Why a Sidecar ?

[Smitty901]

I get ask that from time to time. The reasons are many. This is just one . Payton my 9 Year old granddaughter can not walk and as of now her legs will not allow her to ride on a motorcycle. 3 1/2 years ago the sidecar opened up her world and she became a rider. I can not explain the joy she gets from it.

This morning around 0930 is a Breakfast day a Local HD/BMW dealer . Something they do every year. Kind of a wake up call weather is about to change.

Payton is spending the weekend with us . Last night as we talked about going, she made it clear . We are riding. The temps are expected to be 28-32 about that time . I explained that to her as I always do. This 9 year old will not be deterred from a ride. She said put the Canopy on please. So latter we will ride. It is only a 15 mile ride one way . Of course we may take the long way around.

IMO events like this help bring younger people to an interest in Motorcycles. Grandson will also be going. He has not made up his mind it he is riding on back or with Grandma.

Contrary to what some say Sidecars done right , operated by an experienced rider in a proper manner are safe. As I said before it opened up her world and sharing that joy with her opened up mine.

To quote a older grandchild "Riding the sidecar is like a Carnival, except you don't need a ticket and have to be 3 feet tall to ride."

 

[Gorilla]

The smile is all the reason necessary and the GREAT reward. Good Job

 

[Smitty901]

Today's ride was great. 31 degrees when we left 40 when we got back Kale rode on back and Payton in here car. Kale is 9 years old also he figure he could take over.

 

[peteg59]

Kids look like they're having fun...:clapping:

How does the Street handle with an occupied sidecar and two up on the bike, from a power standpoint?

 

[rhino 2]

Today's ride was great. 31 degrees when we left 40 when we got back Kale rode on back and Payton in here car. Kale is 9 years old also he figure he could take over.

View attachment 55624View attachment 55625

Memories like this will never be forgotten........:clapping::clapping:

 

[Smitty901]

Kids look like they're having fun...:clapping:

How does the Street handle with an occupied sidecar and two up on the bike, from a power standpoint?

It is outstanding. The 750 Street handles it better than My 1996 Fatboy did. I have to admit I am shocked. Plan was put it on the Street for a while give me time to check over my old 96. I knew Street would just be short rides on the back roads. I could not have been more wrong about that. It is now staying on the Street for good. Lucky when I set up my Trust it was worded the bike with the Sidecar is Payton's it passes to my second son her Uncle to for her benefit. So at least we don't need to change it.

Cruse at 70mph is no problem . It handles well at 80mph. It takes off quick.

Away the 3 of us go.

 

[Pooch]

Good on you Smitty! You are making memories for your grandkids. Speaking of grandkids, do you know why grand parents and grand kids get along so well?

It's because we have a common enemy!

 

[stacebg]

that is awesome!!

great to get them involved at a young age

and yes a sidecar rig can be very safe but can be dangerous with the wrong nut behind the bars..

i had a kz1300 w a legend sidecar... very comfortable ... never had any interest in a hack at all but at the time my daughter was 5 or 6 and i had the kz (set aside to be a trike) and legend came available for $1500 and was only a couple yrs old... lotta fun miles.. liked it so much i kept it long after she started riding on the back

(with her mom) on the vmax trike

did you do anything with the front end?

 

[Smitty901]

Next couple days weather will be above freezing. Grandson 9 year old does not have school Monday and Tuesday. Daughter of course has to go in she works at the school. She ask if I could watch Kale. Twist my arm . Two days of trashing around with Kale any time. I think we need to test out some new lights on the sidecar. That would require a lot of riding.

 

[Smitty901]

Because today one Grandchild rode to Church with me, the other rode home they had a blast even though it was 27-30 degrees out. Of course they ask to have the Canopy on , they aren't dump kids.

 

[Smitty901]

Because yesterday was one of those I get to take Payton to school days. A nice 25 mile ride. We leave the house at 0700. Cool 40 degrees she is snug and warm in her sidecar. Then pick her up at 1440 . Ride to PT appointment then take her to her other Grandmother's house by 1730. A boring day in a car for both of us. With the sidecar an adventure.

She has enjoyed 400 miles of riding this winter.

 

[Smitty901]

Because it is a great day for a ride, but after all that rain the grass must be cut. Nice thing is two 5 gallon gas cans fit right in the side car and it is 13 miles to town if you take the direct route. Think I went a little farther .

 

[Smitty901]

because it is 91 degrees and 70% humidity. The pool is low on salt due to changing some of the water. Good enough reason for a ride . head to town pick up 5, 40 lbs bags. try that on any other bike.

 

[radismukes]

You are a very blessed family, our kids and grand kids are our greats!:clapping::clapping:

 

[Smitty901]

You are a very blessed family, our kids and grand kids are our greats!:clapping::clapping:

Being a Grandparent is a big part of life. When you thought your own children had filled your life with excitement and joy. The Grandchildren come along. Tomorrow Wife Oldest son and two of the Grandchildren take off for 3 days in Chicago to visit some Museums. Sitting this trip out. Going to get some solo riding in.

 

[Pegasus1300]

Very nice KZ1300. I had 2 of them.One bare and one fully dressed. Riding one of those was like being on the end of a long rubber band. Where did you get that front end. What a great problem solver.

that is awesome!!

great to get them involved at a young age

and yes a sidecar rig can be very safe but can be dangerous with the wrong nut behind the bars..

i had a kz1300 w a legend sidecar... very comfortable ... never had any interest in a hack at all but at the time my daughter was 5 or 6 and i had the kz (set aside to be a trike) and legend came available for $1500 and was only a couple yrs old... lotta fun miles.. liked it so much i kept it long after she started riding on the back

(with her mom) on the vmax trike

did you do anything with the front end?

 

[Smitty901]

Why a sidecar. To nice a day to take the car and some shopping that would not fit on the RGU needed to be done. Every thing fit just fine in the sidecar. What would have been just another darn trip into town became an enjoyable ride.

 

[stacebg]

Very nice KZ1300. I had 2 of them.One bare and one fully dressed. Riding one of those was like being on the end of a long rubber band. Where did you get that front end. What a great problem solver.

leading link is one i built

used to build a lot of them but raked trees have become so much cheaper i dont get much call...still like the fact that the LL has adjustable trail and its not a big deal to change springs an shocks

 

[Smitty901]

leading link is one i built

used to build a lot of them but raked trees have become so much cheaper i dont get much call...still like the fact that the LL has adjustable trail and its not a big deal to change springs an shocks

I had for many years forgotten about sidecars. My granddaughter sparked the interest again . As the current riders age we may see new interest. Doing my part.

The new Twin classic is being built in Murry KY right now. It is going to be a blast.

 

[Smitty901]

As most often the Polaris won't run. Small stumps to cut off along the right of way 3/4 of a mile . load the tools up in the sidecar and have at. Much more fun than the Polaris junk.