Saying goodbye to the chair

[marcmax]

Well as much fun as I had with it, I made the decision to sell my sidecar and go back to my R65 as a motorcycle. With all the riding I did I just never got completely comfortable. Around town on surface streets it was great but every trip out on the highway produced at least one moment of sheer terror that made me question my decision.

With Daytona Bikweek in full swing just a short distance away I put an ad on Craigslist and had it sold in a couple of hours. The buyer is stopping on their way home and loading in their trailer.

Kind of sad to see it go though.

[Tony Smith]

I hate the feeling when something you have put a lot of time and effort into comes to an end.

Move on to the next project is all you really can do. That outfit was a credit to you.

[Bob_W]

Hope this means the ear problem has gone away.

Bob

[marcmax]

The ear problem that started this adventure wasn't an inner ear problem after all. It was a poor match between the blood pressure medication my Dr had prescribed and my body. Once it was changed all the problems vanished. I am looking forward to life on two wheels again.

[montmil]

The chair may be leaving but the skills and knowledge you've gained will be with yours forever.

Now then, go out there and scrub the chicken strips off those tires!

[marcmax]

Now then, go out there and scrub the chicken strips off those tires!

First thing I have to do is get a new set of tires. I have square profile Metzler Block K tires on the bike now. Don't want to even think of trying to ride with them.

Once replaced the Metzlers will be available for cheap. Less than 1000 miles on them. Still have the little rubber manufacturing tips on them.

[davidpdx]

That was about my experience with a sidecar as well. I don't know if it was set up or what but sometimes mine seemed to have a mind of it's own.

[Tony Smith]

That was about my experience with a sidecar as well. I don't know if it was set up or what but sometimes mine seemed to have a mind of it's own.

Trust me, even when set up well, they still have a mind of their own.

[BPT]

Oh no!  Your set up was so close to mine.  Am I the only one here now?

[nhmaf]

I'm glad to hear that you've got your medical problems resolved - that is the main thing!  I am still planning to dive in to the sidecar thing this year - have to finish several maintenance items on my R100 (which will be the tug) first though, which now includes rebuilding the petcocks, changing the oil pump cover gasket and RMS after I drain out the 3 gallons of gasoline that have ended up in the engine.   @#$%^! petcocks that don't shut off when you turn them off....

[marcmax]

Well the sidecar is gone and it went to a good home. A couple bought it so they can take their young son with them when they go riding.

Just ordered a set of Shinko 712 tires to replace the Metzler Block K sidecar tires I have on the R65. I ran a set of Shinko dual sport tires on the bike when I had it cafe'd just because they looked very aggressive but was surprised with the nice ride and wear they have. This is a pretty standard tread street tire and for the price I will give them a try. Decent reviews and $89 for a set they are hard to pass on.

Once I get them mounted and have some miles on them I will post some comments.

[lucky]

Oh no!  Your set up was so close to mine.  Am I the only one here now?

I am new to here to ensure you are not the only with the sidecar. ya.. but sorry not a R65 set up.




I bought it when it was ugly, and planning to lose the chair. However, after riding it more and more, I don't think I can ever part away with the chair anymore with this set up.

That was about my experience with a sidecar as well. I don't know if it was set up or what but sometimes mine seemed to have a mind of it's own.

Trust me, even when set up well, they still have a mind of their own.

I can't agree with you more. Maybe that makes it fun?

 

[BPT]

Curious about the comments regarding moments of terror and them having minds of their own:  were the front ends stock on these?

Mine seems pretty stable on the highway although I am concerned about any sudden moves at speed.  I have yet to have to do any evasive maneuvering and imagine that will create some terror.  But under normal riding conditions it's ok.  I do have a different triple tree though.  Just wondering about these terror inducing moments y'all have had and what I have to look forward to.

[lucky]

how wide is your set up?

[BPT]

I guess you are asking me about the width?  Hmm, I measured it when I bought it but I can't remember exactly.  The tub is about 2 feet, I think, but I can't remember what it was from sidecar wheel to bike.  It's a standard Velorex 562, I think just like what Marcmax had.