and guzzi's but some with transverse shafts and chains.

I'd love a nice turbocharged diesel as long as it was not a common rail fuel system.

But then I'd also like an electric bike

 

[CopterDr]

Now here's a sidecar rig for ya......................it's really pretty cool...but I bet that scooter is straining or has a "stealth" engine.....LOL

 

[jmoore]

CopterDr, My Ural is a 2008 Tourist single wheel drive. As has been said you do drive it not ride, it is not fast happy at 55-60 will run faster if you want to push it. As John said sidecars do wear tires faster than motorcycles. After all that, it has been dead reliable,maintenence is straight forward and every thing is very easy to get at. Two wheel drive is not needed unless you are into very serious off roading, have driven mine home from work pushing snow with the front of the side car. I love mine but then I have been told I'm crazy on more than one occasion. Get it and have a ball. jim

 

[Phil Tarman]

I have been told I'm crazy on more than one occasion

Crazy? I can't believe anyone would call you crazy. You're just eccentric, that's all.

 

[CopterDr]

Thanks Jim......I agree with Phil.......LOL. I appreciate the info. I'm almost through with my obligations and a Ural will be my next bike. I won't be going off road (at least not intentionally...lol ) and to slow down and enjoy the ride is my thing now. Really looking forward to it.

 

[fltsfshr]

I found this NT for sale with a side car.
From the front it looks like a dirigible.
Here's a video on it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1zXQEIfJx4

fltsfshr

 

[androu]

Cool rig but that soundtrack reminds me of a 70's porn movie.

 

[charlie b]

Wrong look for the NT, but, the weight is probably right.

 

[RedLdr1]

Wrong look for the NT, but, the weight is probably right.

Definitely too "Old School" look for the NT in my opinion as well... They used sell a similar "retro" look sidecar for scooters and small bikes at the local, now defunct, Royal Enfield dealership. Someone around here has one on a Piaggio Three Wheeler, that has to be a weird feeling to ride if it has the leaning front end....

 

[Bear]

Re: Adding a sidecar

Bob,
That silver Gold Wing is a real nice rig. A friend has one--only gets 35 . It has electric leveling, etc.