SideCar Options

[simitar]

Is the XS1100 frame strong enough to pull a sidecar? If it is not, what kind of mods will you do to the frame? I am very interested in a motorcycle that will pull a sidecar without breaking the bank.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Simitar,

I moved your post and created a new thread for it, since it seemed like a valid and pertinent question, but might not get viewed in it's previous thread!

I know Brent Hoovestol has his set up for a side car, and aside from the mounting points welded/added to the frame, I couldn't/didn't remember seeing any special reinforcing that was done. I've also seen some pix of XS11's in Europe with side cars, so, I know you can add one, but not positive on what/any frame mods might be necessary, perhaps just a couple of extra cross members??

T.C.

[skids]

I almost bought an XS1100 with a side car. I gave up on the idea when the owner said you have to "drive" it, instead of "ride" it. Check into the Velorex site on the web.

[Pat Kelly]

Merrium Cycles has sidecars and sells XS1100's with them. They would know exactly what would be involved with putting a sidecar on our bikes. I see they have a fully restored 78 with a sidecar for $20,000 (or something like that). They sell the sidecar by itself for around $4,000.
I find sidecars interesting and toy with the thought of adding one, but I like to lean too much.

[rockjok]

I've got a Velorex on my SF. I wouldn't recommend this brand to anyone unless you can get it cheap since you'll need to upgrade the wheel, axle, and suspension. I used an XS 400 shock and a modified goldwing axle and comstar wheel on mine. Since the tire was larger than the stock "bicycle" wheel I had to fabricate a new fender. While I was at it I created a canopy to help keep the copilot protected. I also upgraded the fork springs and rear shocks on my XS.

Professional mounting is the easiest way to go since a couple of "subframe" pieces will probably need to be fabricated. I did mine myself but it took two summers before I was satisfied with the handling and tire wear issues.

The XS has more than enough power to drag a sidecar but mileage is affected. The plus side is that you now have room to carry lots of extra fuel, tools, camping gear, and pets.

It's true that you do drive rather than ride a sidecar rig and it can be a lot of work depending on crosswinds, alignment, and load. A comfortable cruising speed is generally slower when a lot of turns are involved since you don't ever want to enter a right hander fast enough to allow your hack tire to lift. If this happens your steering reverses and you'll find yourself in the oncoming lane in a eyeblink. A comfortable day on a long trip (for me) is about 3-400 miles as opposed to 700+ without the sidecar.

About the best place I've found for sidecar info is a yahoogroups forum called SCT (for SideCar Talk). They have a great knowledge base online and lots of folks willing to answer questions.


Luck,

Rob

[herbie]

Hi Simitar,

the XS is easily man enough for the job of hauling a sidecar (here in England one of the early road tests of the model suggested that due to XSive (sorry) bulk and weight, this was all it was good for!!!).

My 1100 has had factory fitted EML on her for lots of years. No problems with the chassis as far as I can see.

The sidecar is mounted on a substantial sub frame that utilises existing bolted mounts such as the engine montings.

The sidecar needs to be a good match for best handling. Don't get a light chair unless you plan on using loads of ballast. The bike is heavy and will pull a light chair over too easily if not driven correctly.

The stock forks may be a bit flimsy. Mine has leading links fitted (expensive but well worth it).

The gearing might need to be altered depending on your locality. Here in England I live on the fringes of the North Yorkshire Moors - lots of steep, short hills. I feel she would be a bit of a handfull on the steeper hills when loaded with wife, sprog and a couple of dogs. However the rig is fitted with 15" wheels all round which lowers the gearing just right. Car tyres are also cheap and last well. This set-up gives a comfy cruise speed of about 80-85mph and I have managed the "Magical Ton" with plenty to spare, fast enough for me.

Just do it.....great fun!

Regards,
Herbie

[uk1.1s]

Sidecar Herbie

Hi Herbie - the XS outfit sounds like a cunning plan...hmmmm maybe a plan over the winter for me..

I wonder - are the "Herbie2 who used to rally at rhw Navigation rally out Worcester way back a few years.... if so remind me not to ask for another lift to the cash-point!!

Maybe us Brit XS-ives should get together properly sometime in 2004

[herbie]

Hi Mr. UK1.1s

Sounds like you got an interesting lift over to the hole-in-the-wall!!! Not by me though....

If I had given you the lift memories would have been of a more "Genlemanly" nature. Possibly.


Regards,
Herbie

PS and remember, in sidecars nobody can hear you scream!

[uk1.1s]

Flying sidecars

Hi Herbie......

The lift from the 'other' Herbie was fun.... GL1000 outfit, Monaco chair..... Pink Floyd on some grotty (but loud) rigged up stereo

And me flying though the air at every opportunity... whheeee

It wasn't the flying I minded - just the landings!!

[sidecarKev]

I am building a rig with the XS11 this winter. Check out my site.

My Site

Right now I'm in the process of refurbing the bike.

Hey Herbie, where are you finding car tires for your XS? I've been looking?

Kevin

[herbie]

Kevin,

15" tyres are no problem over here. I use the rather high profile Firestone F560. 125/15 on the front and side and 145/15 at the rear. The front is nice and narrow and has no bad tracking vices like can happen with wider car tyres. The rear is an OLD VW Beetle fitment (amongst other things) and the 125s are for Citroen 2CV fitment. Both still trundle our roads on a regular transport basis. Weirdo Brits I guess!!!!

Do you have theese new "Smart Cars" over there? Apparently they have the coolest new low profile outfit tyres yet (155/15). Worth a thought.....

I suppose at the last resort you could ship some. A bit of a bind I suppose. Try posting on the sidecar forum over there for help? Sidecartalk I think.

Good luck with the build, looking good.

Regards,
Herbie

[sidecarKev]

Do any of you that posted about having a sidecar on a xs have any pictures you could send my way? Pics of the mounting points or sub-frames you used would be an added bonus.

Kevin