NMBR: Sidecar motorcycle

[Southerner]

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/201 ... r-and-solo

Some of you have expressed an interest in hanging a "hack" onto a scooter, such as a Stella. I'm sure it will work but the performance penalty on a small-displacement scooter must be pretty heavy.

You may also be aware of the Ural motorcycles and the fact that they're probably the only factory-made hack rigs made these days. This is a commemorative model that's getting a lot of press now. It's supposed to look like the original model that the Russians started producing of an obsolete BMW design.

They produce both hacks and solo rigs. If you wanted retro and funky, here it is in spades. I love the teardrop tank. The newer one is larger but also boxier in shape.

Not a scooter but pretty unique in this age of sophisticated transport.

[ericalm]

This is a really nice repro, though in very limited numbers! I bet I could get a '60s BMW /2 or /5 with sidecar for what this will go for! (No, I'm not being the "just get a used vintage!" guy, just remarking on the likely cost of this edition.)

I remember when Urals first started popping up in the US not long after the Berlin Wall came down. A friend of mine got one and, well, it was a total mess and a dog compared to what we get here now.

I will say that there are many scooters—even 150s!—that do okay with sidecars. The Genuine dealer in Sonoma County told me most of his Stella 4Ts sell with sidecars. I asked an owner who had a Vespa Super (I think) with a sidecar rig and she said it performed pretty well. Riding alongside it, I have to say it was fairly speedy, even with a large dog in the rig.

Still, I tend to think sidecars are more appealing in theory than practice. I wouldn't want one on something I ride solo most of the time. Also, my cat, awesome as she is, is unlikely to like riding in one.

[heatherkay]

What if you get her a little helmet with ear holes cut out and goggles? And a scarf?

No, I haven't spent any time thinking about this for my cat.

[ericalm]

What if you get her a little helmet with ear holes cut out and goggles? And a scarf?

No, I haven't spent any time thinking about this for my cat.

If I had a dog, it's be a whole different story!

[Tocsik]

Unrelated, but...
you've GOT to read the article about Steve McQueen's Indian that comes up below the posted link:

http://www.ultimatemotorcycling.com/ste ... dian-scout

[LunaP]

Still, I tend to think sidecars are more appealing in theory than practice. I wouldn't want one on something I ride solo most of the time. Also, my cat, awesome as she is, is unlikely to like riding in one.

My two boy cats LOVE the car. I think one of them would actually ride in my coat on the scooter around the neighborhood if I put him in the harness. I wouldn't trust him in a sidecar, though- he has to climb all around the car while in it and acts like he wants to climb out all the windows.

I'm not crazy about the look of the sidecar, tbh. Although it does look roomy for a siderig, and I like that it has a built-in cover.

[Southerner]

Urals seem to be selling more and more all the time. The first ones imported were indeed junk and got a bad reputation. It's my understanding, confirmed by their website, that a lot of their components on these later models are "bought-in." Japanese carb and electrics, Brembo Brakes, German suspension, etc.

This is one case where I would definitely NOT get an older model.

If I could afford one, I'd buy one because the wife ain't ridin by herself and riding pillion makes her sick (she has motions sickness bad and has to have an unobstructed forward view). She says she would enjoy a sidecar. I don't have a dog but I can see where dogs would love them. I wouldn't attempt to bring my cats near one. Maybe in a pet carrier.

Hacks:
Generally low mpg
tires have short life
you have to learn a totally different way to ride
it is NOT simple to remove and re-attach. If you get a hack, leave it on and ride something else when you only want 2 wheels.
Won't fall over on you when you change tires.
They catch everbody's attention.

But:
Stable, don't have to put your feet down.
Can haul at least one passenger, maybe 2.
Can haul gobs of "stuff"
They catch everbody's attention.


I'd have to see how well it worked on a scooter. I just don't see how 150cc can haul nearly double the weight.

[viney266]

I"ve driven a stella 2t with a sidecar. You don't want to be in a hurry, but it was fine. Top speed was 45-50, but the stella was bone stock. Needed a exhaust for just a little more uumph and it would have been fine.

I put about 60 miles on it with a passenger. We had a blast. I have driven several othewr hacks before so I was fine, but as others have suggested it is NOT a 2 wheeled bike anymore and has to be ridden VERY different. It takes alot more body english from the driver, but it does haul lots of stuff and get a TONNE OF ATTENTION!!!!

[siobhan]

...
Hacks:
Generally low mpg
tires have short life
you have to learn a totally different way to ride
it is NOT simple to remove and re-attach. If you get a hack, leave it on and ride something else when you only want 2 wheels.
Won't fall over on you when you change tires.
They catch everbody's attention.

But:
Stable, don't have to put your feet down.
Can haul at least one passenger, maybe 2.
Can haul gobs of "stuff"
They catch everbody's attention.

You forgot two of the coolest reasons:

Let you ride all year in the snow!
Reenact Rat Patrol!

If I could get over the cost, I'd have the Gear-Up in desert camo. I got to climb all over it at last year's motorcycle show in New York. Reverse gear!

Looks like the M70 is $14,200 with sidecar and $9,150 solo. So yeah, eric, you could get an R75/5 with sidecar for less than the M70 with sidecar. I was at an auction a couple of years ago where an R60/2 with sidecar in good condition went for $9,500. So save your pennies

[viney266]

Alright, but if we are gonna do the rat patrol thing I get to ride in the hack with the machine gun (MG34) while siobhan drives !? deal?

[Southerner]

...

If I could get over the cost, I'd have the Gear-Up in desert camo. I got to climb all over it at last year's motorcycle show in New York. Reverse gear!

