Build a GSA1200 hack;

[Polarbear]

Got the ADV link, nice stuff there. Snow, thats an understatement. We get it too(CA.), but its all way high above 7000' for the really deep stuff. Thanks for sharing. Randy

[bobpeek]

Randy
I'm glad you visited the ADV site, I was so impresed with the the dedicated hack site thet they have there. This forum doesn't seem to have the same type of interest. I've found that there are more hack riders world wide then you would ever imagine.

When we took our first distance trip we went over the Denali Highway, it's a short 135 mile dirt road. Travelers come from all over the world and do that road, the day we did it, we ran thru light rain, driving rain, sleet, snow, which turned the road into a complete mud slog.
I'm carefully picking my track because we were next to a 100 ft drop off.
A group of 7-10 Urals went by us going the other direction.

Two wheels are great but that third wheel will add a lot of fun.

Check out those hack drivers from Europe

Keep me in touch on your pilgramage

Bob

[Polarbear]

That must have been neat, seeing so many in a group passing by. Yep, I am finding out indeed, many exist around the planet and my travels too, have seen quite a few rigs at National BMW Ralies and elsewhere. Always one or two show up. DMC Jay proclaims he built about 500+ GS/GSA rigs alone, through the years. I am still quaking in my boots, wondering out loud, IF this is for me? I've been riding almost 50 years now and so very near my 1 million miles, next year probably hit that landmark event for me. Sidecars is one of the/MY last frontiers, as Alaska boasts. Sure would be COOL to have one and travel all about NAmerica in a different fashion. I'm jazzed about the idea, just must take that leap. Thanks for the data so far you've sent. I've been looking at it intensely. Your WIFE looks happy in that rig. You said she was. Later, Randy

[jaherbst]

Randy
I'm glad you visited the ADV site, I was so impresed with the the dedicated hack site thet they have there. This forum doesn't seem to have the same type of interest. I've found that there are more hack riders world wide then you would ever imagine.

When we took our first distance trip we went over the Denali Highway, it's a short 135 mile dirt road. Travelers come from all over the world and do that road, the day we did it, we ran thru light rain, driving rain, sleet, snow, which turned the road into a complete mud slog.
I'm carefully picking my track because we were next to a 100 ft drop off.
A group of 7-10 Urals went by us going the other direction.

Two wheels are great but that third wheel will add a lot of fun.

Check out those hack drivers from Europe

Keep me in touch on your pilgramage

Bob

Please say "Hi" to Sarah Pallin for me. (an old pilot to the politicians)

Jack

[Polarbear]

Pilots, that is. Me too(flier) and my Daughter lived in Oro Valley, attending the UofAZ, Tucson. Graduated 3 years ago, she did and now flies a F18 Hornet(Oceana NAS) for the Navy. Sarah P. makes Bob's town, Wasilla home still I think. Bob was more than gracious sharing his rig stories with me/us and we also spoke directly via phone. Still waiting for Jay t DMC to come back from vacation to follow up with my GSA possible conversion. I WONDER how hard it will be to ride home, about 800miles+ for me and a new to me adventure in sidecar'in. Never rode one more than around a large parking lot. I guess I learn quick and pray much. Randy

[bobpeek]

Randy
You won't have that much of a problem. Just practice a few panic stops. Are you thinking about a car with a separate break?

Check out this ride report and then relax

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=819482



Bob

[richardak]

Bob,
Would you be willing to share how you got your car shipped up to Alaska? I was debating whether to just drive down and pick it up or not...

I'm still trying to decide between adding a car to my airhead (more power and known reliability) or looking for a late model Ural (reverse and 2WD).

Thank you

[bobpeek]

Richard

I dealt with DMC in Washington state primarly Because it was one stop shopping. I was able to pick the car I wanted and they crated (excellant job) it and shipped it to Anchorage. I got a 72DX and the crate is to wide to fit in the back of a pickup.

Where are you planning on getting it from?

