79 years young and recently switched from a great Goldwing to a Can Am Spyder. The riding techniques are a bit different but enjoyable for both. The joy of motorcycling is the important thing to experience. Ride on !!!
@@uhtred7860 define what is a motorcycle. Is a two wheeler with a sidecar a motorcycle ? What if a two wheeler is pulling a trailer is it a tractor trailer ? Most importantly what ever it is it’s going to be fun.
@@geraldgreen6278 Well by its definition a motorcycle is, "a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals" The Can Am spider is, by definition a tricycle. Tho ive heard people call them "tadpoles" or "reverse trikes".
I am a 68-year-old Disabled American Veteran. You missed the removable Trike kits in your video, but if you get one make sure they are a quality build. I have a new 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, with a removable extra two car wheel Trike kit installed. It is 1/2 the price of an old Trike & 1/4 the price of a new Trike. My kit does not have reverse, but I can reverse faster than a Harley by using my two feet.
I didn't include them for 2 reasons as far as I'm aware they are only available in America and I do not know anything about them, at all. Glad your still riding something mate!
I had that old man issue a few year ago. I dragged my old MZ250 out of the shed after 20 years of storage and have since enjoyed riding a 300 lb bike that I can lay on its side and easily pick it up again.
Thanks for thinking of old bikers. I'm 71 years "young", with a big hip problem and I don't dare ride my Triumph Street Twin anymore. A smaller, lighter motorcycle is my first choice, but I also find three-wheelers interesting.
I'm getting up there myself buddy so it's something that I can relate to very well. I have owned or at the very least ridden all of these 3 wheelers in the video. While I still ride solo bikes I bought a sidecar outfit planning for the future. To be honest I do regret not buying one sooner now, as they are great fun.
Threes the charm! It will be back to the future for me as my riding was suspended when doing the "family thing" but a Ural sidecar rig enabled me to be engaged with motorcycling. By-in-large street riding is a solo endeavor and not conducive for kids or as a family activity. Unless, of course, you can do as I did with using some ingenuity. When my 3 kids were small & younger (9,7&4 years old) I picked up a 2006 Ural Patrol; added a BMW backrest where my 9-yr-old could sit securely; sat my biggest kid in the sidecar proper; & the coup-de-gras was to convert the sidecar trunk into a rumble seat (complete w/seatbelt) for my youngest. This rider/dad pulled it off making a motorcycling a "family thing" thanks to the very adaptable Ural and an understandable wife & mother!
@@motorcyclecafe surely two in the side ar and one pillion is perfectly legal aslong as the sidecar is a tandem or double wide? 3 seater sidecars were available in the UK!
I owned a Royal Enfield 500cc sidecar set up from the factory. My was British Green. Top end was 55mph. Never had a problem with it, it was a joy to ride. I gave my Father a ride every Sunday when the weather was nice. He enjoy it.
It's cool that you shared that with your dad. A classic example of not needing a fast bike to get enjoyment from it. Royal Enfield are really performing very well at the moment, sales wise because many riders are realizing it, I think.
@@motorcyclecafe i owned fast bikes, and slow bikes. I was always more relaxed on the smaller, slower machines.,could smell the grass,flowers, and enjoy the view. As an old guy now, I have a 150cc scooter,a 150cc motorcycle, and an electrical scooter. I ride the electric scooter the most.
Hi, a good video and excellent overview summary. When touring, one big difference between a solo bike and a sidecar combination that I noticed, is that you see far more scenery with a combination. With a solo, about 20% of your attention is on the road surface - wet leaves, gravel, diesel etc. and all that is almost gone when you have a third wheel. The plus side is that people come up to talk when you stop and often there are requests for a spin in the chair!
reading through your comments I have to agree you do see more scenery riding a sidecar. In hindsight I probably should have mentioned that in the video. Although it's more of an opinion than a fact I guess, it depends on the individual but in my opinion you are right!
True though after a few months I am still not ready to ride at 70-75 mph on freeways. State roads are doable but are the upper limit of what I'm willing to try. On one side state roads have a lot more sweeping turns but lower speeds, the freeways lack the turns or the changes in the side to side pitch speeds are much higher. Cars dont like getting stuck behind a slower moving sidecar. Other than 75 lbs of sand I have not yet ridden with a passenger (would probably make the ride much safer feeling. to have that extra weight, Having the sidecar get light or airborne is an upsetting feeling.) Riding an 07 Road King with the factory sidecar.
At 80 years young,, I have purchased my first trike. Three years ago I had covid Ang lost most of my strength and had problems lifting. Thought my bike days and FREEDOM.days were over. Now with my triglde ultra I am back riding. It really is a great feeling.
At 82 years of age I broke both bones in my right leg, At 83 years of age I got me a Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG Triglide with reverse, with 68 years of riding a bike I knew I would never give up my freedom of open roads, In September this year I logged over 2000 miles on the trike, I am 6' 1" tall and weigh 235 and nobody calls me a Girly Man for riding a trike
I got very sick 2 yrs ago and was in a coma for five weeks. When I came out of the coma, I couldn't walk. Still after 2 yrs I am still not walking very good, so I sold my motorcycle and bought a three wheeler, I am very thankful for three wheelers.😊
Hello from Higganum Connecticut USA this has helped me with my decision I'll be putting a sidecar on my 1993 BMW K75 and now me and my wife can travel together for our Sunday morning Breakfast 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Yo Motorsickle Cafe, new subscriber here. Hello from MidMichigan USA 🇺🇸. I've been riding 58 years. My bride of 46 years rides so when we had 2 children we just strapped one to each on two Motorsickles. Family fun. Love this vid! I can relate. Currently riding a 97 Honda Valkyrie standard.(my 3rd Valkyrie) I demoed a Motor Trike Valkyrie conversion. Absolutely loved it. Extremely stable. I am 68 years of age and not giving up my Motorsickle Addiction.😎♥️✌️🇺🇸
I've been riding a BMW R75/5 for some 20 years. But I also got to ride MZ250 with sidecar outfit and Dnepr 750 with sidecar. The Dnepr is such a BMW clone, that you can easily change motor or/and gearbox for a BMW 2V airhead. Which many riders do, here in Germany. Problem with the Dnepr is, that, especially after the collapse of the soviet union, the sheer quality of the steel used, dropped dramatically. A friend of mine dropped his one after only about 1 year, stating it was unmanagable to keep intakt. And he was a motorcycle mechanic with 20years experience. The one I got to ride had a BMW 750 motor and gearbox. Making it 50hp instead of the original 27hp. While my R75 solo consumed 5,4l per 100km (measured over some 10.000km), in the Dnepr, that motor consumed 11 ! (At least when I was riding it.) A warning for a 1st ride on a sidecar outfit, when you are experienced with solo bikes: don't start off like you're used to! Go slow! Very slow! And carefully try to ride a 1st turn! Few people know: to take a right turn on a bicycle or bike, we push on the right handlebar. On a sidecar outfit, you need to pull! Many experienced riders rode a sidecar outfit into the ditch at their 1st try. As for experienced sidecar riders on a solo bike: make sure to put your feet down, when you've stopped! Hehe!
My first thoughts when riding a sidecar outfit for the very first time were "What have I done?" but the time needed to get used to them is well worth it. Thanks for your input.
