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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dean Rose on October 17, 2016, 10:35:41 AM

Title: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Dean Rose on October 17, 2016, 10:35:41 AM
Thinking on it any ideas?

Dean
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: John A on October 17, 2016, 11:38:25 AM
I used a Velorex 562. It is too small for an EV and kept breaking the sidecar frame so I built my own and just used the body. I made it so that all the adjustments are made at the wheel, toe, lean etc. I don't recommend doing it that way but I didn't have a clue about sidecars. I also started with the idea to haul a 300 lb electric wheelchair but scrapped that and ended up with an overbuilt frame. It handles very well now after some trial and error settings. Talk to the WI rep, Chris Collins, who has a lot of experience with it. I am glad I increased the output of the engine with Mike Rich cylinder heads, cam and Sport throttle bodies. rear tires don't last, maybe 2000 miles but I tend to have a heavy throttle hand. Left turns from a stop unloads the rear tire and I can roll smoke off it. Sidecar gears from Charlie, Antietam Classic cycles is a good thing.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 17, 2016, 12:13:47 PM

Dean,
We use the Velorex 565, on the '99 EV, the car is a 2005 model with a updated wheel spindle, it fits well, once set up correctly they are a blast. 

You will want to carry a few pounds of counterbalance weight when you don't have Cindy with you.  Well, unless you like lifting the car, I personally do not.  On hard right handers, the car will come up easily without weight in it.

The top of the Velo lifts up for easy access for the passenger, this one has a fully enclosed top as well.

I did install a Unit Forks Leading Link front end although there are other methods to ease the steering effort such as EZ-Steer triple tree replacements.
The Unit also slides into the existing Guzzi trees.  One day I would like to graft the EV front fender back onto the Unit Fork, I think it looks better plus it is a full coverage fender.

This is how ours looked when we got it years ago...

Anyway, properly set up, they are fun.  I use this one quite a bit actually.

(http://www.side-car-club-francais.com/panoramaside/velorex/565/velorex_565_calif_v11_1.jpg)

Since then I have converted to the Unit LL Forks and swapped the big-ass screen with an Aerofoil...

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/923/bVN8bg.jpg)


(http://imageshack.com/a/img923/5320/maNLKx.jpg)











Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Rich A on October 17, 2016, 12:27:32 PM
I have a Texas standard tub rigged to my Jackal. If I were to do it again, I'd get their slightly larger car, but for my purposes this works well most of the time. I think the Califonia series make good tugs.

(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g166/Taurragon/Jhackal_zpsqdudzexs.jpg) (http://s56.photobucket.com/user/Taurragon/media/Jhackal_zpsqdudzexs.jpg.html)

I also had the 3-trees modified by steerite in Canada, and that makes steering much easier, but I'm not sure that they are still in business.

My rig also has some Bassa (= very wide) handlebars, which gives you some extra leverage that I find helpful in turns.

I'd suggest taking a buddy's outfit for a ride if possible. Not everyone likes the way hacks handle, but I thoroughly enjoy mine.

Rich A
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Shorty on October 17, 2016, 12:35:18 PM
I like the sturdy build and traditional look of a Ural sidecar. In my view, it is a good visual match for a Guzzi.  (http://sidecaritalia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Moto-Guzzi-California-Stone-con-sidecar-Ural-5.jpg)

(http://sidecaritalia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Moto-Guzzi-California-Stone-con-sidecar-Ural-3.jpg)

Mounting kits available at Dauntless sidecar. (pics taken at random from web)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Rich A on October 17, 2016, 01:01:18 PM
I like the sturdy build and traditional look of a Ural sidecar.

Those are a good looking match--how long do the tires for hack last?

