No. 794Anonymous 13th January 2010 Wednesday 8:42 pm794Motorbike and Sidecar?
I hardly ever see these out and about. It's such a shame - the efficiency and thrill of motorcycle riding, with the benefit of added passenger space.
I'm considering purchasing a very similar vessel to the one pictured, but I can't quite bring myself to part with my car. The benefits of a watertight compartment and heated seats outweight the romance and adventure associated with these fellows.
Who has had one of these? Who wants one, no matter how secretly? Who wants to join me in mine, while we hurtle around the English countryside solving crimes and stuff? Get in touch.
They hold a certain charm, I can see that, but you lose so many of the benefits of being on a bike that as you say, you might as well be in a car. I've seen a couple in town from time to time and they look like a nightmare to pilot in any kind of traffic.
They do seem lopsided - how tricky is it to tip them over, do you know?
If I bought one, I'd consider buying a Ural outfit - two wheel drive, with reverse. I think they have some sort of diff lock as well, as the Russian military use them for their off-road shenanigans.
>>796 Yes I imagine the military ones are probably a bit more sorted. I think the issue is that bikes are supposed to lean when going round corners and you would certainly lose some of that with such an arrangement.
I'd be more worried about going for a gap in the traffic and taking the passenger off - also, I think that being a rider in the sidecar might be one of the most frightening experiences on the road.
>>797 Yes, you use all of the leaning. I've only come across one person with motorbike and sidecar, and he'd replaced the driving wheel tyre with a car tyre. Absolutely loved it though. I would most certainly like one.
Never been much of a fan of the new shapes. Pretty cool though, and I think I appreciate the skill and stamina involved with sidecar racing more than I do watching other motorsports.
>>825 tis the whole connection you have to have with your partner, you have to be able to rely on them to either put the bike in the right place, or put themselves in the right place while hurtling along at 100+ Mph... its a really disciplined sport that I feel does not get anywhere near the promotion it deserves.
>>826 to that end, I know there a few bikers on here, and a few psychopaths, we should start our own FiA break away group - build a couple of these and take them round the local supermarkets.
