Sidecar yes or no

Hans

Hans

New member
Location
Netherlands
I bought a Moto Guzzi (V50 NATO) to get used to side-car driving. And, I liked it. Totally different style but also a lot of fun. The Guzzi is sold again because I want to “upgrade” to better driveability, better looks and some more comfort.

And then the question pops up.
Do I just buy an already existing bike (not necessarily a Laverda, sorry) with a side-car or do I bolt a side-car to my 1969 GT 750?
The GT lacks a subframe but I borrowed a subframe to act as a mould. So no issue there.
The guy I borrowed the subframe from has driven a GT with side-car for five hears without any issue, also no need to adapt the front fork.

What is the opninion in the Laverda group?
 
Perhaps the previous owner is a good place to start to find out more information about the registration of a 750 GT with sidecar in the Netherlands.
However, keeping the OE telescopic fork in conjunction with a sidecar is IMHO not a good idea because it's not intended for such use.
 
thanx, registration is just a few mouse clicks without any cost in NL. We have no TUV for motorcycles, except when self-build from scratch.
 
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If I remember it correctly, from late 1960's onwards there were no longer any serial motorcycles designed for use with sidecars.

As you look for better driveablilty, I would point you to special manufacturers, such as EML for example.
 
I fully realise that EML has good products, so has the new owner of EZS, Tipteq or other companies.
But the initial question is, buy a motorcycle with side-car or create a one-of-a-kind GT 750? It is not intended to be used as a daily driver, merely for a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park.
 
Interesting topic. Wlodek is now 13 months since his stroke. One arm and one leg very weak, just started walking with a frame. He is harrassing me to put a chair on his RGS. My biggest concern is the amount of steering input required, yes he won't fall over, but how does he turn the thing with one weak arm? How high is the steering input? I don't think I would have to worry about pressurizing the motor, it's not going on the race track. If I build it for him, will he be able to turn it?

Sorry for the thread hijack☺️
 
I did loads of work on the triple rig pictured below. As it came to the shop, it tried to kill me on my first test ride, the fucker wouldn't steer at anything above 25km/h. The engine was rebuilt and lots of chassis issues were attended to. The chair geometry was completely wrong and required a fair amount of head-scratching and thought to put right. Despite the high and wide bars, steering still needs a high amount of effort, the thing needs to be bullied around a corner, but does continue straight ahead if I take my hands off the bars at 80 km/h.

Heavy, ponderous and treacherous, can't say it does anything for me. Honestly, I don't get the point of sidecars. I've been able to sample a fair few, ranging from a Heinkel scooter to H-D Electra Glide. Imho, a nice little roadster/convertible will do the same job, with more safety and comfort.

Can't see an early Laverda 750-based rig being much joy. Flat steering angle and spindly forks sound rather under-whelming to me.

piet
 

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This is what you need for some adventure. Fell of the BM 5 times on that track, could have done with a chair attached myself.
 

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I suggested a Gilera 3 wheel scooter but apparently that was below what wlodek would accept. I agree with you Piet, trying to drive an outfit is hard enough, but with one arm.......
 
That's a very purposeful looking outfit, Rob! Reminds me of Road and Debbie (ex-Hartley m/cycles) who do wild trips with a bunch of others on 100-1300 Suzuki outfits.

Definitely don't recommend a big fat chair for someone of compromised arm strength. Unless you can fit power steering to it. Chairs are an acquired taste - and I never quite acquired it.
 
My one and only was in a narrow lane and a goldwing with leading link that supposedly handled well I didn't agree when it suddenly turned right after closing the throttle I then was told they all do that so fuck that for a joke
 
Sidecars are a totally different musical instrument to solos. Some get heavily addicted and never leave, it is better to discuss sidecars with those who are into them than with us solo riders. I travelled through central Oz with friends and their sidecar and fully appreciate the attraction. I have ridden quite a few and they can be tons of fun. Like Piet says, setup is critical for ride-ability.
 
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