Hi there..Sidecar riding is a way of Life..am 79 and riding year round..46 Years now. Live in Austria, love the Alpine Roads..the little By-ways..ridden all over Austria, Slovenia, Kroatia, eastern Switzerland, northern Italy, Greek Peloponnes.. 😮Ridden and owned several Hacks..now I have my 2nd Ural, a Ranger mit TWD..good for the Winter riding here. My two daughters grew up in the Sidecars..Lot of Camping Trips, oft to the Groß Glockner and Heiligenblut there..south Tirol, Italy also over the Defereggental(Valley) and Staller Sattel on the way down to Italy. Love it. Riding with a Sidecar is very good for a slower life Style awareness to relieve the hectomatic World stressfullnes of todays exsistance. I always think and say to myself before I ride out, oh man, what a beautiful Day, I have 100 Years to get where ever it is I am going..and my Ural gets me there everytime. The Ural is definitively not everyones cup of Tee, but if you enjoy seeing the Scenery, taking time for a short break more often, then yes. When I picked up my Ural Ranger 3 Years ago, I rode back home from Upper Austria thru the Alps back down to the southeastern Styrian town where I live, over little Backroads, around 420 km..took me 12 hours. Made several breaks, tanked up at an old Maw and Paw one, the Grandma and Grandpa inside, she made a Sandwich for me, then I went outside and sat outside eating a Sandwich and relaxing watching the Sunset. A real Country place, nothing around except that little Gas Station and winding alpine Country Road, beautiful Alps and no Traffic. By the time I got home it was 1:30 am..and Boy was I tired but happy. And thats what it's all about. Take yer time and enjoy your Ride.
Current KN900 , dog , Dnepr sidecar , trailer .Started after been given an AJS 500 for free in `69, I took to bikes. Been riding sidecars for 10 years about the same time I became a Great Grandad too. 2014 I think . These days are spent camping , dirt tracks & it`s my shopping trolley. I `m loving life .Thank you for the relevant and informative video.
You're welcome mate. Sidecars are so much fun, bit of hard work sometimes but well worth it. I am glad I finally bit the bullet and bought one. Cheers!
About 10yrs ago, I was out riding my 1968 FLH and stopped by a statepark lake where many bikes gather on weekends. Met an 82yr old gent riding a 1933 VLDD (IIRC). Said his brother was the original. We talked a bit and he got back on, tickled the carb, kicked it thru a time or two, ignition on, and started it with 1 KICK!
I knew an old bloke years ago, Darcy who had an old Harley outfit from way back and he still rode it. He was in his mid 80's when I met him. They did a story on him on national TV once. This was back in the 80's I think.
Couldn't agree more, can't think of anything more rewarding than cornering just right with an outfit, other than being able to carry enough beer for the whole group. Thank you
I know of a person that purchased a 16' Indian Chief and put a Hannigan sidecar on it. Rode it from Helena Montana to Kentucky over the years to work on the Olmstead Dam on the Ohio river. Rode that combo all over the USA also.
I had a side car mounted to my Harley roadking. It was the most difficult, terrifying bike setup I've ever owned. After 6 mo, I removed the sidecar and happily sold it for less than I had in it. Good riddens. At 65 yrs old, I'm to the point of needing to downsize. I think I'll just move down to a softail and call it good.
Yeah, I lost my left leg below the knee but was still able to ride my Honda VTX1800 with the heel and toe shift. Recently I lost it above the knee which made shifting impossible and I have not found a good way to use the kickstand. I bought a 2007 HD Road King with the HD factory sidecar. While its not the same as riding a motorcycle it's fun. Sidecars are an absolute handful and has the worst of all in negative attributes but I don't need to concern myself with a side stand. I had an electric handlebar push button shifter installed. I'm considering installing the reverse gear but it requires splitting the sidecar so the installation is pricey (quoted $1500.). The reverse gear would make parking it under the carport reasonably easy.
At 72 I am still riding my 2 wheel 95 Honda ACE 1100. And for the past 18 years I have my 04 Ural Troyka. Never had so much fun as I have had riding the sidecar bike. It's definitely not a rocket, but if you take your time do back roads, it's a blast. And you see so much more. The wife loves the sidecar. In the Fall as she is in the sidecar, she has her coffee, GPS, 12v blanket, she loves it. Shes my navigator! And she knows when she has to lean when doing the back roads. I do try to keep the chair on the ground, lol I got to find a 12v crockpot to add to the sidecar lol
Great, but what happens when you run out of things to put on the bike! lol. I also have a small stereo set installed, and a cargo trunk on top of the spare tire. Everyone asks what's in the trunk.....I tell them a Ventriloquist Dummy, lol I've run out of things to add!
I'm 65 and ride a 95 Softail custom I've had 8 back surgeries my other half is worried about me still riding. So I have decided to break out my dear old 1968 Electra Glide I bought in 1978 my first Harley put it in my shop and completely refurbish the old girl and ride it till I have to give it up .Then I will get a 60s nova 350 stick shift and have fun with that till I can't. Enjoy what gives you that joy be safe rubber down paint up God speed. 😎✌️🤘
Loved your video, husband and l travel around in a sidecar it millitary green bike is a royal enfield classic 500 we love it enjoy the sun great fun on weekends
Older age downsize that I did was Ducati Diavel to Ninja 400. The 400 is huge fun and is great low-cost riding. Small and light is a big advantage. Cheers, and keep the black stuff down.
riding since 67 just sold my harley of many, got a 2016 F6B Honda. first leg 800 miles and wanted to keep going but its heavy ,really only on the u turns is it hard but love it and will keep going for 15 more yrs at lest. big island.
i am 74 and my wife 72 . i have two 125 scooters ,hondas ,and my wife a vespa . i cant change gear now and also cant handle heavy bikes . we enjoy riding together locally to where we live .
Over the years I have owned a variety of motorcycles. A few years ago I realized that the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 that I loved and had put 100K/kms on was getting too heavy to lift off the stand and to handle in town with lots of stop signs, give way signs and roundabouts. I sold it (to my son) and replaced it with a Can Am Spyder RT Ltd (I bought it second hand). I had to learn a whole new way of riding because of course the Spyder doesn't lean like a two-wheeler. It took me about 4k/kms to feel I now had the muscle memory to ride it competently and feel safe especially when cornering. I haven't ridden on the back so I can't give any insight into the passenger experience what I can say if that the RT is very comfortable and the passenger seat with footboards also looks very comfortable. As I ride down the highway at 100km with the cruise control set I feel there would be very little sway. The pillion however they would experience some "moments" in the twisties, when taking curves or cornering. My preference is to slow down so as to minimize the effect. I have been a passenger on a traditional trike and found it very comfortable - I have no experience driving one but I am a bit concerned about all the weight being at the back of the bike and the tendency (I accept it is rare) for the front wheel to lift at high speed with a strong head wind. I have no experience of side cars but did at one point consider one before opting for the Spyder. One option you didn't consider is the bike/scooter with two wheels at the front like a Gilera Fuoco 550 or the Yamaha Niken. These bikes can lock the front suspension when the bike is stationary so that the rider doesn't need to put their feet down. I accept they may not be everyone's cup of tea but are an option. The Gilera (made by Piaggio) comes with a reverse gear and camera as standard and in my experience having owned a Piaggio 400 can hold their own on the highway as well as do the daily commute. Thanks for your video.
