Educate me

[Andy M]

I have a silly idea. In the garage I have a perfectly usable light Watsonian chair. It isn't on a bike due to time constraints. With the MOT rule changes though I could get a 70's bike and when its ready just do the insurance and go. However, I don't know a thing about bikes before the 90's. I know I want 12V electrics, 4 stroke and as few carbs as possible.

I have no love of BMW, but parts availability and power at low revs suggests that's the way to go.

So,  what else was on side car duty in 1977?

Cheers

Andy

[iansoady]

Guzzi T3 or similar (even a Convert which would make an interesting outfit)? Possibly a pre-oil-in-frame Triumph? Not a Commando though.

[CrazyFrog]

XS650, though they are starting to command serious money now....

[spooky]

goldwing or cx

[Andy M]

XS650, though they are starting to command serious money now....

That looks like one to follow. There is a nice one on the auction site but its a US import without a registration. A lot seem to have met the top-knot and lumberjack crowd and been ruined though. I guess that's why prices are rising.

I don't fancy another Guzzi, as unpredictable as BMW with worse parts availability. The CX could be worth a look. Goldwings seem to have odd frames which will slow a sidecar project and lots of carbs!

Thanks guys

Andy

[timbo]

A Jawa! Don't even go there 

[Andy M]

A new one as a solo maybe. 2 smokes from back in day: been there, done that, worn out the shoe leather 
 

Andy

[Rossco500]

Andy - as others have mentioned the CX possibly looks like the best option. The early ones (1978?) had a few well publicised issues but I suspect most of them were sorted by Honda. I think any alternator problems mean the engine has to come out though. Another option despite your reservations is an early BMW R65. Still plenty of both about.

Happy hunting

Tony

[BrendanO]

CX starting to get pricier; however, website/club v helpful. Cx650 uses much less fuel snd is more long-legged...but seems in experience to be less bombproof. Tappets etc easy peasy, but it's engine out for camchain, stator, or "mech seal" that keeps water and oil apart. Some owners do all 3 jobs when the engine comes out - the "Triple Bypass" (and you should be asking about this when buying).

Suzuki GS seemed to attract sidecars back in the day; perhaps just necessity and poverty? May be affordable option, less hipster and more practical  than XS650?

[Steve Lake]

this looks like a good deal if the story is correct ...
https://www.gumtree.com/p/honda-motorbikes/honda-cx500-low-miles.-3-owners/1275014408

[BrendanO]

Needs welding to frame makes me nervous, pressed bits at bottom of frame tend to rot out and can't really be repaired so that's game over. No welding needed if caffing it? Wonder whatthatmeans?

39k may mean unmolested, or may be camchain time soon.

One thought: the later Euro types have auto camchain adjust, transistorised ign...and I of course think they look nicer!

[Steve Lake]

I agree, but if it's going to be a tug, then the looks are fine (I'd still change the seat , too big, seems to dominate the whole bike. and of course a 500 not as good at hauling a chair as the 650, but by all accounts a more robust unit.
also I'd Siamese the pipe to the right, the l/h pipe 'silencer' make the chair occupant deaf!

[Andy M]

Good info, thank you.

My only sidecar passenger is the dog and he never complains!

Andy

[spooky]

Good info, thank you.

My only sidecar passenger is the dog and he never complains!

Andy

thats a bit ruff............  how about an XS750 ? or an XJ650

[timbo]

Mmm. XJ650, UJM. Kwak GT 550 or 750. Bombproof, and real cheap