Rich A
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: StuCorpe on October 17, 2016, 03:07:30 PM
I used the Texas Ranger on my 03EV. Like it pretty well although does feel a little lighter on right hand turns than the Ural did.
(http://thumb.ibb.co/kb3qtv/031.jpg) (http://ibb.co/kb3qtv)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: BillinPA on October 17, 2016, 03:10:27 PM
Hi Dean, I put some years in with my Cal II/ Velorex and enjoyed it.  I now have a Super-glide with a Texas Ranger. The Texas Ranger is a much better car in my opinion. Happy Hunting!!!!
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Shorty on October 17, 2016, 03:12:48 PM
Those are a good looking match--how long do the tires for hack last?

Rich A

I' m not sure. The  Russian tires that came with mine were 4 or 6 ply. Tread was still good, but sidewalls were cracked.  No idea how old my sidecar is,  (or how many miles) but I'm guessing 1970s.......New tire still has low miles. Good question for Rich Maund (sp?) the seatmaker. He ran a similiar set up for years........ I'm a relative newbie....
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 17, 2016, 04:15:31 PM

I agree that the Ural cars are a good match for the Guzzi tug... looks good and substantial too.  They probably weigh a bit more than the Velorex. 

A couple of riding buds here have them.  Obviously not having the side door panels there is not as much protection but hey, you're almost sitting on the road to begin with...  :grin:

Best,
Rob

Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Sheepdog on October 17, 2016, 05:21:07 PM
I don't know a thing about them, but I love the Watsonian sidecars. Lots of size and style options...I like the Monza...
http://www.warkshop.com/WATSONIANSQUIRESIDECARS.htm
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 17, 2016, 05:44:06 PM
(http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo165/1000s1991/NorthKona-20111229-000031.jpg) (http://s372.photobucket.com/user/1000s1991/media/NorthKona-20111229-000031.jpg.html)


The Boss with the Eldo/Watsonian hack.  Good match.  I have a Velorex 562 to hook up maybe to the Cali III but as Rod says I'd have to put some ballast in.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 17, 2016, 05:49:18 PM

I have long loved the look of the Hannigan rigs too but thought they may be to heavy for a Guzzi...

http://www.hannigantrikes.com/product-type/sidecars/

I like this one it even has a trunk... and there is a great 2+2 with a hard top but that is really a tank.

(http://www.hannigantrikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Harley-Softtail-Frontside-sidecar.jpg)

Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 17, 2016, 05:54:39 PM
(http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo165/1000s1991/motoguzzi233.jpg) (http://s372.photobucket.com/user/1000s1991/media/motoguzzi233.jpg.html)

Dave Talley with his equipment hack.  He showed up with a gas bbq for the Deep Forest Campout in WA.  He made some teriyaki pork.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 17, 2016, 06:36:07 PM


Wow Tom,
Dave wins...  well, in that category, the Boss wins in the other...  :wink:

Rob


Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 17, 2016, 08:42:57 PM
I'll let her know.  :grin:
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: azguzzirep on October 18, 2016, 05:19:40 AM
Buy a rig and don't spoil your EV. 😁
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Texas Turnip on October 18, 2016, 06:19:23 AM
Hi Dean,
Make sure that they are set up right. I've seen them blow a tire in under a 1,000 miles.

Completely different than operating a cycle. More than one has been killed by not being familiar with right hand turns. Make sure yoou have ballast if not carrying a passenger.

Lots of fun. My daughters loved riding in them.

Tex
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 18, 2016, 08:01:57 AM
Hi Dean,
Make sure that they are set up right. I've seen them blow a tire in under a 1,000 miles.

Completely different than operating a cycle. More than one has been killed by not being familiar with right hand turns. Make sure yoou have ballast if not carrying a passenger.

Lots of fun. My daughters loved riding in them.

Tex

Good advice to learn how to pilot one of these things, good point Ken...

Worth mentioning also that Lee Bruns attachment lugs are spot on and made for Guzzi frames. 

