Since this seems to be a Hack section

[fyr]

And I am contemplating a sidecar outfit, any info from knowledgable hackers would be greatly appreciated.

Here's what I got: stock 01 Triumph Bonneville.
What I would like to get is a classic styled sidecar. What I would like to know is- Are they hard to un-couple from the bike? I plan on using the hack when I need to carry things like wife, beer, camping gear, pooch (or all of the above)
But want to have the bike "as a bike" when I putz around the twisties (or commute to work).
Ive noticed they come with leaf springs or shocks. Whats better?
Is the mounting kit specific to each bike and is it "doable" for an at home install?
Is a Ural sidecar sold seperate from their whole rig?
Sorry for all the questions.

[planzman]

seems we are plowing the same garden!

Somebody posted a link to dauntless hacks.

see here

http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/

not sure how easy to remove the hack, but once you go over to the dark...
there may be no coming back

cheers

[fyr]

Cheers
Just made a fresh batch of java and am heading over to Dauntless for a quick read!

[kliff]

Originally Posted by fyr

Cheers
Just made a fresh batch of java and am heading over to Dauntless for a quick read!

Once you hack, you'll never go back....

[TouringDave]

Originally Posted by kliff

Once you hack, you'll never go back....

+111111

Kliff, that's a great line, mind if I use it?

[kliff]

Originally Posted by TouringDave

+111111

Kliff, that's a great line, mind if I use it?

Go for it!

[NCGS]

This rig belongs to a buddy of mine in South Carolina. The hack came out of Ohio (can't remember who makes it). The bike (unfortunately) is no longer with us, but the hack is fine. He's recently picked up a replacement power unit ('03 T100) to push the hack around.

[fyr]

Damn that is a great looking buggy. Nice to see another power unit (Triumph ) pushing this around! Thanks for the pic

[RedMenace]

You might try the USCA (United SideCar Asssociation) chat forums. I know several members have set up sidecars on the modern Triumphs.

http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/category-view.asp

[fyr]

Thanks Red!

[Scott Davis]

Hi Guys! Hacks are really fun in many ways.
1. You can carry everything with you.
2. You don't have to put your feet down (Ever)
3. You can drive over almost anything, very stable.
4. Put big smiles on all your friends faces when they go for rides!!
5. Driving them is really fun. Yes, they are kinda strange to drive, but you get use to them pretty fast.

Here is mine: Love it!

Scott
Concord, NC

[Gummiente]

Originally Posted by fyr

Here's what I got: stock 01 Triumph Bonneville.
What I would like to get is a classic styled sidecar. What I would like to know is- Are they hard to un-couple from the bike? I plan on using the hack when I need to carry things like wife, beer, camping gear, pooch (or all of the above)
But want to have the bike "as a bike" when I putz around the twisties (or commute to work).
Ive noticed they come with leaf springs or shocks. Whats better?
Is the mounting kit specific to each bike and is it "doable" for an at home install?
Is a Ural sidecar sold seperate from their whole rig?
Sorry for all the questions.

I would not recommend an Ural sidecar for your rig, simply because it is a very heavy unit and your Triumph will be working very hard to push it through a headwind. Too heavy a hack will also put a lot of strain on the bike's frame and suspension, too. I'd suggest you look at lighter units like the Velorex and Cozy, which are more suited to the style of the Triumph anyway. Ural Canada has a gently used sidecar off a Retro for sale, somewhere in the $3k range I think, if you're ever down their way, but they are not sold brand new unless you buy the bike that's hooked up to it.

The Velorex can be easily removed and installed in about 10 minutes, as it uses a system of fork and clevis mounts secured with bolts; all you need to do is place a milk crate under the sidecar frame, remove the bolts, unplug the harness and separate it from the bike. None of the camber and leanout adjustments are affected, so installation is just as easy as removal. Having said that, you'll probably find that once it's installed you'll tend to keep it that way because it's just so damned handy as a grocery getter, dog hauler, etc. I wouldn't recommend a home install unless you have lots of experience and access to a welder in case you need to make brackets. However, Velorex is usually pretty good about supplying bike specific kits so it wouldn't hurt to check their website to see if there's one for yours.

Both of my sidehack units ('86 Sportster/Velorex combo, '05 Ural Tourist) came with coil over shock suspension, so I have no idea how they compare to one with leaf springs. I have, however, heard a few Harley owners complain that the latest HD sidecar has a single leaf suspension that is very bouncy and too soft in hard corners.

[fyr]

Originally Posted by Gummiente

I would not recommend an Ural sidecar for your rig, simply because it is a very heavy unit and your Triumph will be working very hard to push it through a headwind. Too heavy a hack will also put a lot of strain on the bike's frame and suspension, too. I'd suggest you look at lighter units like the Velorex and Cozy, which are more suited to the style of the Triumph anyway. Ural Canada has a gently used sidecar off a Retro for sale, somewhere in the $3k range I think, if you're ever down their way, but they are not sold brand new unless you buy the bike that's hooked up to it.

The Velorex can be easily removed and installed in about 10 minutes, as it uses a system of fork and clevis mounts secured with bolts; all you need to do is place a milk crate under the sidecar frame, remove the bolts, unplug the harness and separate it from the bike. None of the camber and leanout adjustments are affected, so installation is just as easy as removal. Having said that, you'll probably find that once it's installed you'll tend to keep it that way because it's just so damned handy as a grocery getter, dog hauler, etc. I wouldn't recommend a home install unless you have lots of experience and access to a welder in case you need to make brackets. However, Velorex is usually pretty good about supplying bike specific kits so it wouldn't hurt to check their website to see if there's one for yours.

Both of my sidehack units ('86 Sportster/Velorex combo, '05 Ural Tourist) came with coil over shock suspension, so I have no idea how they compare to one with leaf springs. I have, however, heard a few Harley owners complain that the latest HD sidecar has a single leaf suspension that is very bouncy and too soft in hard corners.

Thanks Mike,
I thought that the Ural may be too big for the Bonnie. Cozy is usually tied up to a Royal Enfield and they are what 500cc? It's a possible winter projet so Ive got some time to read up.
Did you get a chance to look at the Trans-moto sidecars (link I sent you 2 weeks back)
Cheers

[Gummiente]

Originally Posted by fyr

Did you get a chance to look at the Trans-moto sidecars (link I sent you 2 weeks back)
Cheers

Yes, and my apologies for not answering your email about it. Getting old and forgetful, doncha know.

I met a guy in Ottawa this past summer who had one of their hacks on his '05 HD Super Glide. It was very well built and roomy, his sidecar monkey (a rather attractive redhead!) sais she was very comfy riding around in it. I'm thinking with its aluminum body and lightweight frame that it might be worth a look. You're not too far from the factory, have you considered riding there to meet them face to face and discuss your needs?

[fyr]

Yeah
I think I may traipse up there (my old hometown of MTL) next week. Ive got a mate that id like to take to the local BMW dealer and Id tie in a visit to the sidecar'ists. I've spoken with one of the owners and they have a couple of the M102's on site and are open to people dropping in.