Sidecar post
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
One thing that adds to either being on a hack setup or trike is you become a bigger object on the road for those in cars to take notice of you.
Good luck with your rig and hope you have many years of enjoyment
Good luck with your rig and hope you have many years of enjoyment
Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 2
Beth,
Congrats on the velorex, not to shabby a choice and nice looking. Gets the job done eh. As sidecar rider myself it has been a learn as you go proposition. The heady reading material sure gave me at least an outside clue before hand and most lijkely diverted those learning the hard way lessons. I wished I could have taken the class. What kids of things did they discuss, just out of curiosity?
Good luck, take it slow and have fun.
Congrats on the velorex, not to shabby a choice and nice looking. Gets the job done eh. As sidecar rider myself it has been a learn as you go proposition. The heady reading material sure gave me at least an outside clue before hand and most lijkely diverted those learning the hard way lessons. I wished I could have taken the class. What kids of things did they discuss, just out of curiosity?
Good luck, take it slow and have fun.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Good morning! The class was good, but as you said, the practice will be key (just as riding 2 wheels). The on-range experience was great - we had a 3:7 instructor ratio, so with each exercise, there was plenty of advice shared. Much better to run over cones and have the instructor tell you what you can do to remedy the wrong turn line than to go off the road or hit curbs, or worse!
The main thing is using body weight into turns, when to use both brakes (usually) and how to slide the rig into turns with front brake technique, etc. And I am one of those riders who can really get into my own head and having someone remind mee over & over to keep my head and eyes up and loook over my should was an excellent reminder. They worked with me post class to get me to fly the rig in a controlled fashion, albeit I did not master that one (yet).
These guys invited me back for the mere price of range insurance once I get my own rig set up if I so choose. A great group and a good class. I plan to go back to class
The main thing is using body weight into turns, when to use both brakes (usually) and how to slide the rig into turns with front brake technique, etc. And I am one of those riders who can really get into my own head and having someone remind mee over & over to keep my head and eyes up and loook over my should was an excellent reminder. They worked with me post class to get me to fly the rig in a controlled fashion, albeit I did not master that one (yet).
These guys invited me back for the mere price of range insurance once I get my own rig set up if I so choose. A great group and a good class. I plan to go back to class
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 6
From: SC
Good morning! The class was good, but as you said, the practice will be key (just as riding 2 wheels). The on-range experience was great - we had a 3:7 instructor ratio, so with each exercise, there was plenty of advice shared. Much better to run over cones and have the instructor tell you what you can do to remedy the wrong turn line than to go off the road or hit curbs, or worse!
The main thing is using body weight into turns, when to use both brakes (usually) and how to slide the rig into turns with front brake technique, etc. And I am one of those riders who can really get into my own head and having someone remind mee over & over to keep my head and eyes up and loook over my should was an excellent reminder. They worked with me post class to get me to fly the rig in a controlled fashion, albeit I did not master that one (yet).
These guys invited me back for the mere price of range insurance once I get my own rig set up if I so choose. A great group and a good class. I plan to go back to class
The main thing is using body weight into turns, when to use both brakes (usually) and how to slide the rig into turns with front brake technique, etc. And I am one of those riders who can really get into my own head and having someone remind mee over & over to keep my head and eyes up and loook over my should was an excellent reminder. They worked with me post class to get me to fly the rig in a controlled fashion, albeit I did not master that one (yet).
These guys invited me back for the mere price of range insurance once I get my own rig set up if I so choose. A great group and a good class. I plan to go back to class
Another thing you will have to adjust to when you get your sidecar is how the rig wants to pull to the shoulder more, due to the slope or un-eveness of the roads. Older roads that havent been paved in a number of years tend to have ruts and settling that will affect the rig when riding.
Also keep in mind when its windy depending what direction the wind blowing it can be a handful and push you at times. I had to deal with 50mph crosswind coming from the Bonneville Salt Flats to Salt Lake City Ut and it wore me out that day
Hope this helps prepare you
Tom
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 0
From: west of the west side of Indy, many miles from nowhere
Hi Beth, I just got my Hannigan Astro mounted with one 5 mile ride in. It's sure different, but I think it'll be a good adventure. Have fun and keep us posted on your setup.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Will do! Now I am struggling finding a way to get the sidecar transported to the shop for install - didn't think it would be a big deal to get it from Tampa to Clearwater (20 miles +/-)!
Please post some pics of your setup!
Please post some pics of your setup!
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Excited
Had to post, I feel like it is Christmas Eve... picking up my new rig in the AM- my Nightster had her sidecar attached this week and I get to pick it up tomorrow!
A little nervous about the 20+ mile ride home... mulling over the lessons from sidecar class and the not-quite-finished David Hough book!!
Anyway-stay tuned!!!
A little nervous about the 20+ mile ride home... mulling over the lessons from sidecar class and the not-quite-finished David Hough book!!
Anyway-stay tuned!!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 1
From: Central Virginia
Know what you mean...
Don't be nervous. Only problem you'll have is not being able to keep the huge smile off your face 
. Keep us posted if you ever have time now to get back here to the forum.
I remember when I picked up my first rig and rode it home (75 miles). My first stop was a building supply place near the dealer where I bought 2 bags of sand and put in the car to help keep it on the ground. I probably didn't need them, but it made me feel a little better.
. Keep us posted if you ever have time now to get back here to the forum.I remember when I picked up my first rig and rode it home (75 miles). My first stop was a building supply place near the dealer where I bought 2 bags of sand and put in the car to help keep it on the ground. I probably didn't need them, but it made me feel a little better.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 2
Had to post, I feel like it is Christmas Eve... picking up my new rig in the AM- my Nightster had her sidecar attached this week and I get to pick it up tomorrow!
A little nervous about the 20+ mile ride home... mulling over the lessons from sidecar class and the not-quite-finished David Hough book!! Anyway-stay tuned!!!
A little nervous about the 20+ mile ride home... mulling over the lessons from sidecar class and the not-quite-finished David Hough book!!
Anyway-stay tuned!!!