Author Topic: xbr side car (Read 1775 times)

tommy · « **on:** October 22, 2019, 09:45:53 PM »

hi lads I was thinking of putting a side car on a xbr I just put together ,this bike would only be used for rally,s and a bit of messing about, its something I always wanted to do its on my bucket list

to have a outfit

soooo whats involved is it expensive what are the pitfalls can you do it yourself ect ect any info would be helpful thanks tommy

johnr · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2019, 09:58:22 PM »

great fun to ride, dont get anything too heeavy for the xbr, make sure you get it alligned and set up before you ride it. you may find that your insurance costs less for an outfit....

themoudie · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2019, 11:22:41 PM »

You need to have an in depth conversation with Gareth (Silverfox).

I believe he has more than one of these under his belt. PM him if necessary.

My regards, Bill

johnr · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2019, 07:32:10 PM »

ive owned a dozen or so outfits, and built or set up plenty of others for folk, im sure that between us we can give you all the help you need.

tommy · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2019, 10:20:47 PM »

thanks for the advice bill,johnr
so im interested in doing this depending on cost and available parts outfits are rare enough these days ,where do you start ? I would like to end up with a military looking bike that can carry my camping gear and bits and bobs ,would that be to much for a xbr 500 single ta tommy

themoudie · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2019, 12:16:34 AM »

Aye Tommy,

If I remember correctly Smudge added a Squire chair to an XBR500 down in Wales, with the aid of Gareth et al over a weekend. The resulting creation was then ridden home to Dunfermline, where Smudge bided at the time. It being the first time that he had piloted an outfit!

Later it was moved on to I know not where.

I also know that somebody in Yorkshire, at one time made a trials/ enduro type chair that could be fitted to many bikes. When the XT500 first arrived in 1976ish I was working in the Isle of Man and one of the boys in the squad bought an XT500 and then had one of these chairs fitted. Great bit of kit! We went pass storming with it in the depths of winter over the Hardknott and Wrynose passes in the Lakes when nothing else was getting across in early 1978. Then went to Penrith and spent the rest of the evening after some Guinness and fish and chips, performing 3 wheel slides around the market square in Penrith in 4" of snow!

I suspect this current eBay Lot might be an inspiration!

Lot number: 202795640652 Link:KTM-690-ENDURO-SIDECAR-OUTFIT

Good health, Bill

Guzziless Steve · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2019, 08:35:02 AM »

Just be aware that piloting a sidecar outfit is a completely different skill to riding a solo motorcycle and there is a fairly steep learning curve. Some people take to it, others run way screaming after their first go! They seem to be getting more popular though given the prices that seem to be fetched for second hand outfits these days. You actually steer an outfit largely on the throttle - accelerate to turn left and shut off to turn right - assuming the sidecar is on the left. You also have to learn how to react when the sidecar wheel lifts on a left hander. With practice it can be huge fun though and the ability to carry huge amounts of camping gear is wonderful. Rather than trying to fit a chair from scratch onto a solo I would recommend you sell the XBR and buy a ready set up outfit. Will probably work out cheaper unless you are handy at welding and fabrication.

Guzziless Steve · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2019, 08:36:20 AM »

This might be helpful http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/vehicles/bmw/sidecar/sidecarindex.html

mthee · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2019, 09:01:59 AM »

Quote from: Guzzi Steve on October 24, 2019, 08:35:02 AM

You actually steer an outfit largely on the throttle - accelerate to turn left and shut off to turn right - assuming the sidecar is on the left.

I had no idea and neither would I have guessed!

iansoady · « **Reply #9 on:** October 24, 2019, 02:12:01 PM »

It's a long time since I had an outfit and can still remember the sheer terror when trying to get round a left hand bend by leaning and ending up in the hedge after going straight on. Great fun as said in the snow and ice when even on my humble Norton 16H powered device it was possible to power slide.

I've always had a yen for a Norton Wasp enduro / scrambles type combo after "competing" against them in some long distance trials 25 years or so ago. And Smithy may remember Roger Gagg's Triumph 750 twin monster - and his son Steve's BMW job. It was best to keep well clear of the back end when either of them took off on a rocky climb.....

themoudie · « **Reply #10 on:** October 24, 2019, 11:16:19 PM »

Aye Tommy,

Have a wee read of all the sections on this link, I think that you may find it useful.

Link: simplysidecars

My regards, Bill

tommy · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2019, 11:28:55 PM »

mmmmm they seem easy enough to drive

tommy

Moto63 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 25, 2019, 06:49:33 AM »

Hhmm.... does one "drive" or ride an outfit?? A question I think should be asked about these things. Simply because.... I don't know the answer😁😁😉
Name withheld to protect the stupid😉

Guzziless Steve · « **Reply #13 on:** October 25, 2019, 08:01:33 AM »

Quote from: Moto63 on October 25, 2019, 06:49:33 AM

Hhmm.... does one "drive" or ride an outfit?? A question I think should be asked about these things. Simply because.... I don't know the answer😁😁😉
Name withheld to protect the stupid😉

I think the term "pilot" suits best!

themoudie · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2019, 08:42:52 AM »

MMMmmmm!

'Ride', because you straddle the machine and 'Pilot', because you are 2D flying and not in full control.

As for experience, none, I have always been the 'monkey' and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Regards, Bill

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