Best,
Rob




Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on October 18, 2016, 09:53:45 AM
Just reading through this thread.. sidecar tires last forever.. IMHO, the Velorex is built too lightly for a Guzzi.. there are considerable forces at work if you do anything except putt down to the ice cream store. John A will never be accused of building a too light rig.  :smiley: Yes, take a sidecar course. They have several ways of killing you, and you have some motorcycle rider reactions to unlearn. The only thing the same as riding a bike is where the controls are placed. The best handling rig I've driven is ccoli's EML/Cali. It has the whole enchilada including car tires. It will hustle right on down a twisty road.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Shorty on October 18, 2016, 12:15:21 PM
http://www.sidecar.com/Files/SC%20OP%20Manual.pdf  Older sidecar manual.

Ural version:     https://s3.amazonaws.com/UralManuals/HowToRideUral.pdf
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 18, 2016, 02:23:20 PM
http://www.sidecar.com/Files/SC%20OP%20Manual.pdf  Older sidecar manual.

Ural version:     https://s3.amazonaws.com/UralManuals/HowToRideUral.pdf

 :thumb:  Nice Shorty...  Good advise indeed.  I read these manuals and asked for guidance before I put a single mile on our rig and I am glad I did.

I do not like to fly the chair, it scares the shit out of me, don't like it.   

Once in a great while I will experiment by bringing it up on a sharp, low speed right hander when no one else is nearby and I just don't seem to carry it through very well.  On long right handers on the road I still lean into the turn in fear of bringing the car up, even with counterweight.

Some people dig it and they are good at it...

Best,
Rob



Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: ccridr on October 18, 2016, 02:39:36 PM

 The  vetter side car makes a good tub for a guzzi. They are the correct weight and are easy to rig to open frame bikes, they are also aero dymanic. If you are interested pm me I have a couple sidecars for sale. ccridr
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 18, 2016, 02:56:36 PM
Hey Dean.....since no one has mentioned it, I will.  A good training vehicle is an ATV.  Driving at speed doing figure 8's and turns will give you some simulated training for hack operation.  Mainly the upper body leaning and steering.  That's just a start.  There are some good hints on doing some preliminary reading on operating one.  David Hough's manual on hack operation is also a good read.

http://www.whitehorsegear.com/driving-a-sidecar-outfit-2nd-edition
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Shorty on October 18, 2016, 04:08:37 PM
:thumb:  Nice Shorty...  Good advise indeed.  I read these manuals and asked for guidance before I put a single mile on our rig and I am glad I did.

I do not like to fly the chair, it scares the shit out of me, don't like it.   

Once in a great while I will experiment by bringing it up on a sharp, low speed right hander when no one else is nearby and I just don't seem to carry it through very well.  On long right handers on the road I still lean into the turn in fear of bringing the car up, even with counterweight.

Some people dig it and they are good at it...

Best,
Rob

You might remember that I plowed a parked car not long after getting my first rig, the Convert/Ural. Turned right, flew the chair. Folded the front forks and had "Dellorto" imprinted on both shins  :grin: These days I run 80 pounds of ballast. I intend to keep it slow til I get sidecar brakes and a LL front end on the current set up.  I am hooked. Love driving the sidecar.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 18, 2016, 06:39:02 PM
 :1:  High visibility vehicle.  Great for hauling stuff.   Long distance, I'd set mine up differently but loads of fun.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on October 18, 2016, 07:42:02 PM
:1:  High visibility vehicle.  Great for hauling stuff.   Long distance, I'd set mine up differently but loads of fun.

All true. I *never* had some doofus pull out in front of me on the rig. I think it's just different enough that cagers notice it.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: John A on October 18, 2016, 07:50:43 PM
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag152/jdalthaus/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-04/2016-01/F8E2B4AF-37C5-40BF-9899-687ABA6D794B_zpscjis4krn.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/jdalthaus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-04/2016-01/F8E2B4AF-37C5-40BF-9899-687ABA6D794B_zpscjis4krn.jpg.html)
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag152/jdalthaus/2016-02/B22C9CEA-F0B2-4F53-9C85-6D4C04A4FF73_zpsja7flvqn.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/jdalthaus/media/2016-02/B22C9CEA-F0B2-4F53-9C85-6D4C04A4FF73_zpsja7flvqn.jpg.html)

(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag152/jdalthaus/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-07/D3C0C1D9-7ABD-4314-9788-C19C92AE1CAC_zps91jadqij.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/jdalthaus/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-07/D3C0C1D9-7ABD-4314-9788-C19C92AE1CAC_zps91jadqij.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: n3303j on October 18, 2016, 09:49:09 PM
I do not like to fly the chair, it scares the shit out of me, don't like it.   