Got a 2022 Svartpilen 401 & will get lowering kit to lower 1 inch (max) - relatively inexpensive , lightweight, nimble & sexy looking. I’m still investigating the handlebar with risers or longer sweep cuz hard on my back & arms…unfortunately, not the greatest on highway over 70-90 km cuz lightweight - thanks for the awesome vid…I’ll investigate Sidecar option to see if it’s possible
Yes I would imagine you would cop a fair amount of wind on a 401, you tend to sit on top of them. Sidecars are a ball, once you get used to them. The secret is to pull on the bars not push. Too much to go into here but I might do a video on it one day. Cheers!
I am 71 and have a 750 Honda Shadow Spirit. I have a conversion kit on it. I am still getting used riding it. I used to ride a Gold Wing and a KZ 1000 but I had to step down because of legs are failing me. Even then I have had to find my own way of getting on and off the bike.; I have made it work and the more I ride the more I want to ride. The curb weight is about 450 pounds with a height of about 25 inches.
As a Canadian I'm partial to the Can-Am products as they present a simpler easy-riding option for those of us north of 50. It's their price point in this country, even as used vehicles which presents an obstacle. I like the cool side-car option which brings back good memories of days with the police service. Side-cars were more popular in Canada in the 50s and 60s, largely disappearing by the mid-70s as a commercial offering. The police in major urban centres kept them operating until the early 00s. I remember seeing an internal correspondence offering the 'side-car course' in 2000.
Yes Sidecars gradually died out in Australia in the period you mentioned too. You still see a few around but not many. I love mine with a passion, they can be somewhat challenging to learn but once mastered they are a lot of fun.
@@johnpatterson4272 i try my hardest to reply to as many comments as humanly possible. As hard as it is, i made that promise to myself from the beginning.
I am 68 and still ride since I was 13. I have a all original 1968 XLCH I still kick over and a 1993 Lowrider, the newest bike I ever owned. But the ride is getting too hard on my bad back so I am going for a Harley road glide next or a Heritage.. whichever gives me the softer ride. The XLCH will be used for shorter rides. I can’t ever see going to a trike even though I think they are a really great option for many folks. Even a lot of young people tend to love them. But not my cup of tea personally. I will get back into my old Austin Healey BJ8 as my last option I guess.
I can't comment on Harley trikes since I haven't ridden one but I have ridden the other 3 kinds & I reckon you're pretty much on the money. But allow me to throw my 2 cents worth in anyway... I rode a Can-Am Spyder about 10 years ago & hated it. My major gripe was the way it wasn't quite wide enough to follow the subtle grooves in the road. It always seemed like it was fighting you for control. A mate has a VW powered Oz Trike & it is a barrel of laughs & can keep with most bikes when the road gets twisty. Just remember not to give it too many beans through the apex or it will take the weight off the front wheel & want to go straight ahead. Something I found out the hard way. It is also a bit disconcerting having to let go of the bars with your left hand to change gears but overall, I loved riding it. They will also tow a full-sized camper with ease & being the same width as a car, they follow the hollows in the road in exactly the same way the Can-Ams don't. But my personal favourite will always be sidecars. Many years ago (too many to mention), I had a z650 powered Wasp motocross outfit that some maniac had managed to get registered for road use. It was light & had soft suspension & moved around alot as a consequence but it was the best fun & drew a crowd where ever we stopped. My dog loved it too. If some bastard hadn't stolen it, I'd probably still have it! You can't passively ride a sidecar like you can a solo bike so they may be difficult for some aging riders but I've started saving up for a T100 to bolt a sidecar to for when my Harley gets too heavy to lift off the stand & my Guzzi is too tall to throw a leg over. To be honest, I can hardly wait! Lucky I won't have to wait too long I guess... Thanks for another interesting video. Stay safe but take risks... 😉
I personally don't go much on the spyders myself they take to much concentration to keep in a straight line but plenty of others like them, we are all different. Good points you make here!
I’m 64 and still riding. I downsized from a Harley to a klr650. Now I’m considering a trike. I’ve no idea what type or brand. I had a sidecar for years and I won’t go back to them as there is a lot of reverse thinking required when operating a sidecar.
Iv owned a w 650 1999 mod it was a good bike im in thialand i have clossics my faveret is yamaha xv 750 s ihave 3 after fixing( thias ar not good with bige bikrs) the xv is low and not to heavey i been building customs all my life so i can fix most bikes old bikes are good to work on cards and ignitions tend to be simpler i have one xv ariginal engine untouched and still golng strong so if you want a sunday ride old can be ok just saying 76 years young reiterd uk biker thialand
hi how ya going well i recently got a ural ranger ive traveled about 800 ks on it mostly dirt roads it scared me a few times at first i gotta say but I'm getting the nack now and haveing heaps of fun with it
Yes they take some getting used to but well worth it. The very first time I went on a loose gravel road was a somewhat hairy experience too. But its all good now.
Many interesting comments indeed. Whilst I have a Virago cruiser I am majoring in Vintage Trials riding (BSA Bantam 1965 set up for trials) - so at 64 going to keep going as long as I can - great fun with a great bunch of guys and gals at the monthly events! I didn’t see a mention of the modern hybrid scooters, some with 650cc engines - are they worth considering?
I actually ride a 125cc scooter as my daily transport, its great as for hybrids. Electric vehicles are a con, not clean and green like they are portrayed. The truth will come out eventually. Glad your still riding buddy !
I am 76 and was riding a Honda Silverwing 600 maxiscooter for years with no problems. It got to where I had to get some help to pick it up if it rolled onto its side in a gravel parking spot. Next season I will look for a lighter 400 size bike.
The only three wheeler worth owning is the Mad Max hack I would take that at any age or ability. I always wanted to build a Honda CBX trike. Something about running 6 pipes straight up the back just seems too cool. 😎 when I get to old to ride my hard tail flathead. That’s what I’m gonna do
My sidecar doesn't have a reverse gear, I've been riding it for 34 years, and never missed reverse. I have a 1988 Harley Davidson Lowrider, with a sidecar, it is immense fun in the twisties, but does take a lot of body movement to keep it under control.
34 years is a long time. You never miss what you don't have, like anything it's just a matter of adapting. That outfit must be like a member of the family by now. Cheers!
without reverse you always have to be aware where you' parking. same as on.a solo bike. i've found the reverse of my Urals helpful. especially on loose ground. wet camp grounds or else. Stay save 🙏
I've had a BMW sidecar most of the last 30 years, no reverse . I now have an 1800 Goldwing sidecar, it has reverse but I rarely use it. I still choose to park carefully so the bike can just be ridden out. Reverse is really not necessary . Only got the Goldwing as it had the sidecar and leading link fitted and it was a good price. Not really a Goldwing person, seems to upset the fans
I don't have any personal experience with either of these other than taking a mp3 for a ride around the block. I wanted to keep this video 'real' from my own experiences.
yes.still here..old english car engine powered trike..motor sat infront of rider..passenger sat behind and other passengers each side on a seat which had plenty of room for all..slightly wider wheel base than what youve shown.more stable iguess
@@MauriceWilliams-bl9pi sounds very interesting, I will look into it further although I have to admit I have never heard of them. Cheers & thanks for your info!
