New member, 3 SV's, all somewhat different!

Originally Posted by andrewsmith

What like so

Similar.

In general, I like to use more than one loose fitting jiggle pin and I enforce a strict "no sheep" policy.

[ChrisCurvyS]

Originally Posted by agent wayward

I prefer "reassuringly expensive".

I make sidecars for a living, the sidecar industry, such as it is, consists of very small companies, such as mine, not many of them, and they make tiny quantities. This means they are all hand made, making them expensive.

Easily detachable is often requested. However, whilst my sidecars detach with 4 fixings, you don't want it to be too easy, since "accidentally detachable" can be alarming. Also, once they've learned how to ride a sidecar properly, very few people are interested in riding solo again.

The SV in the pic is my demo, as such it's for sale. I've been offered £5k for it, but didn't accept as I'd literally only just finished it and wanted to ride it a bit first.

Ha - at least you could take comfort from the fact that the reassuring expense goes towards proper old-fashioned craftsmanship. Have you ever made a dog-specifc sidecar?!

Interesting comment re sidecar users never going back to two wheels - riding one is quite an art form isn't it? Remind me - they understeer in right-handers and tip the sidecar in left-handers and you have to steer a little to the right in a straight line to keep true?

Originally Posted by ChrisCurvyS

Ha - at least you could take comfort from the fact that the reassuring expense goes towards proper old-fashioned craftsmanship. Have you ever made a dog-specifc sidecar?!

Interesting comment re sidecar users never going back to two wheels - riding one is quite an art form isn't it? Remind me - they understeer in right-handers and tip the sidecar in left-handers and you have to steer a little to the right in a straight line to keep true?

Around 25% of my customers primarily want a sidecar for their dog. They have all selected an adaption of an existing model so far.

Riding a sidecar is technically far more difficult and more challenging than riding a solo. Most people can ride a solo reasonably well after a day or so of training and practice. To be proficient at riding a sidecar takes most people a few months. Longer if they have been solo riders for a long time.

Most people talk a load of nonsense about sidecar riding, based upon their mate's experience from the pub, who rode one once and hit a tree. Presumably without any training and on a badly setup outfit.

Sidecars take left or right hand corners equally well and extremely quickly if required, without understeer or lifting the chair, if you know how to ride them. A sidecar is steered on the throttle and to a lesser extent, the brakes. A sidecar with a braked sidecar wheel can also use that to steer.

Basically, approach a left hander slower than you want to go around it, then wind the throttle open as you go around the corner. The more throttle, the faster you will turn and the less sidecar lift or lightness.

Right handers. Approach the bend fast, then decellerate or brake, depending upon how quickly you want to corner.

Alternatively, power through a right hander and drift the outfit around the corner, balancing the throttle against the steering. Roadabouts are fun.

In a straight line, a sidecar should track completely straight, on an average road. Roads with adverse camber will cause them to pull to one side.

It's nothing like a solo. Or a quad. Or any other vehicle. But it is fun.

TOTALLY agree.
I had an outfit for a couple of years. They can be very very rapid in the right hands.

Originally Posted by agent wayward

Sidecars take left or right hand corners equally well and extremely quickly if required, without understeer or lifting the chair, if you know how to ride them. A sidecar is steered on the throttle and to a lesser extent, the brakes. A sidecar with a braked sidecar wheel can also use that to steer.

Basically, approach a left hander slower than you want to go around it, then wind the throttle open as you go around the corner. The more throttle, the faster you will turn and the less sidecar lift or lightness.

Right handers. Approach the bend fast, then decellerate or brake, depending upon how quickly you want to corner.

Alternatively, power through a right hander and drift the outfit around the corner, balancing the throttle against the steering. Roadabouts are fun.

In a straight line, a sidecar should track completely straight, on an average road. Roads with adverse camber will cause them to pull to one side.

It's nothing like a solo. Or a quad. Or any other vehicle. But it is fun.

[andrewsmith]

Originally Posted by agent wayward

Around 25% of my customers primarily want a sidecar for their dog. They have all selected an adaption of an existing model so far.

Riding a sidecar is technically far more difficult and more challenging than riding a solo. Most people can ride a solo reasonably well after a day or so of training and practice. To be proficient at riding a sidecar takes most people a few months. Longer if they have been solo riders for a long time.

Most people talk a load of nonsense about sidecar riding, based upon their mate's experience from the pub, who rode one once and hit a tree. Presumably without any training and on a badly setup outfit.

Sidecars take left or right hand corners equally well and extremely quickly if required, without understeer or lifting the chair, if you know how to ride them. A sidecar is steered on the throttle and to a lesser extent, the brakes. A sidecar with a braked sidecar wheel can also use that to steer.

Basically, approach a left hander slower than you want to go around it, then wind the throttle open as you go around the corner. The more throttle, the faster you will turn and the less sidecar lift or lightness.

Right handers. Approach the bend fast, then decellerate or brake, depending upon how quickly you want to corner.

Alternatively, power through a right hander and drift the outfit around the corner, balancing the throttle against the steering. Roadabouts are fun.

In a straight line, a sidecar should track completely straight, on an average road. Roads with adverse camber will cause them to pull to one side.

It's nothing like a solo. Or a quad. Or any other vehicle. But it is fun.

Been on the chair in a F2 racing sidecar and totally agree with that principle. Granted thats with a 140 brake and 220+ wide racing slicks on it

[Mauler]

I can't see the 2nd pic (if it a Facebook link?) but the rising sun bike and sidey look awesome

I've actually fully perved at this machine whilst attending a course at RAF Base near you, love it, surprised me when I opened this thread.

[ChrisCurvyS]

That sounds fascinating and something I'd certainly like to try. Feel like I've learnt most of what there is to learn about two-wheelers now so I'd like a new challenge.

I'd have to keep reminding myself not to filter though - unless you make a retractable sidcar?!

I take it existing bikers take longer to learn because they're used to steering the opposite way round?

[mattSV]

Originally Posted by agent wayward

I have built many sidecars for disabled passengers and riders. I'm about to begin a custom disabled sidecar outfit, based on a Sunbeam S7 Deluxe, which will be piloted from the sidecar on the right hand side of the bike.

Here's one I made earlier for a powered wheelchair user: (apologies for non SV'ness)

No need for an apology, most of us on here have a Triumph now anyway

Originally Posted by Tommo1988

I've actually fully perved at this machine whilst attending a course at RAF Base near you, love it, surprised me when I opened this thread.

You'll have walked past my house on the way to the pub then!