Ballast for sidecar

I want about 30 to 40 lbs, as small as possible and cheap to buy

Never mind, I found a 25 lb weight on Amazon for $105.00. it is only 4 1/2 inch x 5 1/2 inch with a center hole to bolt onto the frame of the hack. I have 22 lbs of porcelain tile under the seat, so a total pot 47 lbs seems right for me. I some time have my 12 lb dog in the hack but never a passenger so I should be good.

As rider of sidecar outfits for over 40 years------first learn how to drive the rig you have. Right turns gas it to keep sidecar wheel down....also learn to ride with sidecar wheel in air. Adding weight in sidecar does not make up for lack of skill.

As motorcycle rider for 62 years I have picked up a few things during my tenure.  Although I appreciate your concern, I am adding weight in an attempt to make my riding more enjoyable.  People don’t go past my age by learning new skills, they improve on their current knowledge. The stiffer I get, the harder it is to throw my weight to the right in right handed curves. Adding weight to the rear and outside of the hack makes that procedure a little easier.

Gee I'll be 83 in May----but if you are long time solo rider.....and I hope lots of miles, Solo's are different than sidecars/period I am am just over 1.4 million---getting new bike in spring.

Good for you old timer. I’ve only clocked about 700,000 miles. I have; however, also been a riding instructor, so I am fully aware of the difference between the types of motorcycle setups. If you need any riding advice, feel free to call on me. I can also help you with riding in Europe. I tried too be humble, but you have me wanting too say mine is bigger than yours. LOL. You are 83 and I am 74, so lets turn the training over to the younger experts. They have sharper minds than both of us.

Love
The Vilager

Well, if you have all that experience, I'd like some advice on riding in Europe please.

LOL.  Although I believe you already know this, my number one piece of advise is to keep a sharp eye out for the cars with license plate with USA on it. I find natives of Europe in the most part are safe and experienced drivers. The Americans stationed in Europe have big attitude but very little skill in driving on the autobahn. I spent 12 years in Germany and drove all over Europe. Whenever I found myself saying holy s@#$, it was due to the method of driving by those with USA on their late.

The Villager wrote:

Never mind, I found a 25 lb weight on Amazon for $105.00. it is only 4 1/2 inch x 5 1/2 inch with a center hole to bolt onto the frame of the hack.  I have 22 lbs of porcelain tile under the seat, so a total pot 47 lbs seems right for me.  I some time have my 12 lb dog in the hack but never a passenger so I should be good.

What about dumb bell or barbell weights?  I'm sure they run cheaper than what you found.  Especially used ones on Craigslist.

Yes they were a little cheaper, but the small area I wanted to mount the weight in was too small for those. The 25 lb weight l ordered is only 4.5 inch by 5.5 inch by 4.5 inch. That fits perfectly behind the backrest of the hack.

Response from this old fart: I lived/rode /worked in Europe for near 25 years, MSF Instr. Cert. dated ''73 or '74-----Not fan of MSF---when I got my ticket The teachers came in cars! Spent 8 years in Japan running USAF Motorcycle School as full time job---not MSF as students were actually taken in Tokyo traffic for at least 100 km!----I always need tips....Remember in Germany, Safety bike conference put on by German Police----I was the oldest, German Policeman youngest---Two MSF Chief instructors present=joke, gold wing mounted, they said parking lot course was too dangerous. Course included high balance up and down, left hand holding chain, riding in circle until chain was wrapped around pole, the young Policeman and I completed course----MSF big shots didn't even ride. I also have BSc Safety degree. Admit Americans in Europe are not very good riders or drivers.

John, calm down. If you really are 83, you may be on the verge of stroke. I’m just saying you are full of hot air, I am a far better voice for motorcycle safety than you ever have been. Let’s just pass the authority to the younger generation. I will stop giving advice if you will stop with your macho BS. YOU MAY HAVE BEEN, BUT YOU ARE NOW A HAS BEEN. Please stop embarrassing yourself and this wonderful site by just shutting up.

I am not going to shut up----stand fast on what I say and have done. How many years did you work full time in motorcycle safety?

Take a couple of deep breaths. Chill out Lou. We’re all friends here —even though we can have differing opinions.

I must say, I was unaware what Curmudgeon meant. Please understand I thought I was being insulted for being the new guy on the block. I apologize to all non Curmudgeons on this site for my inappropriate comments. I will be more carful of how I respond to anyone who pulls my short hairs from now on. I will certainly ignore some. Again, sorry to this wonderful site and it’s members.

Lou
The Villager

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