@@motorcyclecafe I think he's saying he owns a custom trike with a small English car engine in it, with passenger seats either side of the operator 🤷♂
No sir. Lower is not better for old folks, nor is 3'wheelers. Get gack on a taller bike. Sitting "in" a bike is not the answer. Get upright again. Trikes require much more back strenth to horse around. (If balance is issue then trikes may work.) If you have back issues then get back to a 60's era bike. 28 or 29 inch seat height and a proper higher bars set up will let you enjoy 20+ extra years of pleasures.
I appreciate your different point of view. Although I have to disagree with your trike comment a little bit, the big trikes require almost no effort to ride whatsoever. Pretty much anyone could ride one quite easily. You are 'spot on' with your other point though the cruiser riding position (low with feet forward) is not good for the spine, a more standard bikes riding position with your feet underneath you is a much more comfortable riding position, especially if you have back issues. Thanks for your input buddy!
An excellent choice and machine in every way! I did in fact think about including the V7 in the bike section of the video but I decided to keep the bike section short as there as so many choices. In hindsight I should really have included it. Thanks for your input!
Golden years?.......You mean shit years! I just bought a Can Am Spyder not because I need one but it looks like fun. I also have 9 other bikes all two wheels. 68 is shit compared to 18, 28 or 38. Still riding and fifo working but it's not quite the same.
oh well, being 68 is better than the alternative, I guess. I used to have quite a few bikes all at once myself once but its just too hard. So now I limit it to just 3.
In the west we should really stop purchasing Chines stuff... They are not our friends... Aside from that, many old(er) bikes will do very well. And for a lot less money and you can still ride a proper bike. I'm 70, picked up riding again (after a long absence) and got myself a ST1100. Seat height is 800 mm. It's heavy but you do not notice this when riding. The center of gravity is very low, even with a full tank. If you really want to go overboard: seat height of a GL1500 GoldWing is just 740 mm and you even have a reverse gear... Older BMW RTs are not bad either as they have an adjustable seat for height. And they are a bit lighter than the ST1100. And they are easy to work on...
G'day buddy. Appreciate your commenting but I cannot have any political comments on the channel for many reasons. Whether a rider is Chinese or Russian makes no difference this is a bike channel, for riders. It's not the people which aren't friends it's the Governments. I will let it slide for the moment but if your comment receives anymore similar comments I will have to remove it, please understand. Thanks for watching and your input.
@@motorcyclecafe Let me be frank: no, I do not understand. I am a biker yet I'm also political aware and worry about the future of our western culture. I make comments like this often and never ever have had a reaction like yours. I will avoid your channel, we are obviously at different wave lengths...
@@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 Fair call. If any rider from any country turned up on my doorstep in need of help.. would I help them out? Yes! We are all riders no matter what country we are from. That's all I will say on the issue. Thanks for watching.
other day coming home I saw a pair feet sticking out from under a blanket on the side of the interstate and a pile of scrap that used to be a motorcycle , you people just don't get it death rides on two wheels !
Good video, but riding is not a privilege, it is a right! Unless you think freedom is a privilege not a right. Over the years we have been tricked into asking permission to excercise our God given freedom. Recent events in point.
Unfortunately yes, you can be too old to ride and it's not age, it's condition and it varies for everyone. Please don't tell that lie in your thumbnail. I've buried 4 folks this decade who should have quit riding in the decade before this one. Saying that, an ass running over me on a bike has me on, well, may avatar and we are going to Europe this month... Keep riding, but know when to quit and please don't ride something stupid looking.
I am indeed very sorry for your losses but please do not accuse me of lying. It is indeed a pretty offensive & derogatory comment. Everyone's time comes sooner or later no matter what they do.
They may not be bikes but some people due to age or injury have no choice but a trike if they still want to be riding. They are the next best choice for some and still fun.
62 YO riding a Suzuki boulevard 1500 CC with an awesome sidecar modeled after the classic Harley sidecars with big wheel and big fender and all the bells and whistles (signal lights, head light, park brake, wind shield etc... no reverse gear,...just push the damm thing if I have to...it's not that bad... you get used to it.. try not to get in a bad situation in a hill, that's all.
79 years young and recently switched from a great Goldwing to a Can Am Spyder. The riding techniques are a bit different but enjoyable for both. The joy of motorcycling is the important thing to experience. Ride on !!!
100% right!!!
Are they motorcycles tho?
@@uhtred7860 define what is a motorcycle. Is a two wheeler with a sidecar a motorcycle ? What if a two wheeler is pulling a trailer is it a tractor trailer ? Most importantly what ever it is it’s going to be fun.
@@geraldgreen6278 Well by its definition a motorcycle is, "a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals"
The Can Am spider is, by definition a tricycle. Tho ive heard people call them "tadpoles" or "reverse trikes".
71 and bad legs. Have 2 wheels for good days and Can-Am 2008 for bad . Having reverse is a great idea
The sidecar is the least embarrassing of the options here, and the one I chose too. 😎
Yes I love mine as well!
I am a 68-year-old Disabled American Veteran. You missed the removable Trike kits in your video, but if you get one make sure they are a quality build.
I have a new 2023 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT, with a removable extra two car wheel Trike kit installed. It is 1/2 the price of an old Trike & 1/4 the price of a new Trike. My kit does not have reverse, but I can reverse faster than a Harley by using my two feet.
I didn't include them for 2 reasons as far as I'm aware they are only available in America and I do not know anything about them, at all. Glad your still riding something mate!
I had that old man issue a few year ago. I dragged my old MZ250 out of the shed after 20 years of storage and have since enjoyed riding a 300 lb bike that I can lay on its side and easily pick it up again.
Thanks for thinking of old bikers. I'm 71 years "young", with a big hip problem and I don't dare ride my Triumph Street Twin anymore. A smaller, lighter motorcycle is my first choice, but I also find three-wheelers interesting.
I'm getting up there myself buddy so it's something that I can relate to very well. I have owned or at the very least ridden all of these 3 wheelers in the video. While I still ride solo bikes I bought a sidecar outfit planning for the future. To be honest I do regret not buying one sooner now, as they are great fun.
Just keep riding as long as you feel it.
Threes the charm! It will be back to the future for me as my riding was suspended when doing the "family thing" but a Ural sidecar rig enabled me to be engaged with motorcycling. By-in-large street riding is a solo endeavor and not conducive for kids or as a family activity. Unless, of course, you can do as I did with using some ingenuity. When my 3 kids were small & younger (9,7&4 years old) I picked up a 2006 Ural Patrol; added a BMW backrest where my 9-yr-old could sit securely; sat my biggest kid in the sidecar proper; & the coup-de-gras was to convert the sidecar trunk into a rumble seat (complete w/seatbelt) for my youngest. This rider/dad pulled it off making a motorcycling a "family thing" thanks to the very adaptable Ural and an understandable wife & mother!
Crikey! You wouldnt get away with that where i live, puttin kids all over the place too many laws these days.
