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So, Stephanie wants to learn to ride. Which is very good. She is was saying that she thinks it would be kind of cool to get a bike with a side car. The first bike that popped into my head was Ural. Has anyone had any experience with them?

Soren

I believe Backporch790 has one. You can try PM'ing him or get in touch with him through Beanache. I thought about one too before I got the America, still think it would be fun as a second bike.

When the Ural was introduced into the USA in the late 70s or early 80s (can't remember), one of the big motorcycle magazines did a long distance test on one. Their intent was to run it 5,000 miles while evaluating. Their final report: "We give up, at 622 miles. They couldn't keep it running, parts kept breaking." OK, I was curious back then. But I wouldn't have bought some pinko commie fag bike. Another nightmare of a bike with a side car would be a Royal Enfield. Since you are a good wrencher, you could help her with her maintenance. Also, the Enfield has a solid drive axle which also drives the sidecar wheel. Sorta like an open SUV. I'd get the 500cc model. Remember Soren, these things have to be tinkered with.
Now, if she wants a real fun ride. The Honda 750 MotorTrike "Scooter" is the way to go. 7" Ford rear end with air suspension, bulletproof reliability, and the best looking trike on the road. Drawback: $15,000. This is what my wife wants, but I'm trying for a R-3 and give her the America with an Insta-Trike kit.

Is the insta trike the one that allows you to un bolt
it and go on 2 wheels?

Is the insta trike the one that allows you to un bolt
it and go on 2 wheels?

Is the insta trike the one that allows you to un bolt
it and go on 2 wheels?

Sorry bout multi posts. System is screwy

Unless you plan on keeping it within pushing distance from home I think I'd pass. Too bad though, the concept is really neat. Find an older BMW, or Moto Guzzi that's already been set up with a hack and I think you'd be miles ahead of the game for similar money.

Yes, Yes and Yes!
The trike frame also has a trailer hitch on it. Pretty cool and available with 8" or 12" wheels. About $3,000 USD.
I must give in to the fact that my wife will not ride anything bigger than a 500cc bike or a super scooter. This is a good option for her.
Here's the link:
InstaTrike

I had a couple of (not so smart) friends buy Urals. The one I rode didin't have enough power to stay out of the way of cages!! Another friend never made it home from the dealer with his.

If your wife wants to learn how to ride a motorcycle, a side-hack may not be the ideal choice.

The real reason for her wanting a side hack is for groceries, taking the dog and etc. not for ease of riding. So maybe, when the time comes, we'll get her a Bonneville and find a side car for it later on.

Soren

I heard that the newer Urals have better reliability due to a new distributor or something like that... That's too bad if they still suck...I really want one too. I'd love to have a solo version to use as a city bike...something that doesn't matter if it gets knocked around by parallel parking cars once in a while.

I love 'em!!



Martyn and myself were talking to guy who was riding one last year at a bike meet.

He had the sidecar and loved his machine.

They come with touch-up paint, spare bits and bobs, a jack etc.
They even thought to make all the wheels the same size so the tyres could be interchangable.

One funny story was that the Russians copied the BMW (which everyone already knows) but they even copied some bracket or other on the front of the sidecar.

Turns out it was the mounting gizmo for a machine gun

Check out the cartoon "Politically Correct Hunting"....

It gave me a chuckle..

I would do some serious research before dismissing the reliability issue. Yes, they did USED to be kind of finicky (being Kind), but they have upgraded the carbs to Keihin, a Denso alternator, Brembo brakes, and some other bits as well as improvements in their machining to bring them up to somewhat more modern standards. Every recent article I've read gives them thumbs up for reliability and fun.

'Perpetual Summer' is pretty funny too

I'm pretty sure you don't want one of these

That has to be one of the most fowl disgusting obscene blasphemous photos I have ever seen.

HAHAHA?
When you're almost consumed with arthritis in both knees, training wheels ain't that bad. At least the wind's still in your face. This is just a cheaper alternative to a MotorTrike or Lehman.

Quote:

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I'm pretty sure you don't want one of these

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Bill,
I don't want one either, but there are some riders who may need them if they want to ride. I talked to a 78 year old man (with one leg - a U.S. Veteran) on a GoldWing, who said this was the best of the trike world. He'd owned a Lehman, MotoTrike and some other brand, before this one was available. He said the InstaTrike was the best.

Soren,
The 12" wheels don't look that bad.
So, if she don't like it, get her a sport bike or heritage soft tail.

Saw an outfit like that a couple of times at Tulare. From the condition of the middle tire, the outriggers tend to lift it off the ground at times.