Once in a great while I will experiment by bringing it up on a sharp, low speed right hander when no one else is nearby and I just don't seem to carry it through very well.  On long right handers on the road I still lean into the turn in fear of bringing the car up, even with counterweight.

Some people dig it and they are good at it...

Best,
Rob
In the sidecar course we circled the instructor (individually) to the right in about a 50 foot circle.  We were to slowly increase throttle until the chair came off the ground around a foot. We were warned that there would be a drastic change in steering pressure when the car became airborne (the bars want to go left into oncoming traffic). We were told to adjust pressure to maintain the circle and hold the throttle. The chair just hung a foot up as we circled over and over again. The scariness went away.
Next was swerves with correction. Chair either came up on the swerve or the correction depending if we were signaled left or right. We were used to the change in pressures so we just maintained radius and speed and drove smoothly through the swerves.

OTOH I'm sweeping a 25 Ural ride through the country. There is a right turn ahead and 23 people negotiate it with no issues whatsoever (we weren't speeding). Fellow in front of me is afraid of his rig. He last minute twiches in the turn and up comes the chair (loaded with 200# monkey and enough gear for a month on the road in Mongolia). Steering pressure changes and he doesn't add pressure so he's across the left lane, off the road and the deep soft sand arrested his forward progress just before the less inviting New England stone wall.

Lessons to be learned 300# of ballast won't keep the chair down if you don't  input proper steering moves. You will go where the bike wants unless you keep the front wheel pointed where you want to go.

Bike steers like a quad or a trike UNTIL you get the chair/bike balanced with center of gravity over the line between the two contact patches on the pavement (that's probably about a 45 degree angle). At that point you get to countertsteer just like any other two wheeler. Note: you are holding the front weight of the rig away from the ground against the trail and the steering effort is extreme.

Practice, practice, and practice some more. I've got about 60,000 KM on my Ural and I've really enjoyed the last 50,000 of them.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on October 19, 2016, 07:47:14 AM
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag152/jdalthaus/2016-02/B22C9CEA-F0B2-4F53-9C85-6D4C04A4FF73_zpsja7flvqn.jpg)
Quote
John A will never be accused of building a too light rig.  :smiley:
I rest my case, your honor..  :smiley:
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: GearheadGrrrl on October 19, 2016, 08:14:12 AM
Sounds like the "steering reversion" myth has returned.

No, you don't need to practice riding with the sidecar wheel in the air. No, the outfit doesn't dart left when the sidecar wheel comes up... But some riders panic and widen the radius of the curve when the sidecar wheel comes up. And if there's nothing in the way, running wide in the corner when you went in too hot is an acceptable way to save your ass. But better to keep the wheel down in the first place by properly engineering the outfit and taking curves at a prudent speed for your outfit. That means a sidecar matched to the bike and loaded with enough tools, parts, battery, etc. to keep it on the ground. And those yellow signs with a curving arrow and a number? Those are for you, and unless you're familiar with the curve and your outfit, the marked speed is the fastest you should take the curve at.

I've never had the "lift the wheel and experience steering reversion" training, and over 100,000 safe sidecar rig miles later I still see no need for it. Build and load your outfit right and you won't need to worry about the overrated "steering reversion".
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2016, 01:25:31 PM
Essentially, detox your brain of the 2 wheeled mentality and drive your outfit at your speed which could be slower than a car.  :tongue:
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: n3303j on October 19, 2016, 01:58:24 PM
Sounds like the "steering reversion" myth has returned.

