What makes a good sidecar bike?

[andy45320]

I am looking to buy another bike soon (something used, was thinking of maybe a K100) and had the grand idea of making it a sidecar rig. My question, what makes a good sidecar bike?

* Minimum horsepower (was thinking 90...would like to reach highway speeds without too much strain)
* Car tires or not?
* Replace forks and suspension?
* Rig wheel brake?
* Do safe & sturdy quick disconnect setups exist?

I know you can probably sidecar just about any bike with enough determination and cash...I am looking for bikes that are more typically done. Would also be nice it the rigging didn't cost me more than the bike :)

[SNC1923]

You might want to check out the United Sidecar Association (http://www.sidecar.com/) or perhaps Pashnit's Links (http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/sidecar.htm) on sidecars.

Good luck! You've got more guts than I do.

[RTRandy]

Try Perry's (http://www.perrysmotorcycles.com/)

I don't know of anyone in the US who is more knowledgable and experienced when it comes to side cars and how to mount and ride with one. Perry is the owner as well.

[ubermon]

I have a year now on an 04 R1200C Montauk and a Champion Escort car. Had I known how much fun this is, I would have done it 17 years ago when I sold my R90/6. The Montauk only has 61 hp at 5000 rpm;s, but gets full tork at 3000. We can cruise at 80mph, but we usually do 65 to 70 as mileage is much better. Let me know what you decide.

Ubermon

[Montana]

There are quite a few R1200C owners with sidecars, including the main tech guru on the www.chromeheads.org forum, so that seems to have plenty of horsepower. Here's a link if you want to read more about it:www.chromeheads.org sidecar tech topics (http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/6/96430.html?1125360883)

I've ridden in Pokie's, he drove it from CO to the Lima rally with his teenaged daughter along:
http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/8/111353.jpg

I really like Todd's bike, he's in Oregon:
http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/6/42267.jpg

Of course, you have to tolerate the looky-loos and the crowds when you stop for fuel.