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Not through riding

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Just turned 84. Been riding for 70 yrs. Per my (ex) wife's instructions, I sold my Triumph Trophy 900. Also had a fully restored 1968 BSA Thunderbolt. The BSA went to a collector in Argentina. The Triumph went to a much younger rider in Oregon. Since, I have realized I'm not quite ready to stop riding. I am buying a RE Classic 350. The Triumph had a sweet spot at about 90 and was starting to get a bit scary. Looking forward to sharing experiences with the rest of you old timers. I'll be riding 2 up with my Australian Shepherd. Been on the internet, looking for a small sidecar but Ill save that story for the gear section
 

smilespergallon

Well travelled
Location
Durham, NC
Welcome to the joys of Royal Enfields. The 350 is such a willing engine that just loves to cruise 5th from about 40-60 mph. Above that the engine is working a bit hard, so don't try any interstate or you might get run over. The 120 kph (75ish mph) speed limiter is not easy to hit, but a slower ride just means more time to enjoy it.
If the Triumph's sweet spot was a little scary, the Classic's sweet spot is relaxed and casual.

I'm one of the young kids around here, having recently crossed the half-century mark with only 30 years of riding behind me, so you should be able to find plenty to share and enjoy on these forums.

EDIT: Oh, what's your dog's name? Got pictures?
 

StefArmstg

Well travelled
Location
Colorado
Love sidecars. I've had four of them. Even the non-motorcyclists smile when they see one. I've never seen a dog in a sidecar, except in photos. That would be a special day.

I would say the Cozy Euro would be the one to have. A copy of the Steib LS200, made for small bikes and scooters.

motorcycle+sidecar+reviews.jpg
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Just turned 84. Been riding for 70 yrs. Per my (ex) wife's instructions, I sold my Triumph Trophy 900. Also had a fully restored 1968 BSA Thunderbolt. The BSA went to a collector in Argentina. The Triumph went to a much younger rider in Oregon. Since, I have realized I'm not quite ready to stop riding. I am buying a RE Classic 350. The Triumph had a sweet spot at about 90 and was starting to get a bit scary. Looking forward to sharing experiences with the rest of you old timers. I'll be riding 2 up with my Australian Shepherd. Been on the internet, looking for a small sidecar but Ill save that story for the gear section
Welcome to the joys of Royal Enfields. The 350 is such a willing engine that just loves to cruise 5th from about 40-60 mph. Above that the engine is working a bit hard, so don't try any interstate or you might get run over. The 120 kph (75ish mph) speed limiter is not easy to hit, but a slower ride just means more time to enjoy it.
If the Triumph's sweet spot was a little scary, the Classic's sweet spot is relaxed and casual.

I'm one of the young kids around here, having recently crossed the half-century mark with only 30 years of riding behind me, so you should be able to find plenty to share and enjoy on these forums.

EDIT: Oh, what's your dog's name? Got pictures?
Her name is Pumpkin. Named by a lady here in Brenham, who adopted her after Hurricane Harvey. Cathy got seriously ill abt 4 yrs ago and could not take care of Pumpkin any longer, so L was kind enough to take her. I have some service related issues and had her registered as an ESA, As soon as I get my new computer sorted out and get my pics loaded from my phone, Ill post a picture of Pumpkin and the BSA.
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Love sidecars. I've had four of them. Even the non-motorcyclists smile when they see one. I've never seen a dog in a sidecar, except in photos. That would be a special day.

I would say the Cozy Euro would be the one to have. A copy of the Steib LS200, made for small bikes and scooters.

View attachment 16619
A company named "Mod Bikes" in Austin, TX builds a line of serious electric bikes and also a small sidecar just right for a dog and/or groceries. Very light and IMO would be perfect for a 350. Look at their site and give me your opinion. I'm going to try to build a davit for the back corner of my PU so I can load/unload the rig. The central and western areas of Texas has some incredible bike roads but most are 200=400 miles from me and it would be foolish to ride that far to get there with the 350,dog and sidecar. I'm also working on a tiny bleed valve for the RE crankcase so it will drip a little oil like a proper Brit bike.
 

Roy Gavin

Well travelled
A company named "Mod Bikes" in Austin, TX builds a line of serious electric bikes and also a small sidecar just right for a dog and/or groceries. Very light and IMO would be perfect for a 350. Look at their site and give me your opinion. I'm going to try to build a davit for the back corner of my PU so I can load/unload the rig. The central and western areas of Texas has some incredible bike roads but most are 200=400 miles from me and it would be foolish to ride that far to get there with the 350,dog and sidecar. I'm also working on a tiny bleed valve for the RE crankcase so it will drip a little oil like a proper Brit bike.
My BSA Victor actually has a bleed valve which which can be adjusted to deposit a drip onto the front sprocket & chain.
Non O ring chains do not like to run dry and changing the sprocket requires the drive side and clutch to be removed!
 

BSA Biker

Finally made it
Location
Tarragona, Spain
As a newbie myself I'm not sure if welcoming you to the site is the right thing to do, but welcome anyway.