Looks like the M70 is $14,200 with sidecar and $9,150 solo. So yeah, eric, you could get an R75/5 with sidecar for less than the M70 with sidecar. I was at an auction a couple of years ago where an R60/2 with sidecar in good condition went for $9,500. So save your pennies

I don't have snow but the off-road capability would be welcome. It would probably become my utility vehicle now that my truck is kaput, hauling garbage and such.

I believe the Ural site has a few videos of these in action. The videography isn't of the highest order but the hacks are fascinating to watch.

The basic T is about 10 grand even. Powdercoated everything and no 2wd but still a hack rig. The solo T is $7,200.

[AWinn6889]

Still, I tend to think sidecars are more appealing in theory than practice. I wouldn't want one on something I ride solo most of the time. Also, my cat, awesome as she is, is unlikely to like riding in one.

My two boy cats LOVE the car. I think one of them would actually ride in my coat on the scooter around the neighborhood if I put him in the harness. I wouldn't trust him in a sidecar, though- he has to climb all around the car while in it and acts like he wants to climb out all the windows.

I'm not crazy about the look of the sidecar, tbh. Although it does look roomy for a siderig, and I like that it has a built-in cover.

I rode around with my mini dachshund in my sweatshirt, in my jacket, in our neighborhood a few weeks ago... the little bugger loved it!! I wouldn't go much more than the max of 20mph that I did while riding around the culdesac with him strapped to me, just because I don't want him to somehow get hurt. He's my little buddy after all!

If I were to somehow get a scooter or a bike with a side car, I wouldn't put him in it without a "seat belt strap" harness. Our Basenji/Shephard mix would absolutely love it, and she's good about remaining still and not trying to jump out, but she hates when I put sun glasses on her, so I don't think she would take to goggles well.

[Southerner]

Still, I tend to think sidecars are more appealing in theory than practice. I wouldn't want one on something I ride solo most of the time. Also, my cat, awesome as she is, is unlikely to like riding in one.

My two boy cats LOVE the car. I think one of them would actually ride in my coat on the scooter around the neighborhood if I put him in the harness. I wouldn't trust him in a sidecar, though- he has to climb all around the car while in it and acts like he wants to climb out all the windows.

I'm not crazy about the look of the sidecar, tbh. Although it does look roomy for a siderig, and I like that it has a built-in cover.

I rode around with my mini dachshund in my sweatshirt, in my jacket, in our neighborhood a few weeks ago... the little bugger loved it!! I wouldn't go much more than the max of 20mph that I did while riding around the culdesac with him strapped to me, just because I don't want him to somehow get hurt. He's my little buddy after all!

If I were to somehow get a scooter or a bike with a side car, I wouldn't put him in it without a "seat belt strap" harness. Our Basenji/Shephard mix would absolutely love it, and she's good about remaining still and not trying to jump out, but she hates when I put sun glasses on her, so I don't think she would take to goggles well.

I used to have a female basenji that would go berzerk if I ever rode my grandad's old Honda 3-wheeler without her. There's a guy around here who rides a 'Glide with some sort of mutt that rides pillion. I don't know how they do it but he hangs on there and loves it.

[AWinn6889]

My two boy cats LOVE the car. I think one of them would actually ride in my coat on the scooter around the neighborhood if I put him in the harness. I wouldn't trust him in a sidecar, though- he has to climb all around the car while in it and acts like he wants to climb out all the windows.

I'm not crazy about the look of the sidecar, tbh. Although it does look roomy for a siderig, and I like that it has a built-in cover.

I rode around with my mini dachshund in my sweatshirt, in my jacket, in our neighborhood a few weeks ago... the little bugger loved it!! I wouldn't go much more than the max of 20mph that I did while riding around the culdesac with him strapped to me, just because I don't want him to somehow get hurt. He's my little buddy after all!

If I were to somehow get a scooter or a bike with a side car, I wouldn't put him in it without a "seat belt strap" harness. Our Basenji/Shephard mix would absolutely love it, and she's good about remaining still and not trying to jump out, but she hates when I put sun glasses on her, so I don't think she would take to goggles well.

I used to have a female basenji that would go berzerk if I ever rode my grandad's old Honda 3-wheeler without her. There's a guy around here who rides a 'Glide with some sort of mutt that rides pillion. I don't know how they do it but he hangs on there and loves it.

We have a local guy that rides around with his Chihuahua mix, the dog somehow hangs on to the gas tank! I think the guy might have a little rubberized pad on there somewhere so the lil' guy doesn't fall off around turns and stuff... but that little dog is one tough lookin mammajamma.

[Howardr]

I have been fortunate enough to have unlimited use of a 2T Stella with a 177 kit and pipe for the past week or so. I have been having a blast and have finally gotten used to "driving" with all the body english needed.

I will say, though, the poor Stella still needs a lot more oomph. I have to down shift on all but the tiniest of hills. I'm thinking 200cc's at the least is what you would need for a hack, preferably 500cc or more.

I have taken almost the entire family for rides on this thing and they all love it and want me to get one ASAP. Those Urals are looking better and better.

Howard

[viney266]

^^^^ Yeah agreed, for practical hi way running you need a 500cc+ bike to handle a sidecar rig. a 600 panther would be PERFECT!

But yes, with the sidecar the stella 2t needs the 177 kit , pipe and big carb, haven't talked my buddy into it yet...but I will ...But, as you said, a BLAST to drive...

[siobhan]

Alright, but if we are gonna do the rat patrol thing I get to ride in the hack with the machine gun (MG34) while siobhan drives !? deal?

viney, you're on! Chewing on khat as we go.

btw, cats ride!