Sidecars

just wondering what people think of side cars? I dont really see alot of them. there is a harley around the corner of my house with one, and i kinda like the looks of them. can they attach to any model of bike? are certain one built for certain bikes? how hard are they to find? any one have one on their XJ?

 

Hi:
I have one attached to my 1984 XJ 750 RL. I really like it but it handles differently than a solo bike and does change the whole motorcycle experience. Every bike and sidecar combination is unique but most sidecar builders have detailed installation instructions. Here is a link to a short video I had made to show what it is like to go for an early morning ride around Victoria BC
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=repkyPa4RRk

 

I don't understand... Why does your XJ750 look like it was made from FJ600 parts?

And, beautiful video by the way. Looks great. I have a sidecar project somewhere in my 30's I imagine.

 

The XJ 750 RL is the same bike as the XJ 900, except it has the smaller motor. It is a model that was not sold in the US, just in Canada and Australia. At first glance it is very similar to the FJ 600

 

I really want to see a pic collection of the two side by side. Or at least some written explanation. They look identical from everything I see. Is it 8 valve or 16 valve? Chain or shaft? What differentiates your 750 from a standard 750?

By smaller motor, do you mean it's a smaller bore 900 engine? Or it's a 750 engine, but the chassis and all components are from a 900?

 

8 valve,shaft drive. Here is a thread that pretty well explains it.
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t=750.html

 

I went over and made a comment there. Pretty crazy. It seems the 900, 750RL, and 600 all had identical bodywork, with the exception perhaps of the rear fairing piece, as far as I can tell. I wonder if that's related to the monoshock on the FJ vs. dual shock on the other two?

 

The 900RK Seca, and 750RL both use the 900 frame with the 750RL using the 750 Seca engine instead of the 900 engine.

The FJ600 while looking similar is based off the smaller 550 frame.

Ghost

 

I don't know about based off of, but I do know it was the first in its class with a monoshock, leading me to believe it was somehow related in design to the FJ1100 frame, as the FJ1100 came out the same year and also featured a monoshock (Yamaha's first monoshocks?).

My understanding was that the FJ600 frame was unique.

Edit: Went and checked at motorcyclespecs.co.za, found this:

Just noticed it had bigger intake and exhaust valves than the FJ, it seems. Odd. Wonder what I'm missing.

 

Ive been racing them for 12 years, oh ok not that sort of sidecar? I'd have one in a minute although most likely hooked up to an R100 BMW, can be expensive to build and set up properly though depending on if you go leading link front, different wheels etc

 

glen great video and a great looking bike! thanks for the info

 

here is my 94 goldwing 1500 SE and California Sidecars hack...




you can get them set up that changes the rake of the front end which then does away with the ability to easily detach the car and ride like a normal motorcycle (then handling gets VERY MESSED UP) or as in my case, there was no modification to the geometry...

instead of leaning into the curves you basically steer the front end like you would in a car (maybe on a trike? ive never driven a trike so i dont know)...

ive got a brake set up to the front brake and if i hit the front brake it yaws right, rear brake yaws left, accelerate (throttle up) itll yaw right as well because of the added drag i imagine...

my wife rides in the car and my daughter on the back of the bike. its fun but there isnt much airflow with the windshield. i need to get a vent like on the bike's windshield installed somehow...

Hannigan still makes sidecars i think. theyre in indiana(?) you can get them with tops, AC, lighting, all sorts of options...