Like you, although you have a few more years under your belt then me, my 2017 Triumph T120 was getting too heavy so with a broken heart I've sold it and now, if the weather ever improves, am running in a new Red and Chrome Classic 350.

But my BSA 500cc Shooting Star will never be sold even though I now have to use my left leg to kick it over. Always said I'd have a Viking Burial with it, but now my very young grandson likes it so he can have it when I'm gone.

Back in the 1960's I owned and rode a BSA M33 500cc single with a heavy sidecar, its quite a different experience until you get used to the extra width/don't forget its there.:unsure::ROFLMAO:
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Oh! The unique old 441. It was on the short list of bikes I always wanted but never got. L assume you understood the drip device was just a product of my quirky humor.
 

StefArmstg

Well travelled
Location
Colorado
The Mod Easy sidecar does look very light, and dog sized, but I don't think I'd want one on motorcycle.

My first sidecar was a Velorex which I put on a SR500. It was full sized but had a light fiberglass body. It was difficult to keep on the ground in right hand turns. That became a plus once I got used to it. I took every right hander "flying the car". If fact, once I had it in the air I could keep it up as long as I wanted. I could even make left hand turns leaned over far enough to drag the foot peg.

On one ride to breakfast, I made a right turn into the parking lot, and turned left into the parking space right in front of the door with it still up in the air. And then dropped it back on it's wheel when I stopped. When I walked into the cafe, the cook asked me, "Did I just see what I saw".

Great fun. But the point is a very light sidecar is hard to keep on the ground, unless it has some weight in it. And I imagine one with a narrower track would lack the outrigger effect that gave it a sense of balance. It might work at bicycling speeds, but just looking at the Mod Easy left me feeling uneasy.

My later sidecars, including a Steib LS200, all had steel bodies. Not suitable for acrobatics, but more stable, and easier to ride... sanely.
 
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StefArmstg

Well travelled
Location
Colorado
...until you get used to the extra width/don't forget its there.:unsure::ROFLMAO:
My first time driving a sidecar rig, I borrowed one from a friend of a friend, who wanted to sell the sidecar, but keep the bike. We were at work. One of my coworkers hopped in the chair and we took it to lunch. I sort of forgot about the extra width turning it around at the restaurant, and hit a car bumper with the sidecar. Fortunately, the business next door was a body shop, and the car was there to get an estimate.

Returning the rig to the owner, I told him, well I guess I'm buying it. That was how I got the Velorex. I had it painted Luftwaffe desert camo while it was being repaired.
 

BSA Biker

Finally made it
Location
Tarragona, Spain
My first time driving a sidecar rig, I borrowed one from a friend of a friend, who wanted to sell the sidecar, but keep the bike. We were at work. One of my coworkers hopped in the chair and we took it to lunch. I sort of forgot about the extra width turning it around at the restaurant, and hit a car bumper with the sidecar. Fortunately, the business next door was a body shop, and the car was there to get an estimate.

Returning the rig to the owner, I told him, well I guess I'm buying it. That was how I got the Velorex. I had it painted Luftwaffe desert camo while it was being repaired.
I bought mine in separate parts as it was transported in the back of a van, so tried the bike out on its own, it would do 65mph flat out with or without the chair.
Great fun in the summer of 67.
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
The Mod Easy sidecar does look very light, and dog sized, but I don't think I'd want one on motorcycle.

My first sidecar was a Velorex which I put on a SR500. It was full sized but had a light fiberglass body. It was difficult to keep on the ground in right hand turns. That became a plus once I got used to it. I took every right hander "flying the car". If fact, once I had it in the air I could keep it up as long as I wanted. I could even make left hand turns leaned over far enough to drag the foot peg.

On one ride to breakfast, I made a right turn into the parking lot, and turned left into the parking space right in front of the door with it still up in the air. And then dropped it back on it's wheel when I stopped. When I walked into the cafe, the cook asked me, "Did I just see what I saw".

Great fun. But the point is a very light sidecar is hard to keep on the ground, unless it has some weight in it. And I imagine one with a narrower track would lack the outrigger effect that gave it a sense of balance. It might work at
My first time driving a sidecar rig, I borrowed one from a friend of a friend, who wanted to sell the sidecar, but keep the bike. We were at work. One of my coworkers hopped in the chair and we took it to lunch. I sort of forgot about the extra width turning it around at the restaurant, and hit a car bumper with the sidecar. Fortunately, the business next door was a body shop, and the car was there to get an estimate.

