It would be interesting to know people's different reasons for getting in to sidecars, why they ended up here. Before I had one I didn't realize that they were still pretty common. Didn't know at all about their many uses. I wanted to do long term travel with my GF. She insisted on greater comfort and more storage space (for clothes!) than what could be done two up on a two wheeler. I still get to be in the elements on a bike and she gets to carry a few pairs of shoes and more than one change of clothes. Win win! How about you?
I am building mine so that I can haul more tools, parts, and crap to work/sites without having to cry when I put fuel in my very elderly pickup, and so I can ride in the snow and stay vertical more of the time. Any fun it causes is an added benefit.
Obviously oversimplified answering "Indiana Jones" but the simplicity and serviceability of the Dnepr is really compelling. There is no doubt that a fair amount of effort is invested in maintaining the proper operational capability of a classic design but the fact that so much road-side work may be performed reasonably is reassuring. I enjoy working on my other vehicles too but the sidecar is plain FUN! Woot woot! Jonathan P.S. My wife's father owned a Ural when she was growing up so the "notion" was also easy to translate into "reality."
Wanted to continue riding with two little girls. Wanted to carry lots of things. Wanted to ride in snow. Wanted to avoid putting my feet down at intersections.
My legs are partially paralyzed and sometimes I cannot lift my feet from the pegs. At least my Ural won't fall on me when I have to stop.
Why I ride a hack ................well it all started like this. An accident at work that broke my leg. Then the frigging doctor messed my leg up too..........so I got this. Then the new doctor fixed it and I got this................... And that is why I ride a sidecar rig now.........and I am retired now.........
I made my own chair as I have arthritis in my hips, I could get on the bike (as a solo) and go for a ride, but I couldnt get off it, so the chair makes it all lovely.
Well I got one for a few reasons !!! Chicks like them They are harder to rider than a solo and it keeps some of more riding friends off it plus its a good challenge for me and still is very day and I plan on doing some long distance touring so its easier to take what I need and I done own a car.
I came across Urals and was curious. They were not available in Australia, but a local guy had decided to import them. The following year I was close to my nearest dealer, 1,500km from home, a saw my first Ural. Got to look and touch it. Six weeks later I was still on the east coast and had a second look. I buy bikes with my heart, and not my mind. Of course I just had to have the red Tourist. First ride was 10 days later when it wad mine, and I had over 2,000 km in front of me to ride it home. In the back of mind I thought I might not be riding it much once we made Adelaide. 30 months later we have travelled 63,000km and I've never enjoyed road travel so much. Buying this bike is one of my better decisions. Norm 09 Ural Tourist 04 Bonneville America
Started riding a sidecar to not fall over anymore in the snow. Liked it so much I now own 2 already Daily commute is on solo K 75 but once in a while ( well,more and more often as a mater of fact ) I get bored riding solo and take one of the sidecars to work.
About the same story. My Wife can read while underway, sleep if she wants, and carry her favorite pillow with her. She's not the most "happy camper' so I can carry plenty of good camping gear too..... Hmmm....trailering his rig....? Panamint Valley. 2012
Why did I start? Kids........ And I found a great deal on a good project in the flea market. Many reasons why I will continue..... I don't have to put the ural on a trailer after dragging deer out of the woods. Plus, I just found a k100 in my neighborhood in need of some love.... And a chair.... So it continues.
G'day Andrew, How's things? Not sure what that says mate but I didn't wait to find out....been out riding all day
