September Messages (2006)

Date: Sep 8, 2006
Topic: Cozy and Honda
Message: I have attached a Cozy to my mid-sized Honda using the universal sidecar mount that I purchased from you. It was easier to install than I would have thought (or at least feared). Using the initial set-up instructions that came with the kit I find that the rig tracks pretty straight but does tend to pull slightly when I brake. Do you have any suggestions?

Date: September 7, 2006
Topic: Assembly and Install
Message: I am pretty handy with tools and wonder if I am in over my head by trying to assemble and install a sidecar without the help of a dealer as there doesn’t seem to be one close to me. What experiences have the rest of you had?

Merle - NH

Cyclesidecar Answer: There is nothing like having an expert assemble and install your sidecar rig. However we work with many customers like yourself who either are not near a sidecar specialist or want to do it them selves. Both assembling and attaching a sidecar are fairly straight forward and are covered in some detail in our instructions (they are available elsewhere on this site for free for you to look at). We highly recommend that you read everything you can get your hands on concerning sidecar safety, installation etc. The better informed you are the better job you will do. We have lots of information available at this site. There is also information available in our links section.

Reply: Merle,

I installed my side hack myself and found it to be fairly easy. I made sure that I read a lot before I started, took plenty of time, and was methodical in my approach. Worked out fine. Takes a little patience, but if you can read you can do it.

Rob – GA

Reply: Melre,

This is my second sidecar outfit. The first I had installed professionally by Perry Motorcycles in Ft. Worth TX. That guy really knows what he is doing! I sold that rig when I moved to Kansas. Some time later I wanted a second sidecar and bought a Vintage 1974 Triumph Bonneville. Perry’s was a long ways away, so I purchased one direct from Classic Motorworks and put it on myself. I had the advantage of having worked on one before so this was pretty straight forward. I was nervous about mounting it to a Triumph because in the past I had only seen the Cozy tied to Royal Enfields, but after reading some about the theory, contacting a couple of people on message boards I decided to do it. As it turned out it was fairly simple. Now everywhere I go people want to stop me and talk about the unit. Wife and grandkids love it!

Al –KS

Date: September 6, 2006
Topic: Installing a Sidecar
Message: Dear All,

I have followed the thread on how hard it is to install your own sidecar. I had mine mounted by a professional (at least they called themselves professional) and have not been sorry. It cost me more, but on the other hand it was done and done right. Since then I think I could have done it myself, but am still glad that I paid someone else to just “get ‘er done”

Ken – WI

Date: September 5, 2006
Topic: handlebar shakes
Message: I bought a sidecar rig second hand and have a question. Although it is not a Cozy I hope you can help me. At low speeds the handlebars seem to shake a little, it is more than I am comfortable with. What do you suggest?

Ramone – NM

Cyclesidecar Reply: You do not mention whether or not you have a dampening device (a shock absorber type device mounted between the fork and the frame of the sidecar). Its purpose is to dampen out the natural tendency of a sidecar to shimmy a little. It also reduces fatigue quite a bit. It is usually considered good form to install one on most units. We include one with each of our units as part of the package. If you do not have one, I would consider getting one; this should take care of your problem.

Date: September 4, 2006
Topic: Installing a Sidecar
Message: I have been looking at a used Harley Davidson motorcycle with a sidecar. From what I read here, you recommend that I get training to ride the bike if I should buy it. Would I be able to ride it home from the party who has it for sale, or should I trailer it home before I get some practice – in other works, how tough can it really be?

Mike NY

Cyclesidecar Reply: I think you already know what I am going to say. When I got on my first sidecar rig, I was at Daytona. I thought, well if I am careful I should be OK. Now you have to understand that I’m not too bright or very highly skilled, but within a mile I had taken out a mailbox, dented the fender and scrapped the paint on the side of a very angry bikers Harley. Can you do it? Of course, should you do it? Probably not. At least get some practice somewhere safe like a parking lot. You do not ride a sidecar rig, you drive it. It is completely different than riding a single motorcycle. Turns and breaking are different and you tend to forget how wide the unit is at first. We are serious when we recommend getting some instruction and training

Date: September 4, 2006
Topic: Sidecars in India?
Message: I read here that the Cozy sidecar is made in India, why would they be popular in India

Patrick FL

Cyclesidecar Reply: The Cozy was originally used in India to carry goods and to make the family scooter or motorcycle into a vehicle that would carry more people or things. It also found a strong niche a mode of transport for handicapped people.

Date: September 4, 2006
Topic: sidecar events
Message: Why don’t you publish a list of sidecar events?
- Nathan

Cyclesidecar Reply: This is a good idea. We will find a place on this site to do so. If you know of an event please let us know at website@cyclesidecar.com. The premier event in the nation is coming up in late September in Griffith Park in Los Angeles California.

Date: September 4, 2006
Topic: sidecar events
Message: When I was quite a bit younger (1940’s) sidecars were everywhere, especially in Europe during the war. I am older now (in fact some say just plain outright old) and am glad to see that they are coming back. We had a lot of fun with them in those days and I may get myself one yet.

Earl – FL

Cyclesidecar Reply: Earl, You are never too old for a sidecar. Heck you can navigate a computer! You’re right sidecars are enjoying a resurgence these days, If you or any of our other visitors have any old pictures of sidecar rigs we’d love to post them. (Actually we’ll call 1970’s and before old) Just e-mail a copy to website@cyclesidecar.com or send them to us at the address below. We’ll try to return them, and certainly will be careful with them, but we cannot guarantee 100% that something won’t happen.

Classic Motorworks
Sidecar Pictures
1405 Cannon Circle #12
Faribault, MN 55021 USA