Topic: Dumb question - sidecars

[eigenvector]

Probably obvious, but why do you need a special endorsement to get approval to ride with a sidecar attachment?  Are they really difficult to handle?

[Ridem32]

Here in Mississippi we don't need to get approved for riding with a sidecar.  What state are you in?


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[eigenvector]

Washington

[Deerslayer]

As far as I know, you don't need one in New York.

[carnivorous chicken]

As far as I know, you don't need one in New York.

I think you're right, I had a friend with a sidecar on her CB550 that I worked on.

They're fun, but they do take some thinking when riding -- you've got to remember you're taking up more space, turning is steering no leaning (and sometimes kinda tough). Dunno if that should be enough to require another endorsement.

[seanbarney41]

They are not easy to drive/ride.  Handling dynamics is totally different from both cars and motorcycles and non-symmetrical.  You must do different things to turn right than you would do to turn left.  As far as I know, a standard motorcycle endorsement gets you legal for sidecars in Michigan.

[BomberMann650]

It is a bit weird to operate a sidecar.  A real surprise for the uninitiated.

They can also be quite luxurious.

[strynboen]

yes sidecars is living ther ovn lives..and try to kill you,,if they get the chance.
..so no idea for not trained riders..as the speed get heiger..the sidecar gets easyer to ride vith...BUT the stering get harder vhen you gets to a turn..so many are inn for a surprice in the first corner..you just going straight aut..even you tryes hard to turn..
in denmark all riders get a sidecar licens as a bonus..taking the normal licens..it takes 6 lektions-abaut 4 auers..and is both praktis riding and teori abaut geometri and lights/brak systems/safty/pasenger safty..and on..and on. it dont make you a perfekt sidecar rider..but yoy got a idea of the safty problems it gives.riding a non symetric ride...

and yes its fysic hard(specily if you make funny Things)..and you need to learn to turn to both sides..in all speeds..its not as easy as it looks

[MikeSimon]

Strange that some states require a sidecar endorsement and others classify 3-wheeled cars (Slingshot) as motorcycles...go figure.

[eigenvector]

I suppose it's obvious about the handling and the asymmetry of the bike, but the way it handles at speed definitely surprises me.

As for the laws - well that's not surprising.  Most states have helmet laws, but some don't (screwy).  Some states don't require insurance (mine doesn't) - most do.

[MikeSimon]

I found out yesterday, that Ohio has a thing called "3-wheeler" endorsement. You can ride a Can-Am Spyder, a Slingshot but NOT a motorcycle....Strange thing is, motorcycles with sidecars are still motorcycles, so you need a motorcycle endorsement.

[bear]

They are not easy to drive/ride.  Handling dynamics is totally different from both cars and motorcycles and non-symmetrical.  You must do different things to turn right than you would do to turn left. 

Yep....definitely the worst of both worlds. 

Cheers,
Brian