Any sidecar fans?

[oldmalc]

Hi, are there any sidecar riders about? I've got a 1979 BMW with a Squire ST1 with Difazio hub steering, and would like to hear from any outfit drivers with details of their bikes, and any experiences and tips they may have.

[GBC]

I'm a would be sidecar-ist.......which means I've got a 250 MZ in the shed and a sidecar chassis, but haven't got round to building the chair yet. We need a sidecar smilie Doc!

[oldmalc]

Hi GBC, thanks for the reply. I think the 250MZ has no front down tube to fix the chassis to!! but there is always a way round little problems,any way they are fine bikes -I had a 150MZ, and it was a very well made bike. it was very difficult to start, and after much searching for the cause, it turned out they had not drilled a hole to let petrol into the starting part of the carb; drilled it out- perfect easy starting.
Sidecars are strange vehicles, but you really ought to have a try.I got bitten by the sidecar bug years ago, built a ply body fixed to a 350 1950 AJS, on standard forks, sidecars are very heavy to steer to the right, and are usually fitted with forks to lessen the trail, often leading link type,or sometimeshub centre steering.
This is simply making the steering very like a car front wheel.They become light to steer, but still tip over when you turn left !!

[GBC]

Hi Malc,
I forgot to say, I've got all the proper fittings too! Theres a thing that you fit onto / into the front steering bitty, whats it called, erm, you know, head stock, steering head thing? Whatever, I sourced the proper MZ ones a while ago and believe they're a bit scarce. Have ridden an outfit in a field, and been a passenger in outfits for many miles - that's my exeperiece but as you say, it's easy to get bitten by the bug!

[oldmalc]

Hi again GBC, thats brilliant, having the right fitting.Have a go at getting it together-think of all the extra stuff you could carry!

Talkto you soon,

[-zkptn-]

[GBC]

Oh yes, now yer talking!

[oldmalc]

Hi all, I took the bike out for a ride today, it was bitterly cold. When I got back the sun broke through, and I took these pics.

http://www.mwells.me.uk/gallery/#9.1

[-zkptn-]

Wow Malc. What an absolutely gorgeous combo you have there.

[GBC]

Wow, whats all the gizmo stuff on the front wheel all about?