What is it about side cars?

[Allred]

I've never owned one, never ridden in one, and have only seen a few close-up.  Besides the ability to haul a passenger/cargo, and the added stability of a third wheel, what is it about them that attracts so many to say they'd like to have one?

If I couldn't manage a two-wheeler, maybe I'd consider one, but otherwise I don't understand the attaction.  

Just curious......Why would "you" want one (or not)?    :-?

[Lowen]

I use mine to take my dog for rides

[balibeemer]

After having driven a hack for 12 years,I changed to an R 65. The first thing I noticed was while driving my 'new' Beemer, no one looked at me! No one came up to me and said;
"What a quaint mode of transport"

So, the first reason people ride hacks is "pose value"

Also, when you go on a ride with buddies, you are the one hauling the picnic basket!

Ridden properly, Hacks can be fun, especially on slippery roads and snow and ice and you can haul your dog/wife/mistress/a full tool kit/spares/coconuts or the monthly shopping.

You don't have to worry about it falling over.

A hack is highly maneuverable at low speeds.

you can park on soft ground.

You DO have to remember to reverse park.

and finally,
They are just different! A nonconformist's / eccentric's vehicle

And this is what I rode:

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

They are a BLAST!

Not for everyone, though.

Not a motorcycle, not a car - something completely unique.  
Because of it's asymmetrical layout, steering is a completly different experience.  
Body english plays a large part of it - for spirited riding, anyway!


I heartily recommend one to anyone that likes to have fun.

As with anything, proper training is paramount.

I regret the day I sold mine.
I relish the anticipation of having another.
I'll never make the mistake of selling one, again.

[nhmaf]

I am also hoping to buy, or assemble one myself - for all of the reasons above !
Sadly, I don't think that it is going too happen for a while yet, but there is always hope !

[balibeemer]

Just remember to get EXTRA wide handlebars ( for leverage) and do a course in gymnastics!

[suecanada]

I sure have been giving it consideration!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I crashed my SC rig once, too, Sue!

Of course, the epileptic seizure didn't help...
I'm just glad I was on 3 wheels at the time!
(long time ago - 1988?  Seizure-free since 2000! (knock-on-wood))

[Darwin_R65]

I'm not interested in a sidecar for my R65, part of the reason I want it is that feeling of easiness on the road.
But for my 1950 Sunbeam S7 I would love a sidecar, why? I would love to go on trips where I can take one or both of my two kids (ages 3 and 7) but i think I'd be too nervous with them hanging on the rear, but in a sidecar I think we'd all enjoy the ride.

John

[drewboid]

I got my sidecar in Germany many years ago when the group I was riding with said to me "you know it snows here and you can't ride a solo bike - you need a sidecar!"
A totally different experience - you drive it rather than ride. Of course you also climb all over it if the hack is light and empty and you are running through the twisties!  

Good in snow and on slippery surfaces.
Great for younger kids and dogs.
Wonderful curb appeal "look at that!"
Can haul lots of stuff.

Kills the gas mileage.
Not as easy to drive - takes strength and concentration.
Pulls to the right when accelerating and to the left when braking.
Really feels strange going over bumps - first the front wheel, then the side car wheel raises the right side and finally the rear wheel.
If you try hard you can turn them over (BTDT!)

All that being said, I'll ride a solo machine most of the time but I will NEVER sell the sidecar rig as long as there is room in the garage and I have the strength to kick start it.

[nhmaf]

Do you have any pics of your /2 with sidecar that you'd be willing to share with us, Drew ?

I bet that is just a classy machine !

Maybe we should have a "sidecar only discussion section" ?

That isn't a formal request, Justin - just a random thought !?

[Semper Gumby]

Make for a nice "Grocery getter".  But aren't they a little hard on the gas mileage?  

In the BSA world getting a side car back in the 1930's meant that you had moved on (from single to married) and were off the market.  My general feeling is that, back then, if you got a 'hack' you were to be pitied by the single working class crowd - a little history for y'all.  

[scottyintex]

I love my sidecar  rig....would not go back to a solo cycle. Reasons.......hummm for one I can haul three grand daughters at one time....one behind me....two in the sidecar..no waiting.....Dog likes to ride. I do like people coming up taking pictures of my Basset Hound in the sidecar....had one woman hang out of her car at a stop light to take a picture....hung out so far I thought she would fall out.
       People are always coming up to me at the gas station asking about my sidecar cycle....and at rallies...I think that’s cool.....didn’t happen much when I was riding without the sidecar. Is very cool for hauling friends along....often those who feel it is safer in a sidecar. I tell them it is much safer...but that maybe bending the truth a bit.
      I once carried 5 twelve packs of Dr. Pepper.....three briskets......three big bags of chips and had room left over. Have carried a computer ....complete with monitor and printer.  I take and pick up packages at the post office all the time. Also not bad when ya run to Home Depot.
      Then I just like the feel of a sidecar rig. Yes........it does take more effort....when I first started I thought........chit... this thing takes a bit of effort to turn it but now I don’t notice it. But it handles different........and I like it. Maybe it does mark a change in life styles..........but when I haul dogs and grands kids............. makes me smile.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Scotty's gallery:


click on the picture

[nhmaf]

Scotty's is still one of the prettiest, nicest complement of bike and hack that I have ever seen.   Someday I aspire to be able to come close something that looks that good !