Motorbike sidecar arrangement

[hagler]

OK here we go...

I am looking for info on whereabouts I can get my hands on one of those "sidecar" carriers you see on the bikes about the place used by the locals for carting gear around in. You know the ones, metal cage around wooden plaked floor usually filled with half the suburbs crap and 23 neighbours hitching a free ride. Preferably 2nd hand as it is going to need some serious modifications to make reconfigure it into its new purpose, which will be as a surfboard carrier. Obviously the width is going to be reduced by about half, the shockie can go (no real load to speak of) and racks to hold the boards in place installed.

In Indonesia we use a rack system that bolts directly off the bike itself but the stability leaves a lot to be desired and as I advance in years the prospect of crashing and burning before I even get into the water is becoming greater and greater. Besides which with this arrangement a secure metal box can be incorporated into the beast so valuables can be left safely on the bike while you are out in the water flailing about.

This will be a bit of a long term "project" for me and I dont mind getting my hands dirty (gotta love the smell and sound of an angle grinder and welder first thing in the morning) but as always should anyone know of a great fabrication shop that charges ridiculously low rates I am keen to hear of them too.

[sledge038]

Originally Posted by hagler

OK here we go...

I am looking for info on whereabouts I can get my hands on one of those "sidecar" carriers you see on the bikes about the place used by the locals for carting gear around in. You know the ones, metal cage around wooden plaked floor usually filled with half the suburbs crap and 23 neighbours hitching a free ride. Preferably 2nd hand as it is going to need some serious modifications to make reconfigure it into its new purpose, which will be as a surfboard carrier. Obviously the width is going to be reduced by about half, the shockie can go (no real load to speak of) and racks to hold the boards in place installed.

In Indonesia we use a rack system that bolts directly off the bike itself but the stability leaves a lot to be desired and as I advance in years the prospect of crashing and burning before I even get into the water is becoming greater and greater. Besides which with this arrangement a secure metal box can be incorporated into the beast so valuables can be left safely on the bike while you are out in the water flailing about.

This will be a bit of a long term "project" for me and I dont mind getting my hands dirty (gotta love the smell and sound of an angle grinder and welder first thing in the morning) but as always should anyone know of a great fabrication shop that charges ridiculously low rates I am keen to hear of them too.

if you have the bike you might as well start from scratch, get some 2mm thick square tubing, a wheel and shock off a wrecked bike and go for it.
not a hard thing to do.
the less the width the less stable it will be

[Critical Mass]

Originally Posted by hagler

I am looking for info on whereabouts I can get my hands on one of those "sidecar" carriers you see on the bikes about the place used by the locals for carting gear around in.

As I advance in years the prospect of crashing and burning before I even get into the water is becoming greater and greater.

Hi Hagler

What kind of bike are you going to attach it to?

It sound like you have the possibility of an accident high on your mind.

I always thought that sidecars render bikers sitting ducks in traffic, although a lot of fun and practical in many ways.

[LivinLOS]

They custom make it.. A bike shop + rebar + welder and your off to the races..

However the indo board racks are FAR and away a better design, lock valuables under the seat when in the water..