@@motorcyclecafe surely two in the side ar and one pillion is perfectly legal aslong as the sidecar is a tandem or double wide?
3 seater sidecars were available in the UK!
@@andrewallen9993 yes legal but not one sitting in the boot 🤔
@@motorcyclecafe Rumble seat not boot :)
I owned a Royal Enfield 500cc sidecar set up from the factory. My was British Green. Top end was 55mph. Never had a problem with it, it was a joy to ride. I gave my Father a ride every Sunday when the weather was nice. He enjoy it.
It's cool that you shared that with your dad. A classic example of not needing a fast bike to get enjoyment from it. Royal Enfield are really performing very well at the moment, sales wise because many riders are realizing it, I think.
@@motorcyclecafe i owned fast bikes, and slow bikes. I was always more relaxed on the smaller, slower machines.,could smell the grass,flowers, and enjoy the view. As an old guy now, I have a 150cc scooter,a 150cc motorcycle, and an electrical scooter. I ride the electric scooter the most.
Hi, a good video and excellent overview summary. When touring, one big difference between a solo bike and a sidecar combination that I noticed, is that you see far more scenery with a combination. With a solo, about 20% of your attention is on the road surface - wet leaves, gravel, diesel etc. and all that is almost gone when you have a third wheel. The plus side is that people come up to talk when you stop and often there are requests for a spin in the chair!
reading through your comments I have to agree you do see more scenery riding a sidecar. In hindsight I probably should have mentioned that in the video. Although it's more of an opinion than a fact I guess, it depends on the individual but in my opinion you are right!
True though after a few months I am still not ready to ride at 70-75 mph on freeways. State roads are doable but are the upper limit of what I'm willing to try. On one side state roads have a lot more sweeping turns but lower speeds, the freeways lack the turns or the changes in the side to side pitch speeds are much higher. Cars dont like getting stuck behind a slower moving sidecar. Other than 75 lbs of sand I have not yet ridden with a passenger (would probably make the ride much safer feeling. to have that extra weight, Having the sidecar get light or airborne is an upsetting feeling.) Riding an 07 Road King with the factory sidecar.
At 80 years young,, I have purchased my first trike. Three years ago I had covid Ang lost most of my strength and had problems lifting. Thought my bike days and FREEDOM.days were over. Now with my triglde ultra I am back riding. It really is a great feeling.
Excellent buddy, good job!!!
That's great 👍
At 82 years of age I broke both bones in my right leg, At 83 years of age I got me a Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG Triglide with reverse, with 68 years of riding a bike I knew I would never give up my freedom of open roads, In September this year I logged over 2000 miles on the trike, I am 6' 1" tall and weigh 235 and nobody calls me a Girly Man for riding a trike
To me you're a fu#@ing legend mate!!!
Good onya mate from down under. I am in awe
I got very sick 2 yrs ago and was in a coma for five weeks. When I came out of the coma, I couldn't walk. Still after 2 yrs I am still not walking very good, so I sold my motorcycle and bought a three wheeler, I am very thankful for three wheelers.😊
Good move i reckon mate. We all get older nothing wrong with a 3 wheeler. Its still riding!!!
Hello from Higganum Connecticut USA this has helped me with my decision I'll be putting a sidecar on my 1993 BMW K75 and now me and my wife can travel together for our Sunday morning Breakfast 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Glad the video helped you out. Theres a couple videos on the channel on sidecars.
Yo Motorsickle Cafe, new subscriber here. Hello from MidMichigan USA 🇺🇸. I've been riding 58 years. My bride of 46 years rides so when we had 2 children we just strapped one to each on two Motorsickles. Family fun. Love this vid! I can relate. Currently riding a 97 Honda Valkyrie standard.(my 3rd Valkyrie) I demoed a Motor Trike Valkyrie conversion. Absolutely loved it. Extremely stable. I am 68 years of age and not giving up my Motorsickle Addiction.😎♥️✌️🇺🇸
Good on you buddy. Ride safe! Thanks for the sub.
I've been riding a BMW R75/5 for some 20 years. But I also got to ride MZ250 with sidecar outfit and Dnepr 750 with sidecar. The Dnepr is such a BMW clone, that you can easily change motor or/and gearbox for a BMW 2V airhead. Which many riders do, here in Germany.
Problem with the Dnepr is, that, especially after the collapse of the soviet union, the sheer quality of the steel used, dropped dramatically.
A friend of mine dropped his one after only about 1 year, stating it was unmanagable to keep intakt. And he was a motorcycle mechanic with 20years experience. The one I got to ride had a BMW 750 motor and gearbox. Making it 50hp instead of the original 27hp.
While my R75 solo consumed 5,4l per 100km (measured over some 10.000km), in the Dnepr, that motor consumed 11 ! (At least when I was riding it.)
A warning for a 1st ride on a sidecar outfit, when you are experienced with solo bikes: don't start off like you're used to! Go slow! Very slow! And carefully try to ride a 1st turn!
Few people know: to take a right turn on a bicycle or bike, we push on the right handlebar. On a sidecar outfit, you need to pull!
Many experienced riders rode a sidecar outfit into the ditch at their 1st try. As for experienced sidecar riders on a solo bike: make sure to put your feet down, when you've stopped! Hehe!
My first thoughts when riding a sidecar outfit for the very first time were "What have I done?" but the time needed to get used to them is well worth it. Thanks for your input.
Hi there..Sidecar riding is a way of Life..am 79 and riding year round..46 Years now. Live in Austria, love the Alpine Roads..the little By-ways..ridden all over Austria, Slovenia, Kroatia, eastern Switzerland, northern Italy, Greek Peloponnes..
😮Ridden and owned several Hacks..now I have my 2nd Ural, a Ranger mit TWD..good for the Winter riding here.
My two daughters grew up in the Sidecars..Lot of Camping Trips, oft to the Groß Glockner and Heiligenblut there..south Tirol, Italy also over the Defereggental(Valley) and Staller Sattel on the way down to Italy.
Love it. Riding with a Sidecar is very good for a slower life Style awareness to relieve the hectomatic World stressfullnes of todays exsistance. I always think and
say to myself before I ride out, oh man, what a beautiful Day, I have 100 Years to get where ever it is I am going..and my Ural gets me there everytime. The Ural is definitively not everyones cup of Tee, but if you enjoy seeing the Scenery, taking time for a short break more often, then yes.
When I picked up my Ural Ranger 3 Years ago, I rode back home from Upper Austria thru the Alps back down to the southeastern Styrian
town where I live, over little Backroads, around
420 km..took me 12 hours. Made several breaks, tanked up at an old Maw and Paw one, the Grandma and Grandpa inside, she made a Sandwich for me, then I went outside and sat outside eating a Sandwich and relaxing watching the Sunset.
A real Country place, nothing around except that little Gas Station and winding alpine Country Road, beautiful Alps and no Traffic.
By the time I got home it was
1:30 am..and Boy was I tired but happy. And thats what it's all about. Take yer time and enjoy your Ride.
Current KN900 , dog , Dnepr sidecar , trailer .Started after been given an AJS 500 for free in `69, I took to bikes. Been riding sidecars for 10 years about the same time I became a Great Grandad too. 2014 I think . These days are spent camping , dirt tracks & it`s my shopping trolley. I `m loving life .Thank you for the relevant and informative video.
