Author Topic: Sidecars (Read 5606 times)

thelowmax · « **on:** May 21, 2015, 10:37:09 AM »

So, I have been looking into this for a while now and even with my most basic understanding of engineering, have to ask...

Why are sidecars so expensive?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2015, 10:48:23 AM »

Note: manufactured sidecars are not just motorcycles with a sidecar bolted to them. Many have 2-wheel drive and modified front suspension. The URAL is an example, even though the motor sucks. Several URAL owners upgrade their bikes with BMW motors.

70CB750 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 21, 2015, 10:55:02 AM »

Simple market, not many are made in USA.

Velorex comes from Central Europe, than there are some from India; I search ebay/cl for sidecars everyday.

jamesbekman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 21, 2015, 11:08:32 AM »

All I want to do is drive a 2wd Ural in the snow!

In regards to a lot of the aftermarket sidecars, I just dont like that the sidecar wheel is in between the front and rear tire and not in line with the rear motorcycle tire.

I also dont like how they are not positioned close enough to the motorcycle itself. Sort of makes it look silly.

Other than that I absolutely love them and would love to have time to try and build one myself.

Its only fiberglass and steel.

70CB750 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2015, 11:22:48 AM »

The axle lead is important for stability.

I want to build one looking like this, all steel.

helltaco · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2015, 11:56:48 AM »

Last year, Honda sold 17 million motorcycles worldwide. Ural, the only company selling complete new sidecar outfits in the US, sold 1200 worldwide and 600 in the US. If you want a sidecar, you will pay a handmade boutique price for it. I did.

thelowmax · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2015, 03:04:32 PM »

So ultimately, if you aren't paying for a custom made item, you're paying for shipping from across the world. Looks like I have another project to add to my list. I really want a sidecar, so my old dog can get around with me. I'm in no rush though, as I haven't yet acquired said dog. I've got a long list.

Imago · « **Reply #7 on:** May 21, 2015, 03:36:45 PM »

Quote from: jamesbekman on May 21, 2015, 11:08:32 AM

All I want to do is drive a 2wd Ural in the snow!

In regards to a lot of the aftermarket sidecars, I just dont like that the sidecar wheel is in between the front and rear tire and not in line with the rear motorcycle tire.

I also dont like how they are not positioned close enough to the motorcycle itself. Sort of makes it look silly.

Other than that I absolutely love them and would love to have time to try and build one myself.

Its only fiberglass and steel.

Your wish is my command:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-motorcycle-other/calgary/2009-ural-gear-up-2-wheel-drive-on-demand/1057897574?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Imago · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2015, 03:39:12 PM »

Quote from: 70CB750 on May 21, 2015, 10:55:02 AM

Simple market, not many are made in USA.

Velorex comes from Central Europe, than there are some from India; I search ebay/cl for sidecars everyday.

Here you go:

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-motorcycle-parts-accessories/calgary/velorex-700-sidecar-sell-or-trade-for-virago/593578675?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

chewbacca5000 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 21, 2015, 05:37:11 PM »

Let's not forget trikes. Adding a trike kit makes anything riducoulsly expensive.

lrutt · « **Reply #10 on:** May 22, 2015, 04:39:04 AM »

You can piece a rig together pretty reasonable. I paid like $600 for my hack and $450 for my K8. I think I have about $1500 in it all together.

As for setup, at least on the Velo with it's adjustable mounts you can virtually set it up anyway you want. I do plan on building a subframe for my K8 rig in the near future to strengthen things up a bit. Have not had problems in the 10 years or so I've had it but it could be better.

You will notice the hack is close to the bike, not hanging way out there. also note that it's placed such that it fits proprotionally on the bike fore and aft. There are guidelines to adhere to, so many inches ahead of rear wheel, so much angle of the bike, so much toe in on the hack wheel. They are all compromises. What works good on the interstate will pull a bit on a heavily crowned 2 lane road. you build to suit then adjust accordingly.

70CB750 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 22, 2015, 04:45:20 AM »

Quote from: thelowmax on May 21, 2015, 03:04:32 PM

So ultimately, if you aren't paying for a custom made item, you're paying for shipping from across the world. Looks like I have another project to add to my list. I really want a sidecar, so my old dog can get around with me. I'm in no rush though, as I haven't yet acquired said dog. I've got a long list.

That was my plan, my airedale loved to ride in my jeep with no doors and roof. I started on sidecar, but realized he is too old to enjoy that anyway. Sidecar is still planed, Montmorency gone to better place, maybe our current dog will like it.

