Decision time on sidecar

 I've found a buyer for my Vespacar truckster, which would finance
installation of a Velorex 562 onto my Suzuki S40 (aka Savage LS650).

However, the installer strongly recommends a steering mod, which
would make the bike undriveable on its own, so it becomes dedicated
to sidecar only. Uh oh, decision time. It's like *losing* my trusty S40
that I'm so fond of. Mebbe I should buy some old beater of a 750
and use that instead.

I found some guy's blog who fitted a 562E onto a '77 BMW R100/7:

   http://www.tikaro.com/motorcycles/

The hack sure looks big in comparison to his bike (and the S40
is even smaller):

  http://www.flickr.com/photos/tikaro/20355503/

One reason for the sidecar was so I could drive in the snow
without the bike falling over... well we just got some snow recently
and I think the whole rig would just sit there spinning its rear wheel.

Ural?

Sean_Q_

 Sean wrote:


Your S40 is awfully light for this, or any full-size, sidecar.


As I mentioned earlier, I had a California Frendship II on an '81 R100
and it handled the 240 pound hack rather well. I did not put a leading
link fork on it, though it does help with steering.


Get some stout rope and wrap it around the rear wheel like a chain. Tie
a firm knot.

I really never had any trouble driving in snow. Don't do this until you
have a lot of experience, though.

--
   -bts
   -Motorcycles defy gravity; cars just suck

 Beauregard T. Shagnasty wrote:


I wanted to keep the rig light because it has no reverse gear.

This site http://www.themotocycleshop.com/SideCars.htm  says:

   The Velorex 562 is a classic European style sidecar for your
   motorcycle. Constructed of fiberglass, it is durable and lightweight.
   It is the most reasonably priced sidecar in the world today,
   and it will complement any motorcycle 400cc or larger.

   Specifications:
   Length: 6' 1.5" (187cm)
   Width: 30" (76cm)
   Height: 46" (117cm)
   Wheel: 16"
   Tire: 3.50 x 16
   Weight: 154 lbs (69kgs)
   Leg Room: 46.5" (118cm)
   Hip Room: 20" (51cm)
   Ground Clearance: 8" (20cm)
   Electrical System: 12v

The sidecar shop sent me a pic of an S40 that they fitted to
a Champion Escort, which is even heavier (and meant for 750cc+):

 From http://www.championsidecars.com/sidecars/specs.aspx

   ESCORT SPECIFICATIONS
   Overall width     37 in
   Overall length     78 in
   Height to windshield     50 in
   Net weight     190 lbs
   Ground clearance     7 in
   Hip room     26 in
   Leg room     51 in
   Shoulder Width     26 in
   Load capacity     450 lbs
   Tire size     145SR 13 (tubeless)
   Motorcycle engine size     750 cc and larger
   Trunk Capacity     5 CF

SQ

 Sean wrote:


You learn quickly to not drive yourself into a situation where reverse
would be required. But it is normally easy to back up, by standing next
to the bike, holding handlebars, and walking backwards, hip against left
side of seat. I had no reverse on my rigs.


You may certainly use the S40 if you want to, though I wouldn't
recommend it. Also remember your standard gas tank is a bit small, as
your mileage will be considerably lower with the sidecar.

What are the specs for the S40's horsepower and torque?

--
   -bts
   -Motorcycles defy gravity; cars just suck

 On Fri, 01 Feb 2008 13:25:00 GMT, "Beauregard T. Shagnasty"


I have 2 bad legs and I can manage to back my 1,000# rig up without
any trouble. You do have to use care not to park downhill and expect
to backup easily.


I lost about 5 mpg at freeway speed with the sidecar. the windshield
on the Velorex is quite high and I intend to cut it down by half as
I don't intend to ride passengers very often. It probably won't make
much difference in mileage but I think It'll look better......8^)