You're welcome mate. Sidecars are so much fun, bit of hard work sometimes but well worth it. I am glad I finally bit the bullet and bought one. Cheers!
About 10yrs ago, I was out riding my 1968 FLH and stopped by a statepark lake where many bikes gather on weekends. Met an 82yr old gent riding a 1933 VLDD (IIRC). Said his brother was the original. We talked a bit and he got back on, tickled the carb, kicked it thru a time or two, ignition on, and started it with 1 KICK!
I knew an old bloke years ago, Darcy who had an old Harley outfit from way back and he still rode it. He was in his mid 80's when I met him. They did a story on him on national TV once. This was back in the 80's I think.
Couldn't agree more, can't think of anything more rewarding than cornering just right with an outfit, other than being able to carry enough beer for the whole group. Thank you
you're welcome!
I went from a Yamaha Midnight Venture to an Indian Scout Bobber Twenty. I'm 55 in the US. I do forsee three wheels when I get in my late 60s.
12 motorcycles and 1 outdoor mobility scooter ggrrr Happy to be riding anything
I know of a person that purchased a 16' Indian Chief and put a Hannigan sidecar on it. Rode it from Helena Montana to Kentucky over the years to work on the Olmstead Dam on the Ohio river. Rode that combo all over the USA also.
I had a side car mounted to my Harley roadking. It was the most difficult, terrifying bike setup I've ever owned. After 6 mo, I removed the sidecar and happily sold it for less than I had in it. Good riddens. At 65 yrs old, I'm to the point of needing to downsize. I think I'll just move down to a softail and call it good.
Yeah, I lost my left leg below the knee but was still able to ride my Honda VTX1800 with the heel and toe shift. Recently I lost it above the knee which made shifting impossible and I have not found a good way to use the kickstand. I bought a 2007 HD Road King with the HD factory sidecar. While its not the same as riding a motorcycle it's fun. Sidecars are an absolute handful and has the worst of all in negative attributes but I don't need to concern myself with a side stand. I had an electric handlebar push button shifter installed. I'm considering installing the reverse gear but it requires splitting the sidecar so the installation is pricey (quoted $1500.). The reverse gear would make parking it under the carport reasonably easy.
Yes the handling of sidecars is different that's for sure but any decent rider should be able to adapt. They are fun!
I gave up on tricycles at 3 72 and still running my harley sportster down the raod at a good clip
At 72 I am still riding my 2 wheel 95 Honda ACE 1100. And for the past 18 years I have my 04 Ural Troyka. Never had so much fun as I have had riding the sidecar bike. It's definitely not a rocket, but if you take your time do back roads, it's a blast. And you see so much more.
The wife loves the sidecar. In the Fall as she is in the sidecar, she has her coffee, GPS, 12v blanket, she loves it. Shes my navigator! And she knows when she has to lean when doing the back roads. I do try to keep the chair on the ground, lol
I got to find a 12v crockpot to add to the sidecar lol
I just put an amp and speakers in my sidecar. They are great fun for sure!
Great, but what happens when you run out of things to put on the bike! lol. I also have a small stereo set installed, and a cargo trunk on top of the spare tire. Everyone asks what's in the trunk.....I tell them a Ventriloquist Dummy, lol
I've run out of things to add!
Good One. Enjoyed it. Helpful too.
Thanks buddy.
I'm 65 and ride a 95 Softail custom I've had 8 back surgeries my other half is worried about me still riding. So I have decided to break out my dear old 1968 Electra Glide I bought in 1978 my first Harley put it in my shop and completely refurbish the old girl and ride it till I have to give it up .Then I will get a 60s nova 350 stick shift and have fun with that till I can't. Enjoy what gives you that joy be safe rubber down paint up God speed. 😎✌️🤘
Loved your video, husband and l travel around in a sidecar it millitary green bike is a royal enfield classic 500 we love it enjoy the sun great fun on weekends
Excellent I am glad you enjoyed it. Sidecars are pretty cool ay? I wanted one my whole life and finally bought one last year.
Older age downsize that I did was Ducati Diavel to Ninja 400.
The 400 is huge fun and is great low-cost riding.
Small and light is a big advantage.
Cheers, and keep the black stuff down.
thanks for your comment. A Ducati to a Kwaka 400 is quite a drop in horsepower. Your opinion is spot on though, horsepower does not equal more fun.
riding since 67 just sold my harley of many, got a 2016 F6B Honda. first leg 800 miles and wanted to keep going but its heavy ,really only on the u turns is it hard but love it and will keep going for 15 more yrs at lest. big island.
i am 74 and my wife 72 . i have two 125 scooters ,hondas ,and my wife a vespa . i cant change gear now and also cant handle heavy bikes . we enjoy riding together locally to where we live .
I too have a 125cc scooter which I ride every day around town. It's a lot of fun.
I think you’re never too old to die. So it’s safe to say you’re never too old to ride.
Over the years I have owned a variety of motorcycles. A few years ago I realized that the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 that I loved and had put 100K/kms on was getting too heavy to lift off the stand and to handle in town with lots of stop signs, give way signs and roundabouts. I sold it (to my son) and replaced it with a Can Am Spyder RT Ltd (I bought it second hand). I had to learn a whole new way of riding because of course the Spyder doesn't lean like a two-wheeler. It took me about 4k/kms to feel I now had the muscle memory to ride it competently and feel safe especially when cornering. I haven't ridden on the back so I can't give any insight into the passenger experience what I can say if that the RT is very comfortable and the passenger seat with footboards also looks very comfortable. As I ride down the highway at 100km with the cruise control set I feel there would be very little sway. The pillion however they would experience some "moments" in the twisties, when taking curves or cornering. My preference is to slow down so as to minimize the effect. I have been a passenger on a traditional trike and found it very comfortable - I have no experience driving one but I am a bit concerned about all the weight being at the back of the bike and the tendency (I accept it is rare) for the front wheel to lift at high speed with a strong head wind. I have no experience of side cars but did at one point consider one before opting for the Spyder. One option you didn't consider is the bike/scooter with two wheels at the front like a Gilera Fuoco 550 or the Yamaha Niken. These bikes can lock the front suspension when the bike is stationary so that the rider doesn't need to put their feet down. I accept they may not be everyone's cup of tea but are an option. The Gilera (made by Piaggio) comes with a reverse gear and camera as standard and in my experience having owned a Piaggio 400 can hold their own on the highway as well as do the daily commute. Thanks for your video.
I left those 3 wheelers you mentioned out because I don't really have much personal experience riding one. Cheers and glad you enjoyed the video.
That makes perfect sense. I have ridden the Piaggio MP3 400 but have no experience on any of the others. @@motorcyclecafe
Got a 2022 Svartpilen 401 & will get lowering kit to lower 1 inch (max) - relatively inexpensive , lightweight, nimble & sexy looking. I’m still investigating the handlebar with risers or longer sweep cuz hard on my back & arms…unfortunately, not the greatest on highway over 70-90 km cuz lightweight - thanks for the awesome vid…I’ll investigate Sidecar option to see if it’s possible
Yes I would imagine you would cop a fair amount of wind on a 401, you tend to sit on top of them. Sidecars are a ball, once you get used to them. The secret is to pull on the bars not push. Too much to go into here but I might do a video on it one day. Cheers!
