Good idea?????????
Good idea?????????
Short story version- I had open heart surgery, screwed up my neck (fusion) and right arm (rebuild elbow), so now I have a very limited right arm. MyLady had a car accident a couple years ago, lower back damage. We are riding a 2008 1200c Anniversary with the sundowner seat and back rest. We are both "larger"...so its tight, she can ride 1/2 hour.
Budget says, either keep what we have and add a side car, or trade it in for a 90s Heritage Softail, Roadking or the like. Would be more room, better seat for Mama, but LOTS more to handle with my compromised right arm. I have been riding for 40 years, so I can ride, just dont trust the right elbow to get me OUT of trouble if the bike decides its time for a nap. I dont know much about the 90s Evo motors, or the models I am looking at, but I DO know sporties!
So, advise? Opinions? Pies in the face? Should I trade the Sport (has all of 5400 miles on it now....we had it for 2 years) and is a fantastic bike, nimble, fast as a scalded dog, beautiful!) or wait and put the side car rig on it?
Budget says, either keep what we have and add a side car, or trade it in for a 90s Heritage Softail, Roadking or the like. Would be more room, better seat for Mama, but LOTS more to handle with my compromised right arm. I have been riding for 40 years, so I can ride, just dont trust the right elbow to get me OUT of trouble if the bike decides its time for a nap. I dont know much about the 90s Evo motors, or the models I am looking at, but I DO know sporties!
So, advise? Opinions? Pies in the face? Should I trade the Sport (has all of 5400 miles on it now....we had it for 2 years) and is a fantastic bike, nimble, fast as a scalded dog, beautiful!) or wait and put the side car rig on it?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 819
Likes: 21
From: Johnson City, TN
I would trade for the Heritage and be done with it. Sporties are very top heavy and in my opinion, harder to stand upright than a Softail. I don't think you would have any issues holding the Softail up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Not trying to be smart or anything but with your limited abilities and the issues your lady has, have you ever thought of a trike? You don't have to worry about it getting tired and wanting to fall over and you and your lady friend can sit back and relax more, just an idea.
The biggest question you should ask yourself is Do you want 2 wheels or 3? I find the idea of a Sporty with a side car intriguing actually. The 1200 would easily pull it.
But are you ready to make the jump from a 2 wheeler? If you want to stay on 2 wheels, an older Heritage would be a nice ride capable if cross country adventures if you wanted, or just a leisurely cruise around town.
But are you ready to make the jump from a 2 wheeler? If you want to stay on 2 wheels, an older Heritage would be a nice ride capable if cross country adventures if you wanted, or just a leisurely cruise around town.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 22
From: Connecticut
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
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From:
After logging off, I did some thinking and decided to come back and make another reply. Because of you and your lady friend's health issues, I was thinking about the stability issue and what would put less strain on the 2 of ya. Whether you have 2 wheels in the back or one wheel on the side ( a side car) you will have stability either way. I can honestly say that I haven't seen any body riding a bike with a side car in my area where I had the chance to ask them about how comfy their ride was, so a side car could still be an option. Just something to think about. A larger bike has the possibilities of being more comfy for you and your lady but if something happened, would you be able to, with your physical abilities being what they are, be able to control the situation? Good luck
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Springer- you hit one of the proverable nails on the head. Having ridden for over 40 years, I can (used to) handle a bike very well....and my reflexes are still pretty good, but I do not have the right arm to follow through. So my immediate nature would be...."Hey, I got this!" and be failed by the arm. I have been told a trike and a sidecar both require substantial arm/shoulder power to navigate, so I am still wondering. SOMETHING has to be done! LOL.....I am NOT giving up riding, and MyLady, who has accompanied me for 38 of those 40 years wants to tour again! SO whatever has to happen.....will!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Springer- you hit one of the proverable nails on the head. Having ridden for over 40 years, I can (used to) handle a bike very well....and my reflexes are still pretty good, but I do not have the right arm to follow through. So my immediate nature would be...."Hey, I got this!" and be failed by the arm. I have been told a trike and a sidecar both require substantial arm/shoulder power to navigate, so I am still wondering. SOMETHING has to be done! LOL.....I am NOT giving up riding, and MyLady, who has accompanied me for 38 of those 40 years wants to tour again! SO whatever has to happen.....will!