No, you don't need to practice riding with the sidecar wheel in the air. No, the outfit doesn't dart left when the sidecar wheel comes up... But some riders panic and widen the radius of the curve when the sidecar wheel comes up. And if there's nothing in the way, running wide in the corner when you went in too hot is an acceptable way to save your ass. But better to keep the wheel down in the first place by properly engineering the outfit and taking curves at a prudent speed for your outfit. That means a sidecar matched to the bike and loaded with enough tools, parts, battery, etc. to keep it on the ground. And those yellow signs with a curving arrow and a number? Those are for you, and unless you're familiar with the curve and your outfit, the marked speed is the fastest you should take the curve at.

I've never had the "lift the wheel and experience steering reversion" training, and over 100,000 safe sidecar rig miles later I still see no need for it. Build and load your outfit right and you won't need to worry about the overrated "steering reversion".

Steering reversion (countersteering) doesn't happen until the rig is balanced on two wheels. At this point the chair is almost higher than the bike and disaster could be a breadth away. I made mention about countersteering BUT THAT WAS NOT THE MAJOR POINT OF MY COMMENTS.

MY POINT WAS THAT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL LIFT THE CHAIR SOME. PRACTICE THIS UNDER SAFE CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.

Not sure what, where or how you are riding. But either you are automatically compensating for steering pressure change and not noticing it or you have no experience with the chair in the air.

Due to steering trail where the tire contact patch is behind the steering axis. Putting the rig on two wheels pushes on the contact patch and attempts to pivot the bars to the left. (Take a shopping cart and put it up on the two left wheels. Notice the front caster is now pointed to the left. Same geometry as sidecar rig.)

Steering pressure goes up the minute the SC wheel leaves the ground. The inexperienced rider isn't used to this change and let's the pressure move the bars and head him off to the left. This happens long before he has time to react by decreasing the radius of his turn. This is why it is such a killer. The experienced rider just holds his course and maybe adds a dab of front brake.

Now: Why fly the chair under controlled conditions and become comfortable with the SC wheel leaving the ground?

Something gets in your way (door, pedestrian,deer, car, another rig) and you swerve to miss.

Swerve right and the chair might immediately come up. Stay calm (been there in practice ) and finish your evasive maneuver.

Swerve left and you stay planted until you have to swerve back right because of oncoming traffic. It's really comforting to know that you've been through these situations in rehearsal and the main act holds no surprises.

If you are from Australia just remember it's all opposite.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Dean Rose on October 19, 2016, 02:46:43 PM
This is just in the maybe process now, thanks for all of the advice. Keep it coming.

Dean
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2016, 03:04:10 PM
You won't regret the addition of a hack or a totally different rig.  It'll also lengthen your riding season.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Mark Dasher on October 19, 2016, 03:26:25 PM
I've been thinking about a hack too - for my Cal III.

Talk to Bob Wark http://www.warkshop.com/ (http://www.warkshop.com/).  All around great guy and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sidecars, also a local riding buddy of mine.  He's a Watsonian and Velorex dealer, but can also do custom mounting.  Tell him I sent you!


-- Mark
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 19, 2016, 03:29:09 PM
and there you go..... :thumb:  Unless you want to hook it up yourself.  :grin:  Flat garage floor string and a protractor.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: GearheadGrrrl on October 19, 2016, 04:15:12 PM
Yes, I've had wheels up before, even on 18 wheelers! And from doing that, I've never noticed this massive "steering reversion" you refer to. We had a big debate on that subject on the sidecar forums a while back and pretty much conclude that "steering reversion" is overrated. And you can give the "caps lock" key a rest- If you engineer and load your rig properly and keep within the rigs "performance envelope", wheel lifting will be rare and entirely manageable. So quit trying to teach people how to make up for a poorly setup and/or loaded rig and instead teach people to respect the road and their vehicle's limits, regardless of what you are riding or driving!

Steering reversion (countersteering) doesn't happen until the rig is balanced on two wheels. At this point the chair is almost higher than the bike and disaster could be a breadth away. I made mention about countersteering BUT THAT WAS NOT THE MAJOR POINT OF MY COMMENTS.