I am 71 and have a 750 Honda Shadow Spirit. I have a conversion kit on it. I am still getting used riding it. I used to ride a Gold Wing and a KZ 1000 but I had to step down because of legs are failing me. Even then I have had to find my own way of getting on and off the bike.; I have made it work and the more I ride the more I want to ride. The curb weight is about 450 pounds with a height of about 25 inches.
Good on you mate!
Be 70 next summer , would like to swap a Suzuki DL 1000 to a Suzuki SM 400. More street cornering fun.
Ural. Ace. 👍. Another great video mate.
Glad you enjoyed it, I put more effort into this one as its something closer to my heart.
As a Canadian I'm partial to the Can-Am products as they present a simpler easy-riding option for those of us north of 50. It's their price point in this country, even as used vehicles which presents an obstacle. I like the cool side-car option which brings back good memories of days with the police service. Side-cars were more popular in Canada in the 50s and 60s, largely disappearing by the mid-70s as a commercial offering. The police in major urban centres kept them operating until the early 00s. I remember seeing an internal correspondence offering the 'side-car course' in 2000.
Yes Sidecars gradually died out in Australia in the period you mentioned too. You still see a few around but not many. I love mine with a passion, they can be somewhat challenging to learn but once mastered they are a lot of fun.
@@motorcyclecafe Thanks for the reply, God bless.
@@johnpatterson4272 i try my hardest to reply to as many comments as humanly possible. As hard as it is, i made that promise to myself from the beginning.
@@motorcyclecafe Thank you for that, Canadians and Australians have much in-common.
@@johnpatterson4272 we do! Cheers!
Sidecar outfit is my choice, had one when I was 18, excellent fun. 😎
Yes, same here buddy
@@motorcyclecafe mine was a BSA A10 with a double adult chair, I removed the body and replaced it with a box to carry stuff in.
Worth the entry fee just for the Tuk-Tuk footage!
Thanks mate! Yer I thought that bit was pretty cool too! Thanks for watching it right through!
I am 68 and still ride since I was 13. I have a all original 1968 XLCH I still kick over and a 1993 Lowrider, the newest bike I ever owned. But the ride is getting too hard on my bad back so I am going for a Harley road glide next or a Heritage.. whichever gives me the softer ride. The XLCH will be used for shorter rides.
I can’t ever see going to a trike even though I think they are a really great option for many folks. Even a lot of young people tend to love them. But not my cup of tea personally. I will get back into my old Austin Healey BJ8 as my last option I guess.
Great to see you hanging onto your bikes buddy. Yes trikes are not for everyone but they do offer many benefits for some. Thanks for your comment.
I can't comment on Harley trikes since I haven't ridden one but I have ridden the other 3 kinds & I reckon you're pretty much on the money. But allow me to throw my 2 cents worth in anyway...
I rode a Can-Am Spyder about 10 years ago & hated it. My major gripe was the way it wasn't quite wide enough to follow the subtle grooves in the road. It always seemed like it was fighting you for control.
A mate has a VW powered Oz Trike & it is a barrel of laughs & can keep with most bikes when the road gets twisty. Just remember not to give it too many beans through the apex or it will take the weight off the front wheel & want to go straight ahead. Something I found out the hard way. It is also a bit disconcerting having to let go of the bars with your left hand to change gears but overall, I loved riding it. They will also tow a full-sized camper with ease & being the same width as a car, they follow the hollows in the road in exactly the same way the Can-Ams don't.
But my personal favourite will always be sidecars. Many years ago (too many to mention), I had a z650 powered Wasp motocross outfit that some maniac had managed to get registered for road use. It was light & had soft suspension & moved around alot as a consequence but it was the best fun & drew a crowd where ever we stopped. My dog loved it too. If some bastard hadn't stolen it, I'd probably still have it! You can't passively ride a sidecar like you can a solo bike so they may be difficult for some aging riders but I've started saving up for a T100 to bolt a sidecar to for when my Harley gets too heavy to lift off the stand & my Guzzi is too tall to throw a leg over. To be honest, I can hardly wait!
Lucky I won't have to wait too long I guess...
Thanks for another interesting video. Stay safe but take risks... 😉
I personally don't go much on the spyders myself they take to much concentration to keep in a straight line but plenty of others like them, we are all different. Good points you make here!
My Suzuki VL1500 Intruder came with a Velorex sidecar.
The Honda 750 Shadow Ace is really nice.
It does look very slick ay?
I’m 64 and still riding. I downsized from a Harley to a klr650. Now I’m considering a trike. I’ve no idea what type or brand. I had a sidecar for years and I won’t go back to them as there is a lot of reverse thinking required when operating a sidecar.
You do get used to a sidecar but yeah just get what ever takes your fancy. Trikes are bloody expensive though.
Iv owned a w 650 1999 mod it was a good bike im in thialand i have clossics my faveret is yamaha xv 750 s ihave 3 after fixing( thias ar not good with bige bikrs) the xv is low and not to heavey i been building customs all my life so i can fix most bikes old bikes are good to work on cards and ignitions tend to be simpler i have one xv ariginal engine untouched and still golng strong so if you want a sunday ride old can be ok just saying 76 years young reiterd uk biker thialand
hi how ya going well i recently got a ural ranger ive traveled about 800 ks on it mostly dirt roads it scared me a few times at first i gotta say but I'm getting the nack now and haveing heaps of fun with it
Yes they take some getting used to but well worth it. The very first time I went on a loose gravel road was a somewhat hairy experience too. But its all good now.
The father in-law has the can-am touring model....those things fly , not much will out run it !!!
yes they do get along pretty well thats for sure!
Many interesting comments indeed. Whilst I have a Virago cruiser I am majoring in Vintage Trials riding (BSA Bantam 1965 set up for trials) - so at 64 going to keep going as long as I can - great fun with a great bunch of guys and gals at the monthly events! I didn’t see a mention of the modern hybrid scooters, some with 650cc engines - are they worth considering?
I actually ride a 125cc scooter as my daily transport, its great as for hybrids. Electric vehicles are a con, not clean and green like they are portrayed. The truth will come out eventually. Glad your still riding buddy !
I am 76 and was riding a Honda Silverwing 600 maxiscooter for years with no problems. It got to where I had to get some help to pick it up if it rolled onto its side in a gravel parking spot. Next season I will look for a lighter 400 size bike.
An interesting set of opinions, not necessarily factual.
Nonetheless, thanks for putting in the work to share them with "the great unwashed".
@@-MacCat- yes buddy just my opinions but correct as far as I am concerned
The only three wheeler worth owning is the Mad Max hack I would take that at any age or ability. I always wanted to build a Honda CBX trike. Something about running 6 pipes straight up the back just seems too cool. 😎 when I get to old to ride my hard tail flathead. That’s what I’m gonna do
I have to agree a CBX 6 cyl trike would look amazing!
Love my ural...gearup..go off road too.
They are awesome old school machines. I Love mine too! There is a short doco about Urals on the channel. You will love it.
F-3S is my choice. Can Am is pretty good, love the Rotax power plant!!!