Returning the rig to the owner, I told him, well I guess I'm buying it. That was how I got the Velorex. I had it painted Luftwaffe desert camo while it was being repaired.
bicycling speeds, but just looking at the Mod Easy left me feeling uneasy.
When I etired
My later sidecars, including a Steib LS200, all had steel bodies. Not suitable for acrobatics, but more stable, and easier to ride... sanely.
Got a call back from Mod Bikes and they will only sell the sidecar with their bikes. I'm going to keep looking and if all fails, I'll build my own. when I retired and moved from Houston, I sold my bikes and a lot of my tools. Sounds like a good excuse to go to Harbor Freight, buy a small welder and get to work!
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Welcome Viking1 from Blanco TX. I'd love to add a small sidecar to the 350 for my beagle but the price of a new sidecar is almost as much as I paid for the bike so I'll keep an eye out for something used that might work.
Love the Hill Country. Back in the late 50's/early 60's I hunted on a lease outside Ingram. Survived late night races between Leakey and Hunt in a 1940 Ford and danced with the local girls at Criders. Local boys were never very hospitable. Thanks, I think you hit my way back button!
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
The Mod Easy sidecar does look very light, and dog sized, but I don't think I'd want one on motorcycle.

My first sidecar was a Velorex which I put on a SR500. It was full sized but had a light fiberglass body. It was difficult to keep on the ground in right hand turns. That became a plus once I got used to it. I took every right hander "flying the car". If fact, once I had it in the air I could keep it up as long as I wanted. I could even make left hand turns leaned over far enough to drag the foot peg.

On one ride to breakfast, I made a right turn into the parking lot, and turned left into the parking space right in front of the door with it still up in the air. And then dropped it back on it's wheel when I stopped. When I walked into the cafe, the cook asked me, "Did I just see what I saw".

Great fun. But the point is a very light sidecar is hard to keep on the ground, unless it has some weight in it. And I imagine one with a narrower track would lack the outrigger effect that gave it a sense of balance. It might work at bicycling speeds, but just looking at the Mod Easy left me feeling uneasy.

My later sidecars, including a Steib LS200, all had steel bodies. Not suitable for acrobatics, but more stable, and easier to ride... sanely.
Just noticed your Colotado address. During high school I worked summers on an uncles farm in Fowler, SE of Pueblo, While in the USAF, I went to Nuke Weapons school at Lowry AFB in Aurora. My favorite weekend eatery's were Guissepes(sp) in Colorado Springs and Sam's Place on Lookout Mtn. Thanks for sending me down memory lane.
 

Scott Free

Well travelled
Location
Ill-Annoy
Back In The Day (the '90s) I had a Harley Electra-Glide with a California Friendship 2 sidecar (my daughter's fourth birthday present, and her idea--she wanted to come along on those trips I was taking). The F2 was not a lightweight hack, but the Harley was not a lightweight bike, and I needed about 75 pounds of ballast to keep its flying-in-right-turns at the appropriate "amusement park ride" level (the kid loved it). Luckily, this was about the time linotype machines were being retired and I had a friend with contacts in the printing industry, so I got a 4 foot long lead bar that I secured to the bottom of the frame (you can see it in the photo).

16702

I put over 100K miles on this rig in nine years, riding year round in the Chicago area. Seems that every time I changed the back tire, I had to replace the left-side rear wheel bearing, but it was worth it to hear the kid scream "AGAIN!" when I set the wheel back down.

I sold the sidecar, and then the bike, when the kid announced she had outgrown it. Now she's got kids of her own, and I sometimes think it would be cool to haul them around in this rig. Then I think about my two repaired shoulders and fake hip, and remember what a workout this big hack rig was, especially when ridden in a "sporting" manner. Still, my local RE dealer keeps bolting those Cozy cars onto the 650 twins, and they sure do look nice. So far I have resisted the temptation to ask for a demo ride... so far.
 

viking1

Getting there...
Location
Brenham. TX
Back In The Day (the '90s) I had a Harley Electra-Glide with a California Friendship 2 sidecar (my daughter's fourth birthday present, and her idea--she wanted to come along on those trips I was taking). The F2 was not a lightweight hack, but the Harley was not a lightweight bike, and I needed about 75 pounds of ballast to keep its flying-in-right-turns at the appropriate "amusement park ride" level (the kid loved it). Luckily, this was about the time linotype machines were being retired and I had a friend with contacts in the printing industry, so I got a 4 foot long lead bar that I secured to the bottom of the frame (you can see it in the photo).

View attachment 16702

I put over 100K miles on this rig in nine years, riding year round in the Chicago area. Seems that every time I changed the back tire, I had to replace the left-side rear wheel bearing, but it was worth it to hear the kid scream "AGAIN!" when I set the wheel back down.

I sold the sidecar, and then the bike, when the kid announced she had outgrown it. Now she's got kids of her own, and I sometimes think it would be cool to haul them around in this rig. Then I think about my two repaired shoulders and fake hip, and remember what a workout this big hack rig was, especially when ridden in a "sporting" manner. Still, my local RE dealer keeps bolting those Cozy cars onto the 650 twins, and they sure do look nice. So far I have resisted the temptation to ask for a demo ride... so far.
Great looking rig. Go for it. I've got pain in both shoulders, neck, lower back and knees. The Va is giving me a back brace, knee braces and pain pills. So I'm going to go for it. I'm sure I'll have a few rough days but that will be better than dying in a rocking chair talking to you about what we should have done!
 
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