MY POINT WAS THAT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL LIFT THE CHAIR SOME. PRACTICE THIS UNDER SAFE CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.

Not sure what, where or how you are riding. But either you are automatically compensating for steering pressure change and not noticing it or you have no experience with the chair in the air.

Due to steering trail where the tire contact patch is behind the steering axis. Putting the rig on two wheels pushes on the contact patch and attempts to pivot the bars to the left. (Take a shopping cart and put it up on the two left wheels. Notice the front caster is now pointed to the left. Same geometry as sidecar rig.)

Steering pressure goes up the minute the SC wheel leaves the ground. The inexperienced rider isn't used to this change and let's the pressure move the bars and head him off to the left. This happens long before he has time to react by decreasing the radius of his turn. This is why it is such a killer. The experienced rider just holds his course and maybe adds a dab of front brake.

Now: Why fly the chair under controlled conditions and become comfortable with the SC wheel leaving the ground?

Something gets in your way (door, pedestrian,deer, car, another rig) and you swerve to miss.

Swerve right and the chair might immediately come up. Stay calm (been there in practice ) and finish your evasive maneuver.

Swerve left and you stay planted until you have to swerve back right because of oncoming traffic. It's really comforting to know that you've been through these situations in rehearsal and the main act holds no surprises.

If you are from Australia just remember it's all opposite.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: radguzzi on October 19, 2016, 05:49:44 PM
This is just in the maybe process now, thanks for all of the advice. Keep it coming.

Dean

I was wondering if we had scared you off or not Dean... lol

Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: n3303j on October 19, 2016, 07:07:10 PM
Yes, I've had wheels up before, even on 18 wheelers! And from doing that, I've never noticed this massive "steering reversion" you refer to. We had a big debate on that subject on the sidecar forums a while back and pretty much conclude that "steering reversion" is overrated. And you can give the "caps lock" key a rest- If you engineer and load your rig properly and keep within the rigs "performance envelope", wheel lifting will be rare and entirely manageable. So quit trying to teach people how to make up for a poorly setup and/or loaded rig and instead teach people to respect the road and their vehicle's limits, regardless of what you are riding or driving!
You keep bringing up steering reversion. I'm not talking about reversion. If you have the chair up that high you are on the edge of disaster and have other problems to deal with.

I am discussing the change in steering feel when (not if) one wheel comes off the ground. This is not a design or set up issue as I've seen people put sidecars in the air with 250# of ballast. I watch the same pilots keep 3 on the ground with an empty chair. I ride without ballast beyond the spare tire and basic tool kit unless the adventure requires additional cargo. 3 wheels are on the ground 99.9% of the time. Sometimes the chair comes up a bit in the tight ones but it is a non-event.

I suggest reading Bob Fleischer's comments on learning to pilot a rig. Bob (Snowbum at the BMW airhead site is a very intelligent rider with many years experience. Also a superb BMW mechanic). Motorcycle Safety Foundation's  training course also includes chair lifting exercises to prep the students for the real world.
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/sidecarcountersteering.htm
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: maquette on October 19, 2016, 08:59:08 PM
This is just in the maybe process now, thanks for all of the advice. Keep it coming.
Dean

Hey Dean,


(http://thumb.ibb.co/cByn6F/003.jpg) (http://ibb.co/cByn6F)


It's a Velorex, it will never work.   :laugh: Some good advice here Dean. Practice is very important as well as some good old common sense. Think about what you are doing before you do it and try to be prepared for the unexpected. Get physically well first, . . .you're gonna need those ribs and upper body strength. It can take some time to set one up yourself, but it can be done. Taking the rig to a pro to have it set up right might be better if you can spend the money. There's a guy in PA, Claude Stanley who might be a good match for you.

Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: EldoMike on October 19, 2016, 09:56:04 PM
My preference is the Ural car for a large bike like a Guzzi...the weight helps keep the rig planted...light cars are the most common mistake in my opinion...here are some I've had...no I don't have any for sale at this time...

http://s106.photobucket.com/user/eldomike/library/Sidecars%20Owned?sort=3&page=1

Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: BillinPA on October 19, 2016, 10:53:07 PM
I've been thinking about a hack too - for my Cal III.

Talk to Bob Wark http://www.warkshop.com/ (http://www.warkshop.com/).  All around great guy and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to sidecars, also a local riding buddy of mine.  He's a Watsonian and Velorex dealer, but can also do custom mounting.  Tell him I sent you!


-- Mark

I agree, I have bought two sidecars from Bob and his experience and willingness to help is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Hacksaw on October 20, 2016, 01:39:07 AM
Buy a rig and don't spoil your EV. 😁
"Spoil" you say?????
I prefer to say 'ENHANCED'  :grin: :grin:

I agree with Rich A when he said "I think the California series make good tugs."
The addition of a Todd Eagan supplied, custom 2 into 1 left side exit exhaust and a PC to deal with the unequal header lengths provides all the 'grunt' required to go waaaaay faster than required.

(https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1934887_1196537508575_3611792_n.jpg?oh=7225ce40aef02688f1a6c5fb6badab90&oe=58A95E7E)

(https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/1934887_1196536748556_4403790_n.jpg?oh=9c7c8f8ab247a01a224e4019d3b5285c&oe=58A9BB87)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: brlawson on October 20, 2016, 07:18:49 AM
Saw this beauty at the Iowa National.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_sjTM5skVrEZ2ir2Y2sUkrSH9dljrXdx-q1iV8j8zemm0F-1MI9ECNkhyo_-jnSKhW75E4All_nEur7It2_oiTTCCnYKdsimkMYMIsFgXuE9YdGn0ITMs_TT-OytLUzUVREP-kFA3e78x4fBHDY_lu0GvZA7B9LmPLDq15IkUJ3vBwV8AfG7VWAGc6Kv0z6BTwEoT4c7Cawuka-EsccyYcYjtceDD3ctSZqEJLE_mRYAz_FDF-2L4h8M8nWrr2ad9Zvbb_Mkx5Hf8dTRBQTKbAoij7enatF3lpdP0NCiuvFiO8LbIezaVbGsCjSg6DxZsR4OYPXjOuAAhGntOu03wdqXszUXgV9UejHxLiyNcg41EsX1W9PLy1w6J0JbvueHvThgF-UsrIQo1xX0SgjPMtWvlLwtgyJlXuhhAwntw_Quwp0VgIfhJMpphlkUaS3bjzJ2BUs93_RgMcH6eSEKa9K3VkhwghLCECgxXnxTtDsn7RNPmGuErub-V91aT6t5HKP4jvSZk6lvE3AlYV1n3Uf-gRagAVuvoR4jAscVLTO9NqnN86lkxDuZhJO9T8T-03UyPCBY5QUlkl_m_sisctpoUbVVXXzFZgxL4Dwv0BTNPYQ=w874-h655-no)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: Tom on October 20, 2016, 01:05:27 PM
I like the "OOOooweee" handle for the passenger.   :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: sknapp351 on October 20, 2016, 08:56:42 PM
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13590344_737739073649_3371252530849681414_n.jpg?oh=ca7236e2852864fde0ca74aedf762734&oe=589C434C)

I'm definitely a fan of the Ural cars. I rarely lift the car.

Sam
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: n3303j on October 20, 2016, 09:06:41 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/jMag0a/12_31_08_1355.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jMag0a)

I'm used to seeing a Ural Sidecar a lot closer to the Tug.

(http://thumb.ibb.co/j60g0a/Fuel.jpg) (http://ibb.co/j60g0a)
Title: Re: Sidecar for my EV?
Post by: maquette on October 22, 2016, 07:37:00 AM
Dean,

After you get it sorted, here's something you can do on the weekends:

https://www.facebook.com/Silodrome/videos/1045951798806764/       :evil:

Tom