CB1100 Sidecar Experiment

[deltamark]

Hi all,

I’m fairly new here and recently introduced myself in the “New Members” thread. After a suggestion from another CB1100 Forum member, I decided to start a thread about my new-to-me 2014 CB1100 standard / sidecar rig. This is my first rig and first CB1100.




I’d been interested in and fascinated by sidecars for several years. Did a lot of research and began seriously shopping for a rig late last summer. I was being really picky about what I wanted and since I didn’t really find it, decided to have one built.

I read some advice about when building a sidecar rig to start with the bike you like. : ) Well, the CB1100 was on my radar for a while. I was aware that not all bikes are ideal to use for a rig, but the CB seemed to have enough of the elements to give it a go. I also saw pictures of another CB1100 / sidecar combo on this site, so I knew it could be done.

I purchased my CB back in December from a private seller.

The bike appeared to be in very good condition and had about 2,600 miles. Earlier in December, I also found a 2002 Ural Tourist sidecar-only for sale at [url=http://www.heindlengineering.com/]Heindl Engineering in Eaton, Ohio.
The sidecar looked a bit weathered so I had it painted.

I contracted with Bob Wark of [url=http://www.warkshop.com/]The Warkshop to install the sidecar frame. Bob is a professional sidecar builder / seller and his work is top notch. He fabricated a subframe to link the sidecar frame to the CB. He had to remove the center stand and customize and replace a new left seat bracket to attach the subframe.
I picked up the installed frame a few weeks ago, took it home and fastened the tub onto the frame.

I’ve taken a few test rides since then and am extremely pleased! I knew going in that piloting a sidecar rig would be dramatically different than riding a motorcycle and it is. I have a good deal to learn and plan to continue practicing my skills before I begin with my real adventure … traveling with my dog, Rudi!


I have a lot of things I want to add to this rig and it will take time and $. Will post more in the future. In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to some better weather and a lot of riding!!!

[redbirds_imp]

I like it. Curious how this works out for you.

[bikenut65_imp]

Great stuff. Will be following this thread :-)

[the Ferret]

Very interesting. BTW do you know if Rudi likes riding in a side car and will stay put when rolling down the road?

Forum member 4 Paws has lots of hack experience. I hope he sees this and chimes in.

[deltamark]

Last year I borrowed a friend's sidecar rig and took Rudi for a short ride. He seemed to be fine with it. I think I was much more nervous about it than he was.

I will be using a harness on Rudi with multiple attach points. My plan is to secure him inside the sidecar in a way that gives him room to lie down, but not exit the sidecar.

I started training him last weekend to get into the sidecar. That part was pretty easy! I'll probably start him off with short rides until we're both more comfortable.

Very interesting. BTW do you know if Rudi likes riding in a side car and will stay put when rolling down the road?

Forum member 4 Paws has lots of hack experience. I hope he sees this and chimes in.

[Stichill_imp]

[the Ferret]

Dog looks well trained

[peterbaron]

Well, would like to see Rudi's helmet and riding gear

pb

[736cc_imp]

Empty sidecars need lots of weight added.

[deltamark]

Dog looks well trained

Thanks Ferret. We've been really lucky. He's a rescue and came to us as a 1 year old with the most amazingly laid-back attitude and complete willingness to accept any type of training. He is now over 8 years old though, so I really wanted to get this in soon.

Well, would like to see Rudi's helmet and riding gear

pb

Hey Peterbaron, I'm still in the process of acquiring gear for Rudi, but here's his raincoat and eye protection.




Being that I plan on removing the windshield from the sidecar, and that it rains nearly every time I'm on a road trip, I'd feel better about providing at least a little weather protection for Rudi. And believe me, if there was a truly protective helmet for canines, I would pursue it. Woof!

pb
[/quote]

Empty sidecars need lots of weight added.

I am currently riding with two 40-lb. bags of water softener salt in the sidecar. When Rudi rides, I'll of course remove the salt. He weighs about 94 lbs.