Topic: California Sidecar

[Uncle Ernie]

Forgot to mention that there have been several discussions about owners and or passengers with different physical variations from the norm.  One guys son is autistic, for instance. Discussions about the efficacy of roll bars and various restraint systems, possible crash protection, even heaters. Just things to look for...

[bill440cars]

Forgot to mention that there have been several discussions about owners and or passengers with different physical variations from the norm.  One guys son is autistic, for instance. Discussions about the efficacy of roll bars and various restraint systems, possible crash protection, even heaters. Just things to look for...

            Thanks again for that I'll check into that. My wife and I work with 2 teenage boys (both soon to be 18). James has cerebral palsy. His coordination and legs are what mainly affected physically. Mentally, he's pretty sharp but, pretty naive about reality (He does alot of fantasizing). Joey is pretty well developed physically but, has a coordination problem also. He somewhat mentally challenged also.  They (especially James) are a good part of the reason that I wanted to get a sidecar. I wanted them to
get out and feel the wind in their face (as much as they can with a helmet on) and have the  experience of getting out and riding a bike. I have considered some sort of roll bar for the sidecar and it has provisions for a seat belt. I'll have to check into that. Thanks , Later on, Bill

[Egil]

Any chance that the sidecare you are thinking about, that you maybe can get it as a double side by side or front and rear seat
In those way you can take bout sons out in the blowing wind on the bike .
Ore a classic hondatrike  3 seater
Hope it goes well

[bill440cars]

Any chance that the sidecare you are thinking about, that you maybe can get it as a double side by side or front and rear seat
In those way you can take bout sons out in the blowing wind on the bike .
Ore a classic hondatrike  3 seater
Hope it goes well

                        Only thing is, I've already got the 80' CB750K to put it on and, by now, I've gotten
             the early model (70's, I think or maybe early 80's) California Companion sidecar to mount on
             the 750. James will ride in the sidecar (he's wheelchair and, with a support to keep his
             knees apart, he can operate a walker) and Joey can ride behind me. My wife and I work
             with these 2 guys, under the waiver system of social security. In our case, it's kinda like
             being paid to be a grandparent. It's not a high paying job but, the returns are worth it. I
             couldn't swing a trike and I wouldn't want to put a larger sidecar on this bike. Thanks for
             your response though. Every response is appreciated.  Later on, Bill

[Uncle Ernie]

Dear God- look that subject up in the archives, too- please.

[bill440cars]

Dear God- look that subject up in the archives, too- please.

 Uncle Ernie misunderstood my previous post (That's why he got rattled). He thought I was going to have a passenger on the back of the bike at times without a passenger (or at least ballast) in the sidecar. I PM'd him and explained that I'd aways have the ballast or a person in the sidecar when I rode.
I just wanted to reassure Uncle Ernie and let you guys know why he reacted the way he did. Later on, Bill

[bill440cars]

   Well, now I'm not sure what my sidecar is. My buddy said it was a California sidecar but maybe a company that California bought out. I found that the  early California Companion looks a lot like it except for the wheel. Mine has a 16" spoke wheel and the one I found had a mag wheel. Now, I have found a Kawasaki Z-1 w/ a sidecar that looks more like it and with the spoke wheel and it's built by American Easy Rider. It's ebay item# 4637110382 if anyone wants to check it out. I gotta do some more checking out. I need to get out and see if there are any numbers or any info at all. I'll post what ever I find out. Later on, Bill

[bill440cars]

              Whew, I can't believe that I've had this sidecar for 2 months now and it's not hooked up
        yet. Seems like everything in the world has been going on and I've been spinning my wheels.
        Well, I finally got me a clutch lever and after a battle to get the lever screw out (it was seized
        in the lever it's self) and replaced the lever. After a bit, I got all the parts and put a headlight
        together. I got a couple of front turn signals (along with some extra lens) from a local buddy.
        Then I got some more turn signals and the front mounts and all four mounting screws (and
        some other choice parts) from Terry (cb650) and today, I made a pair of rear turn signal
        mounts (Still looking for actual  mounts) and installed them w/ the signals. Now, clean the
        carbs, replace the tires, hook the side car up (been working on positioning the clamps and
        getting it ready to hook it up), get the thing insured, licensed and go do some PRACTICING,
        PRACTICING and more PRACTICING. Hopefully be ready to take James out in it on the 17th (His
        18th Birthday) And I will try to get some pictures posted one way or another. I didn't intend to
         let this get strung out this far. I'm going to have to hustle to get this finished. I'll try to keep
         you guys up on this. I'm going to have a heck of a time getting enough room in my garage to
         park this rig. It takes up a bit of room you know. I am thinking about upgrading the front brake
         with a dual rotor and the forks w/air assist too. Not sure exactly. Later on, Bill

[Uncle Ernie]

Sounds like there's still plenty of time to make it more complicated.