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NeilV · 01-17-2007, 05:43 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by smlranger:
OK, I'm just exploring. Had a motorcycle twice in my life, once when I was very young and most recently about 2 years ago (Yamaha V-Star Classic). Had an incident in which I was lucky to survive without serious injury so I let the wrecker take the bike and I have not ridden since.

DW now tells me she would ride with me if I got either a trike or bike with sidecar. Here is the deal...we take our dog with us whenever we can and she thinks he would love to ride in the sidecar.

I'd consider a trike but can't figure how I'd get a wife and a 42 lb. dog on it with me. So, a decent bike with a sidecar is an option I'd consider.

My question: how does a sidecar rig handle? I realize you can't lean the bike much so is it pretty much a novelty that you tire of quickly? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not much experience but you may want to check out the United Sidecar Association at:

http://www.sidecar.com/links3.asp

http://www.sidecar.com/

If you want to try a trike, Lehman makes some decent ones with the entry level based on the midsized Suzuki bikes.

Two Bit · 01-18-2007, 05:42 AM

I haven't had touring bikes in a couple of decades, but once saw a rig in the late 1980's that was a Goldwing pulling a trailer. The trailer was built somewhat like a sidecar and there was a medium to large size dog in it. It had a bubble top to keep the dog inside, and protected from the weather, and wind. It may have been a custom rig or manufactured from a sidecar, but it did look nice matched up to the Goldwing. It would not have had any of the sidecar handling problems.
P.S. I have also seen dogs riding in sidecars, with two people on the bike.

RustyJC · 01-18-2007, 05:45 AM

If you're interested in a trike, Robert raises an excellent point. Cargo and camping trailers are widely available for motorcycle applications. I'll bet you (or the trailer builder) could customize one of these for the pooch!

That would free you up to look at trikes in lieu of sidecars.

Rusty

smlranger · 01-18-2007, 09:47 AM

All good suggestions. I have been networking with some folks over on sidecar.com and at least one tells me weight distribution is critical with sidecar applications. Apparently, putting me and the wife on the bike and a 42 lb dog in the sidecar will not make a happy ride. Wife and dog should both be in the sidecar.

It's no question I'd rather have a trike since I don't really want to do the two wheel thing again. The trailer idea is a good one.

The trike I like best is the Gold Wing...just would need to find one this is within my desired spending limit.

MightyWind · 01-18-2007, 02:04 PM

Honestly I would not recommmend it. You would probably have more fun with a small convertable. It would be easier to tow, service, and cost less. It would be much safer for you if the dog is in the mix too.

Jestme13 · 01-18-2007, 02:55 PM

Ya know Wind, that is a very good idea.

Ranger, you will never get yourself, your wife and the dog on a GW or HD Trike.......NEVER !

We bought our Trike and a matching custom trailer to haul it behind the coach. But ck it out and satisfy yourself.

Sarah and Jack · 01-18-2007, 06:45 PM

35 years riding, 20yrs sidecars, 4 different rigs, one trike. IMHO sidecars are alot more fun and alot more like a motorcycle. I have noticed that everyone waves at a sidecar! Some of the new rigs are even leanable. A rigid sidecar will not handle like a solo bike in that you have to steer it rather than lean it. A good source for information is United Sidecar Association at sidecar.com.

Two Bit · 01-19-2007, 03:53 AM

Do an image search on Yahoo for "dog in sidecar" for several pictures. Here was one intersting one that looks at it from the other (dog) perspective.
http://www.ananova.com/images/web/276146.jpg
I would put a restraint on the guy in the sidecar though, he might jump out after a cat!

smlranger · 01-19-2007, 03:57 AM

Robert:

We always use a restraint harness with our dog, even when he rides in the car. He loves to lean on the door and look out the window. I think he would really like the sidecar.

I'll check out the pics. thanks.

hondo122 · 01-19-2007, 03:00 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by smlranger:
OK, I'm just exploring. Had a motorcycle twice in my life, once when I was very young and most recently about 2 years ago (Yamaha V-Star Classic). Had an incident in which I was lucky to survive without serious injury so I let the wrecker take the bike and I have not ridden since.

DW now tells me she would ride with me if I got either a trike or bike with sidecar. Here is the deal...we take our dog with us whenever we can and she thinks he would love to ride in the sidecar.

I'd consider a trike but can't figure how I'd get a wife and a 42 lb. dog on it with me. So, a decent bike with a sidecar is an option I'd consider.

My question: how does a sidecar rig handle? I realize you can't lean the bike much so is it pretty much a novelty that you tire of quickly? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
My wife and I have had the same conversation, Zeus is about 90lbs. but if my wife and I are there so is he.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 01-20-2007, 06:34 AM

Though I love motorcycles, I'd have to say that if I were planning on traveling with a passenger and a dog, I think I might have more fun with something like a Mini Cooper S convertable...

Sarah and Jack · 01-24-2007, 07:12 PM

Lots of sidecars out there with room for 2. If your wife wants to ride on the bike with you , the sidecar will need some ballast to keep wheel down on right turns. Doggy does not weigh enough alone. Jack

smlranger · 01-25-2007, 04:03 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sarah and Jack:
Lots of sidecars out there with room for 2. If your wife wants to ride on the bike with you , the sidecar will need some ballast to keep wheel down on right turns. Doggy does not weigh enough alone. Jack </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Jack, as I continue to research this, I now understand the need to put both wife and pooch in the sidecar. Have been reading Hal Kendall's books on sidecar operation.

Kablewizard · 01-25-2007, 12:49 PM

I have been watching this since it started and looking for what you need and finaly found the picture that says it all, it will be Here as soon as its released, should be today.

My answer would be like the one in the picture. One bike with sidecare for you and the dog, and another for the wife. Because of the problems after talking to the owner of the pictures rig, that was his answer. Sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear, My thought may sound bad, but I believe that your dog would be much better off and safer at home. Most times if anything happend and you went down that last thing anyone would worry about with the exception of you and your wife or close friend would be you best rider. As cute as it looks and as much as you would want to share your rides, it would be best.