Signed up for the Sidecar course - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

St0nkingByte · 12-09-2007, 02:21 AM

At the motorcycle show last weekend I was rather smitten by the sidecar outfits and decided I wanted to give them a try. Thanks to sidecars being super obscure I was able to get signed up for a state subsidized $125 sidecar class next month.

I figure $125 is a cheaper way to learn rather than getting one and finding out I hate it, or worse, crashing it due to lack of training. Also the BRC was pretty fun so I figure whether I end up with a sidecar or not the sidecar class will probably be pretty fun too. Also in WA we have a separate three wheeler endorsement so the class will get me the endorsement on my license which will clear me to actually operate a sidecar if I do decide to get one.

Should be interesting either way

tallannie · 12-09-2007, 08:52 AM

... interesting they have a separate endorsement....who woulda thunk it? let us (me) know how that goes....

I would be surprised if you really enjoy the sidecar more than a 2 wheeler. Unless you need the added stability (like my son in law who has a weak leg) or you really need to carry a passenger in a bit more comfort?? or need to carry a lot of junk with you?

my 2 cents is that they are different and fun to let people gawk at... but they are no fun to ride. They stay flat as a pancake in turns (unless you blow it...LOL) and it is a lot like your first tricycle when you were 2 yrs old. I tired of it right away.

The key learning is that they corner way different depending on which way you turn.... left or right. You have a stabilizing outrigger on a left turn ....but you can suddenly find the sidecar flying in the air on a right turn if you use the same speed. You can flip the whole bike on a right turn if you are not careful. Bringing it down from the flying position usually puts you in the wrong lane too ( been there...done that ).

I just finally sold mine... lol...

good luck....

palanon · 12-09-2007, 09:19 AM

I love that pic. Matching leather fringed jacket, how cool is that ?

I keep my eye out for sidecar rigs. One of my best friends has a handicapped boy. He's a real motorhead. I don't think he'll ever be able to ride so, I'd like to find one so he can get to ride with us someday. I'm even willing to over look the fact that he's a kid.

I've been warned they handle like crap as Annie pointed out. One guy said it was easier to learn if you've never ridden a motorcycle before. Hard to break that leaning habit. LOL

Apertureguy · 12-14-2007, 11:51 AM

Yeah...eventually I will want one too. This way I can take the non-riders in my family out on the road every once in a while.

But I'll want one of those big sofa's on two wheels (from Honda). Freaking things have radio's, cruise control, GPS, etc., this way taking along a sidecar won't be an issue.

Rockhead · 12-14-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apertureguy

But I'll want one of those big sofa's on two wheels (from Honda). Freaking things have radio's, cruise control, GPS, etc., this way taking along a sidecar won't be an issue.

Dont forget the bum warmer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by St0nkingByte

I figure $125 is a cheaper way to learn rather than getting one and finding out I hate it, or worse, crashing it due to lack of training.

True

12-09-2007, 02:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
St0nkingByte Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2004 Bike: 2005 BMW R1200RT Location: Bellevue, WA Posts: 893	Signed up for the Sidecar course At the motorcycle show last weekend I was rather smitten by the sidecar outfits and decided I wanted to give them a try. Thanks to sidecars being super obscure I was able to get signed up for a state subsidized $125 sidecar class next month. I figure $125 is a cheaper way to learn rather than getting one and finding out I hate it, or worse, crashing it due to lack of training. Also the BRC was pretty fun so I figure whether I end up with a sidecar or not the sidecar class will probably be pretty fun too. Also in WA we have a separate three wheeler endorsement so the class will get me the endorsement on my license which will clear me to actually operate a sidecar if I do decide to get one. Should be interesting either way __________________

12-09-2007, 08:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
tallannie Can Ride And Chew Gum Joined: Dec 2006 Bike: C50 Boulevard Location: Hillsboro, Oregon Posts: 2,120	... interesting they have a separate endorsement....who woulda thunk it? let us (me) know how that goes.... I would be surprised if you really enjoy the sidecar more than a 2 wheeler. Unless you need the added stability (like my son in law who has a weak leg) or you really need to carry a passenger in a bit more comfort?? or need to carry a lot of junk with you? my 2 cents is that they are different and fun to let people gawk at... but they are no fun to ride. They stay flat as a pancake in turns (unless you blow it...LOL) and it is a lot like your first tricycle when you were 2 yrs old. I tired of it right away. The key learning is that they corner way different depending on which way you turn.... left or right. You have a stabilizing outrigger on a left turn ....but you can suddenly find the sidecar flying in the air on a right turn if you use the same speed. You can flip the whole bike on a right turn if you are not careful. Bringing it down from the flying position usually puts you in the wrong lane too ( been there...done that ). I just finally sold mine... lol... good luck.... Attached Thumbnails __________________ .... Just in Time moto-cookie delivery Last edited by tallannie; 12-09-2007 at 08:56 AM.

12-09-2007, 09:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
palanon No Significant Other Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2003 Bandit 1200S Location: Newmarket, NH Posts: 2,326	I love that pic. Matching leather fringed jacket, how cool is that ? I keep my eye out for sidecar rigs. One of my best friends has a handicapped boy. He's a real motorhead. I don't think he'll ever be able to ride so, I'd like to find one so he can get to ride with us someday. I'm even willing to over look the fact that he's a kid. I've been warned they handle like crap as Annie pointed out. One guy said it was easier to learn if you've never ridden a motorcycle before. Hard to break that leaning habit. LOL __________________ " In the name of the Speedo, the Tach and the Holy Throttle, amen. "

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12-14-2007, 11:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
Apertureguy Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,267	Yeah...eventually I will want one too. This way I can take the non-riders in my family out on the road every once in a while. But I'll want one of those big sofa's on two wheels (from Honda). Freaking things have radio's, cruise control, GPS, etc., this way taking along a sidecar won't be an issue.

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