4 Tips for Riding with a Sidecar
The thrills of driving on the open road with your motorcycle are even better when you share them together with fellow riders. Motorcycle sidecars are great for bringing along passengers without having to cram together on the saddle when you’ve got somewhere to be. However, you do need to make some riding adjustments when you set out with your sidekick, like steering and cornering. To help you out, Cycle Trader is sharing four tips for riding with a sidecar.
1. Steering with a Sidecar
Just like following proper riding posture, you have to get in position to ride with a sidecar. Because sidecars are typically mounted on the right side of motorcycles, you have to change your steering habits to compensate for the distribution of weight as you drive. To steer right, open the throttle to shift weight to the right side. To steer left, close the throttle to slow the spin of the rear wheel on your bike. Be firm and be careful with your grip on the handlebars as you steer your motorcycle with a sidecar. It takes practice, and if it’s new for you, try it out first on a closed course like an empty parking lot.
2. Braking with a Sidecar
Sidecars will shift when you brake because of the weight distribution, and at first this might throw you off. Because it’s adding weight to your bike, the sidecar will lean or pull into your motorcycle, especially if you make a sudden stop. Try to brake in a straight line without turning, gradually and gracefully as you approach a stop. The sidecar may interfere with your handling, so keep a strong grip on your handlebars. Keep practicing this to get it down, and make sure you give yourself more space to brake.
3. Cornering with a Sidecar
There’s a method to cornering with a sidecar while driving your bike. While you may be familiar with these tips for cornering with your motorcycle, with a sidecar you’re no longer leaning as you take the corner. You’ve got to take a corner cautiously, slowing down your speed so you stay in control and your bike and sidecar keep an even distribution of weight. Plan how you’ll take the corner, looking ahead and giving yourself space on the road and between vehicles. Give your bike some throttle, and shift your body weight and positioning as you go through the corner. If you’re making a sharp right, open the throttle, and if you’re turning left, go easy on the throttle, downshift, and ease into the corner.
4. Keep Control of the Sidecar
Sidecars will throw off your balance when you’re riding, and naturally your motorcycle won’t stick to a straight line if you’re riding by yourself. Keep control of your sidecar by giving it some weight to compensate for those trips without a passenger. Use the sidecar as extra storage space as you commute, whether that’s riding gear, groceries, bags, or other heavy items to help you keep balanced as you drive. This will improve your control and handling of your motorcycle and prevent swerving or swaying.
Drivers with a sidecar is one more way to enjoy the biking lifestyle with fellow riders in tow. Get in some practice to become familiar with steering and turning, and take corners with caution. If you’re looking for new or used bikes with sidecars or motorcycle trailers for sale, be sure to visit the nation’s leading marketplace at CycleTrader.com.
Disclaimer: It is well-established that motorcycles and motorcycle-riding involve serious and meaningful risks, including the risk of property damage and / or personal injury or even death. As we have described above, the risks associated with riding your motorcycle are substantially increased by adding a sidecar. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR SKILL LEVEL, PRACTICE SAFE RIDING AND DON’T EXCEED YOUR COMFORT ZONE – SAFETY IS ALWAYS PARAMOUNT WHEN RIDING YOUR BIKE, EVEN MORE SO WITH A SIDECAR!
Ryan Miller
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