Page 1 of 1
Just bought a 2013 Stella, what have I done? ;)
Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2014 7:41 pm
by ArgonV
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:36 am
by Stitch
Break it in and ride, ride, ride.
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 3:10 am
by Dooglas
Sidecars are so much fun. I've owned several. A few things to know. The first is that they ride - and especially corner - very differently than a two-wheeler. Take it easy at first and get used to it. Also, the 150 Stella is not a lot of power for a sidecar ride so expect somewhat moderate speed and significant slowing on the hills. Finally, expect shorter rear tire life. Ride it and enjoy. I hope you have a dog. Dogs love sidecars!
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 5:19 am
by ArgonV
Thanks guys! I've never driven a motorcycle or a scooter before. So I've not formed any habits with anything on two wheels other than a bicycle. Any other tips for a newbie?
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:17 am
by matto
Nice scoot and Gig'em! I used to ride around college station in a Ruckus before I could afford a Stella. Enjoy the parking on campus
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 12:43 pm
by BuddyRaton
Nice rig and welcome to MB!
Don't forget to add it to the SPEND-A-THON!
topic28132.html
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 6:09 pm
by Dooglas
ArgonV wrote: Any other tips for a newbie?
The big thing is that a sidecar does not lean like a two wheeled vehicle. The most important consequence of that is in a right turn where the sidecar can come off the ground at higher speeds. A new rider should put some weight in the sidecar and practice shifting their weight a bit to the right in a right turn. There are many on-line references that have good tips about riding a sidecar.
http://classicmotorcycles.about.com/od/ ... idecar.htm
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 1:16 pm
by Wild Handyman
I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 2:22 pm
by KABarash
Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.
I would think a doggy seatbelt harness of some type like we use in our 'cages' can be attached in there someway.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:16 am
by Frank Tabor
Stitch wrote:Break it in and ride, ride, ride.
Make sure you have towing included in your insurance package.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 6:33 am
by Dooglas
Wild Handyman wrote:I know this is somewhat off post, but how does one keep a dog in a sidecar? I would love to take my Bob for a ride but I would be afraid that she would want to jump out to interact with another dog or to chase a squirrel.
Most riders put a d-ring in the floor of the sidecar. Then they use a short leash or chain snapped to a harness or collar. There are also some nifty goggles for dogs (doggles) that protect the dog's eyes.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 2:43 pm
by Raputtak
Sidecars can be such fun. I had one on a 150 Vespa Sportique way back in the late '60's in England.
My cornering experience (Flipped left/right for Yanqui-land):
1. When attempting to negotiate a right hand bend approach slowly then gun it. The scooter will run around the chair and you will survive.
2. For a left-hander approach like a bat out of hell then anchor on sharpish. The sidecar will run around the scooter and you will survive.
Otherwise:
1. the sidecar will lift up and poo will come out.
2. It will not go around the bend and poo will come out.
Try this on MV
http://modernvespa.com/forum/topic57577 ... +sportique
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 4:14 pm
by BuddyRaton
Raputtak
It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2014 4:38 pm
by Raputtak
BuddyRaton wrote:Raputtak
It's getting late in the year but I nominate for one of the best posts of the year!
Thank ya. Thank ya verra much. (In best Elvis voice)