Yes they are great motors for sure.
My sidecar doesn't have a reverse gear, I've been riding it for 34 years, and never missed reverse. I have a 1988 Harley Davidson Lowrider, with a sidecar, it is immense fun in the twisties, but does take a lot of body movement to keep it under control.
34 years is a long time. You never miss what you don't have, like anything it's just a matter of adapting. That outfit must be like a member of the family by now. Cheers!
without reverse you always have to be aware where you' parking.
same as on.a solo bike.
i've found the reverse of my Urals helpful.
especially on loose ground.
wet camp grounds or else.
Stay save 🙏
I've had a BMW sidecar most of the last 30 years, no reverse . I now have an 1800 Goldwing sidecar, it has reverse but I rarely use it. I still choose to park carefully so the bike can just be ridden out. Reverse is really not necessary .
Only got the Goldwing as it had the sidecar and leading link fitted and it was a good price. Not really a Goldwing person, seems to upset the fans
You missed 2 options. Trike kits were you bolt it to your bike with 3 wheels in the back. Piaggio mp3 with 2 wheels in front.
I don't have any personal experience with either of these other than taking a mp3 for a ride around the block. I wanted to keep this video 'real' from my own experiences.
what about Carver One. The greatest wonder since the invention of the wheel.
I'll leave that vehicle for you to produce a video on. Pretty sure it has a steering wheel, you drive it not ride it.
@@motorcyclecafe I think it is no longer essential to make a video about it, there are many on the web. Every professional motorcyclist knows this.
😎
67 yrs young and spine, hip and left leg probs, so gone is the yam royal star and now looking for a trike.....yee haa.
are you still around 1640cc hillman hunter engined trike with 3-9o'clock pubseat
Sorry buddy. I'm not quite sure what you mean?
yes.still here..old english car engine powered trike..motor sat infront of rider..passenger sat behind and other passengers each side on a seat which had plenty of room for all..slightly wider wheel base than what youve shown.more stable iguess
seat was like a c' in its shape
@@MauriceWilliams-bl9pi sounds very interesting, I will look into it further although I have to admit I have never heard of them. Cheers & thanks for your info!
@@motorcyclecafe I think he's saying he owns a custom trike with a small English car engine in it, with passenger seats either side of the operator 🤷♂
polaris slingshot/vanderhall
They are cars with steering wheels
No sir. Lower is not better for old folks, nor is 3'wheelers. Get gack on a taller bike. Sitting "in" a bike is not the answer. Get upright again. Trikes require much more back strenth to horse around. (If balance is issue then trikes may work.) If you have back issues then get back to a 60's era bike. 28 or 29 inch seat height and a proper higher bars set up will let you enjoy 20+ extra years of pleasures.
I appreciate your different point of view. Although I have to disagree with your trike comment a little bit, the big trikes require almost no effort to ride whatsoever. Pretty much anyone could ride one quite easily. You are 'spot on' with your other point though the cruiser riding position (low with feet forward) is not good for the spine, a more standard bikes riding position with your feet underneath you is a much more comfortable riding position, especially if you have back issues. Thanks for your input buddy!
i never too old for drive a bike,now i drive 40 years,and i stop drive i am deat
Moto Guzzi V7 ?
An excellent choice and machine in every way! I did in fact think about including the V7 in the bike section of the video but I decided to keep the bike section short as there as so many choices. In hindsight I should really have included it. Thanks for your input!
i love my ural
Me too buddy!
Golden years?.......You mean shit years! I just bought a Can Am Spyder not because I need one but it looks like fun. I also have 9 other bikes all two wheels. 68 is shit compared to 18, 28 or 38. Still riding and fifo working but it's not quite the same.
oh well, being 68 is better than the alternative, I guess. I used to have quite a few bikes all at once myself once but its just too hard. So now I limit it to just 3.
If I start falling down with my bobber I will build a trike out of it.
Sounds like a great plan mate!
The CFMotto doesn’t have any room for your saddle bags.
Nope you would need some brackets of some kind
In the west we should really stop purchasing Chines stuff... They are not our friends... Aside from that, many old(er) bikes will do very well. And for a lot less money and you can still ride a proper bike. I'm 70, picked up riding again (after a long absence) and got myself a ST1100. Seat height is 800 mm. It's heavy but you do not notice this when riding. The center of gravity is very low, even with a full tank. If you really want to go overboard: seat height of a GL1500 GoldWing is just 740 mm and you even have a reverse gear... Older BMW RTs are not bad either as they have an adjustable seat for height. And they are a bit lighter than the ST1100. And they are easy to work on...
G'day buddy. Appreciate your commenting but I cannot have any political comments on the channel for many reasons. Whether a rider is Chinese or Russian makes no difference this is a bike channel, for riders. It's not the people which aren't friends it's the Governments. I will let it slide for the moment but if your comment receives anymore similar comments I will have to remove it, please understand. Thanks for watching and your input.
@@motorcyclecafe Let me be frank: no, I do not understand. I am a biker yet I'm also political aware and worry about the future of our western culture. I make comments like this often and never ever have had a reaction like yours. I will avoid your channel, we are obviously at different wave lengths...
@@carsyoungtimerfreak1149 Fair call. If any rider from any country turned up on my doorstep in need of help.. would I help them out? Yes! We are all riders no matter what country we are from. That's all I will say on the issue. Thanks for watching.
I’d rather switch to a 125cc scooter than a trike…
Nothing wrong with a 125cc scooter, I ride one everyday around town.
The dog will fall off the seat and end up roadkill.
other day coming home I saw a pair feet sticking out from under a blanket on the side of the interstate and a pile of scrap that used to be a motorcycle , you people just don't get it death rides on two wheels !
Good video, but riding is not a privilege, it is a right! Unless you think freedom is a privilege not a right.
Over the years we have been tricked into asking permission to excercise our God given freedom.
Recent events in point.
Thank you. Fyi I said getting older is a privilege not riding.
Unfortunately yes, you can be too old to ride and it's not age, it's condition and it varies for everyone. Please don't tell that lie in your thumbnail. I've buried 4 folks this decade who should have quit riding in the decade before this one. Saying that, an ass running over me on a bike has me on, well, may avatar and we are going to Europe this month... Keep riding, but know when to quit and please don't ride something stupid looking.
I am indeed very sorry for your losses but please do not accuse me of lying. It is indeed a pretty offensive & derogatory comment. Everyone's time comes sooner or later no matter what they do.
Blasphemer!
Whatever!
Trikes are not bikes, have never been and will never be !
They may not be bikes but some people due to age or injury have no choice but a trike if they still want to be riding. They are the next best choice for some and still fun.
62 YO riding a Suzuki boulevard 1500 CC with an awesome sidecar modeled after the classic Harley sidecars with big wheel and big fender and all the bells and whistles (signal lights, head light, park brake, wind shield etc... no reverse gear,...just push the damm thing if I have to...it's not that bad... you get used to it.. try not to get in a bad situation in a hill, that's all.
Thats it mate, you can get by without reverse. Its just a matter of adapting. Sounds like a nice rig you have there.
@@motorcyclecafe 👍🏻😊Yes it's a totally awesome rig...a real Cadillac !!!