Sidecar question

[John A]

There is a nice 2000 Quota near me that I would need to put a sidecar on but with the rear suspension the way it is, what problems would I expect to see?

[jrt]

This is my opinion- I'm not trying to dissuade you.
That said- the Quota is a tall 'spindly' bike, and not well designed for a sidecar.  I would think that- at a minimum- you would want to lower it, stiffen the front forks and I have no idea where you would actually attach a hack.  And then...the muffler is on the same side as the hack as I recall...
Well, good luck if you decide to go for it.  Nothing is impossible, right?

[fotoguzzi]

quota sidecar   Google has pics

[kingoffleece]

And, having hacked a motorcycle, I now agree with the notion that a change to a leading link front end is most wonderful.  At the very least, a redesigned tripple tree helps but I have zero idea where one wopuld get this for a Quota.  Be prepared for a serious forearm and sholder workout.  If you do this, Hough's book "Driving a sidecar outfit" is must reading.  A right turn, assuming the car is mounted to the right, can seriously suprise an unaware rider and possible lead to crossing the center and boom............... ....
Too high an entry speed to the right takes some practice in a deserted lot.

[Grant Borden]

John A,

Try DMC sidecars, they have attached them to the Kawasaki KLR 650 singles.

Grant

[Chuck in Indiana]

John, I know you are an experienced sidecarist (is that a word?)  and can fabricate whatever you would need.
Just the same, I would have a hard time imagining a worse tractor to start with.. <shrug>

[Frenchfrog]

I dunno Chuck ? The frame is pretty massive on those beasts.....good forks and brakes too...the final ratio on the back would need changing I would have guessed though.....

[Huzo]

I dunno Chuck ? The frame is pretty massive on those beasts.....good forks and brakes too...the final ratio on the back would need changing I would have guessed though.....

Have you dragged yours inside yet FF..?

[John A]

John, I know you are an experienced sidecarist (is that a word?)  and can fabricate whatever you would need.
Just the same, I would have a hard time imagining a worse tractor to start with.. <shrug>

Well I’m here to learn,  I’ve no experience with Quotas but thought it might be a hoot with a car attached.  I’ve been collecting parts to build my next one and I’ve done a Tonti so I’m looking for a tractor but I don’t want to start on a Quota only to find it was another terrible idea.  The smart thing would be just get another 2000’s Cal or heavens forbid a steenking Goldwing but I think I’d like to find out why a Quota isn’t a good choice,  something I’ve heard but why?

[Ncdan]

Well I’m here to learn,  I’ve no experience with Quotas but thought it might be a hoot with a car attached.  I’ve been collecting parts to build my next one and I’ve done a Tonti so I’m looking for a tractor but I don’t want to start on a Quota only to find it was another terrible idea.  The smart thing would be just get another 2000’s Cal or heavens forbid a steenking Goldwing but I think I’d like to find out why a Quota isn’t a good choice,  something I’ve heard but why?

What about one of the 1400 models for the tractor, John?

[wolfeguitars]

I have a '02 Cali EV with a Velorex 565. I feel a Quota would be a fine "tug." To answer your question one would ask how you intend to use it. I mostly stay close to home and enjoy my rig for short trips and errands to the gym every am, joy riding the grandkids. I very rarely see 5th gear cuz I'm rarely on the Interstate. Now, "if" you are wanting to tour and enjoy long trips at highway speeds- I'd recommend a heavier rig, leading link ($$) front end, auto tires, a spare, etc., etc. That's a more serious and much more costly rig than mine. FYI I have not installed lower gearing but sometimes I wish I had, although I'm so accustomed to the tall highway gearing & have no plans to make the costly change. My sidecar is fairly light, even with the 75 lbs ballast I carry. The chair lifting on rt turns is a concern and I just manage it. You will take both left & rt turns a lot slower anyway, as this is the nature of the beast.
     BTW I'm seeking a volunteer  I recall old keystone cops films where a sidecar with cops approach a divide in the road at high speed. They separate and each goes a different way, and they come back together after the divide and continue on. I want to try this and need someone to volunteer to ride the hack. Anybody?? Wearing proper safety gear will be required.

[bigbikerrick]

Beautiful Rig, Wolfguitars. Those bags and seat, ("frau?" ) are pure Italian class, my friend  ! The sidecar is beautifully matched, I would love to see a couple more pics!
Rick.

[moto-uno]

  It may be easier ( considering lowering the gearing ) to search out a working 4 speed trans . 1st gear is noticeably lower , just an idea  . Peter

[Chuck in Indiana]

Well I’m here to learn,  I’ve no experience with Quotas but thought it might be a hoot with a car attached.  I’ve been collecting parts to build my next one and I’ve done a Tonti so I’m looking for a tractor but I don’t want to start on a Quota only to find it was another terrible idea.  The smart thing would be just get another 2000’s Cal or heavens forbid a steenking Goldwing but I think I’d like to find out why a Quota isn’t a good choice,  something I’ve heard but why?

IMHO.. it's too tall. The front wheel is kind of wimpy for a rig, so that would have to go. I doubt there are any off the shelf components available. You would definitely need to change out the rear drive. Again.. I doubt there is a leading link front end available. Yes.. you *could* make one. I just think there are better choices. <shrug>
Take all this with a grain of salt. I haven't researched it at all.

[John A]

Well that was my short lived Quota lust.   Common sense reared it’s ugly head,  there is too much to change on a Q to get it to work well.  There is a nice looking 2000ES in the want ads of MGNOC.