I still think Velorex 560 would be the best match for CB750.

lrutt · « **Reply #12 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:04:48 AM »

Quote from: 70CB750 on May 22, 2015, 04:45:20 AM

Quote from: thelowmax on May 21, 2015, 03:04:32 PM
So ultimately, if you aren't paying for a custom made item, you're paying for shipping from across the world. Looks like I have another project to add to my list. I really want a sidecar, so my old dog can get around with me. I'm in no rush though, as I haven't yet acquired said dog. I've got a long list.

That was my plan, my airedale loved to ride in my jeep with no doors and roof. I started on sidecar, but realized he is too old to enjoy that anyway. Sidecar is still planed, Montmorency gone to better place, maybe our current dog will like it.

I still think Velorex 560 would be the best match for CB750.

The Velo is a little light for a 750. I have 75lbs of ballast in mine to help keep it on the ground, and it still gets light fairly easily.

70CB750 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:06:35 AM »

I don't doubt your experience, I meant only the shape of it.

jamesbekman · « **Reply #14 on:** May 22, 2015, 07:04:26 PM »

My wish is your command? $10k pleaaaaaassseeeeee

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Imago · « **Reply #15 on:** May 22, 2015, 08:22:54 PM »

Quote from: jamesbekman on May 22, 2015, 07:04:26 PM

My wish is your command? $10k pleaaaaaassseeeeee

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There's just no pleasing some people:

http://albanyga.craigslist.org/mcy/4971149846.html
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/mcy/4943336151.html
http://tallahassee.craigslist.org/mcy/4932182807.html My favourite for multiple reasons. Take a look.
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/4988169213.html
http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/mcy/4977385281.html
http://providence.craigslist.org/mcy/4968438889.html This one might be close to you.

b5rider · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2015, 08:39:35 PM »

four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul, and three wheels move your bowels!
I've only ridden sidecars for a few years and they take an entirely different set of skills. My only advice is to SLOW everything down. Turns are scary the first time you take a few. But, they are about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on.
As far as price, used is the best. Do not go cheap and new. I did that and the sidecar was not safe. A highway-ready sidecar will run you 4-5K new. Installation will run you another 500 to 1k, depending on the work involved. You will probably need new shocks and fork springs, clutch, and brakes. If not at first, then soon afterward.

neal · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2015, 03:39:35 AM »

A leading-link front end helps, in the cornering department

b5rider · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2015, 08:32:04 AM »

Leading link forks run around 2k. I'm trying to source some raked triple trees. Anyone know of someone who can make me some?

rb550four · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2015, 08:35:58 AM »

I was planning on being a Velorex dealer last year, decent product, no factory incentives , promotions, pamphlets ,signage, video , or any visual sales involved enticements. Without this stuff , it'll be a hard sell .Buy one and you can be a dealer with parts availability( you don't have to warehouse) from parts warehouse in Long Island, NY. The unit will run (your cost) +3800 plus 6 bills for shipping....... Most shops say they offer the parts on the Velorex site but don't cause it's a hassle.... Too bad , I have a velorex that could use some parts.
But the otherthing was that I've been seeing a few sidecars that are half the price recently, don't know anything about them except they look more modern and half the price..... this would make the Velorex an even harder sale.
I have known a couple guys that had issue with getting "light" , they ended up using an alumunium wing much like a vintage dragster/formula 1 over the top of the hack`, they said it worked great, we all thought it looked cool back then but I can't be sure either would still hold true.
If anyone is a Velorex dealer here, PM me please, I need parts.

b5rider · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2015, 08:50:46 AM »

My sidecar is a Spirit Eagle all fiberglass car. The builder welded a steel plank to the frame for ballast. Worked out pretty good

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2015, 09:32:08 AM »

Hey Guys,

I don't want to hijack the thread, but the thought of a sidecar is very interesting to me.
Was wondering if the sidecar can be set up for "occasional use"?
If it would be practical so that when I want to use it, I can attach and then detach when I just want to ride by myself.

Thanks,

Charlie

b5rider · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2015, 09:51:32 AM »

Quote from: oldhatt45 on May 25, 2015, 09:32:08 AM

Hey Guys,

I don't want to hijack the thread, but the thought of a sidecar is very interesting to me.
Was wondering if the sidecar can be set up for "occasional use"?
If it would be practical so that when I want to use it, I can attach and then detach when I just want to ride by myself.

Thanks,

Charlie

Sure, I can take mine off by undoing 4 bolts.
After a while, your tires will flatten and wear out faster due to your bike not leaning. It's best to weld your brackets to your frame. Other than that, it will be a doable compromise

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #23 on:** May 25, 2015, 10:47:15 AM »

b5rider,
Thanks.
Just wonder what is still attached to the bike after removing the bolts.

Thanks,

Charlie

b5rider · « **Reply #24 on:** May 25, 2015, 10:52:18 AM »

Just some brackets. You don't even know they are there unless you look for them

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Author Topic: Sidecars (Read 5606 times)