Give me a call I'll be glad to talk with you about it

907-841-7650

Bob

[Bobmws]

That must have been neat, seeing so many in a group passing by. Yep, I am finding out indeed, many exist around the planet and my travels too, have seen quite a few rigs at National BMW Ralies and elsewhere. Always one or two show up. DMC Jay proclaims he built about 500+ GS/GSA rigs alone, through the years. I am still quaking in my boots, wondering out loud, IF this is for me? I've been riding almost 50 years now and so very near my 1 million miles, next year probably hit that landmark event for me. Sidecars is one of the/MY last frontiers, as Alaska boasts. Sure would be COOL to have one and travel all about NAmerica in a different fashion. I'm jazzed about the idea, just must take that leap. Thanks for the data so far you've sent. I've been looking at it intensely. Your WIFE looks happy in that rig. You said she was. Later, Randy

Randy,
Get a copy of the "Yellow Book", officially titled Driving a Sidecar Rig by David Hough. Available from Jay at DMC or Whitehorse Gear. Lot's of info in it.
Also take a S/TEP class if there is one available in your area. It will give you a real idea of what to expect if you're considering a rig, and you'll be ahead of the curve when you decide. It will make that first ride a bit less scary.
Wife & I did 3000 miles, 24 days on the road going to the national ( 9 days cruising Arkansas). She's never ridden that much as pillion. She's ready to go again!

[vetsurginc]

I'll second Bobmws recommendation on a training session.

I rode a r/60/2 with car for 10 years, then I was off for almost 15 years (back on solo bikes). My first ride on my current Ural was interesting to say the least. Counterteering is a sticky habit, and hack steering is just the opposite. It took me a bit to get used to the rig moving around under you, kinda like riding in the dirt.

Have a ball. Hack's are a hoot

[bobpeek]

Winter is settiling in on the frozen north, we got a little dusting of snow and so far still cruising around.
Thankfully to a heated jacket.

I was curious how everything was going with you, were you able to get together with Jay?

[hooligan67]

I've been wandering around this idea for years! Any GSA1200 owners with this convert around? I know of the Washington connect and builder there, even spoke to them quite a while back. Much to know, never owned a hack before. I have ridden a few, however and very novice at it. I understand the world changes dramatically, as a hack rider. Just about the whole m/c world is turned inside out, owning/riding one. I am just fascinated by'em however and would love to learn more from a GS/GSA kind a perpsective! I have the GSA1200 all paid up, owned by me and just have a fancy to learn more. I am a very seasoned, long term BMW guy with over 900000m under my arse. I still have the adventure offroad spirit alive and well in me, so a tough hack is the agenda. Randy

Had Jay at DMC build this for me a couple of years ago (he uses my rig for his BMWMOA magazine ads). Nothing but compliments for everyone involved and the rig is priceless!
image.jpg

[Polarbear]

I have been absent from this post a while, sorry. Man, I love the sidecar phenom and all here have great input. No, I have not converted yet! My GSA1200 is still my favorite ride, still touring all about NAmerica. Broke my right kneecap a short while back and could not ride anything for a short restbit. Back now, much happiness. THIS sidecar thing EATS at me all the time, so I guess it must be in my future. I like the comraderie here in hack land. Ya'll seem to enjoy the life on 3 wheels. I find all my adventuring on dirt has me wishing for LESS falls from my GSA as I grow into my 60s. I still love the adventurism thing and my hack would have to be worthy of dirt byways. Thanks for all the support and info posting here. Happy Trails, Randy"Polarbear"

[bobpeek]

How does a person break his kneecap??
Here we are in March and I'm still riding. My hack has all season radials on the rear of the bike and car.

I just got through putting a Studded TKC on the front of the bike and it was like attaching it to a rail

My friend just came to visit me and just completed a winter ride from Whitehorse YT to Wasilla then up to Deadhorse Ak. and back to Wasilla.
Are you riding that GSA single track.

You can always keep knobbies on a sidecar and your bike won't lay down on you.