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Mrsidecar · 11-04-2008, 07:09 AM

Hi,

if somebody is interested in a Yamaha XT 660 as a sidecar conversion, look at:

Sidecar is better! Hier sieht man die Gründe Video Gespann

CU

Mrisdecar

Kenneth_Moore · 11-04-2008, 07:19 AM

Cool stuff! My kid keeps bugging me to get a sidecar for those longer trips. I think it would be a lot of fun and add a new dimension to the motorcycling experience. Especially if it's easy to take back off!

Mrsidecar · 11-04-2008, 09:10 AM

If you have any questions about sidecaring or building an outfit, don´t hesitate to ask.

Mrsidecar

Kenneth_Moore · 11-04-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrsidecar

If you have any questions about sidecaring or building an outfit, don´t hesitate to ask.

Mrsidecar

Ok, here you go:

Since I'm not that adept at design and fabrication, buying a setup is the only practical option.

How much can I expect to pay for a basic setup?

How specific is any given sidecar to one particular bike? In other words, if I have a DL1000, is it likely a car built for a GS will work?

Assuming I bought a sidecar, what non-reversible mods are typical on the bike? Any at all, or are we talking welding on mounting points and stuff?

Typically speaking, how much time and effort does it take to attach and detach a sidecar?

If you do take the sidecar on and off, is the transition from one riding style to the other difficult for most people? I've heard that you have to retrain yourself to use a sidecar at all, is that true?

Mrsidecar · 11-04-2008, 10:27 PM

Hi Kenneth,

your questions need some more explaining than two sentences. Sidecaring is a different world than solo-riding. The driving technique is absolutely different and as a long experienced solo-rider you have to learn from the beginning. But I guess, there would be a sidecarist in your area, who could assist.
Fitting a sidecar to a motorcycle: There are two different philosophies. First to mount it to the stock frame without modification of the wheels and the fork. But I have to tell you, that this is sidecar technique of the 50`s and not the best solution for having riding fun. If you want to change from time to time from solo to sidecar, you have a problem with the tyres. After some miles sidecar use they are not round, if you look from behind (because the rig doesn´t swing into corners). So you have also to change the tyres.
Better solution would be to change the fork against a leading link. Corners are much more easier to handle and therefore its much more safty. Think about the children in the sidecar! The rear weheel has to be changed for a rim with car tyre. Than you have less tyre wear.
For example, for the DL you need a subbframe, that keen mechanics can do by themselves. A leading link fork (runs best with a 15” rear motorcycle tyre) and a modified rear wheel. But this conversion cannot be changed to a solomotorcycle again without effort.
I would suggest thinking about a second mike, that you take for sidecar use.
Please excuse my bad English.
Greetings
Mrsidecar

11-04-2008, 07:09 AM	#1
Mrsidecar Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 30	Xt 660 Hi, if somebody is interested in a Yamaha XT 660 as a sidecar conversion, look at: Sidecar is better! Hier sieht man die Gründe Video Gespann CU Mrisdecar

11-04-2008, 07:19 AM	#2
Kenneth_Moore Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: VIsiting the GIft Shop in the Pit of DIspair Posts: 7,118	Cool stuff! My kid keeps bugging me to get a sidecar for those longer trips. I think it would be a lot of fun and add a new dimension to the motorcycling experience. Especially if it's easy to take back off! __________________ www.kennethmoore.org

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11-04-2008, 09:10 AM	#3
Mrsidecar Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 30	If you have any questions about sidecaring or building an outfit, don´t hesitate to ask. Mrsidecar

11-04-2008, 10:27 PM	#5
Mrsidecar Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 30	Hi Kenneth, your questions need some more explaining than two sentences. Sidecaring is a different world than solo-riding. The driving technique is absolutely different and as a long experienced solo-rider you have to learn from the beginning. But I guess, there would be a sidecarist in your area, who could assist. Fitting a sidecar to a motorcycle: There are two different philosophies. First to mount it to the stock frame without modification of the wheels and the fork. But I have to tell you, that this is sidecar technique of the 50`s and not the best solution for having riding fun. If you want to change from time to time from solo to sidecar, you have a problem with the tyres. After some miles sidecar use they are not round, if you look from behind (because the rig doesn´t swing into corners). So you have also to change the tyres. Better solution would be to change the fork against a leading link. Corners are much more easier to handle and therefore its much more safty. Think about the children in the sidecar! The rear weheel has to be changed for a rim with car tyre. Than you have less tyre wear. For example, for the DL you need a subbframe, that keen mechanics can do by themselves. A leading link fork (runs best with a 15” rear motorcycle tyre) and a modified rear wheel. But this conversion cannot be changed to a solomotorcycle again without effort. I would suggest thinking about a second mike, that you take for sidecar use. Please excuse my bad English. Greetings Mrsidecar