David L. Hough has rewritten and updated Driving a Sidecar Outfit. The brand new second edition arrived in The Kneeslider’s mail and it looks like a comprehensive introduction to everything you’ll need to get started. You might recognize the name, David Hough, he’s the author of Proficient Motorcycling and More Proficient Motorcycling, 2 very popular and informative books on riding safely. Driving a Sidecar Outfit looks at the world of 3 wheeling with the same idea of giving you the knowledge you need to stay out of trouble while enjoying the world of sidehacks.
If you’ve gone through a rider training course, you’re already familiar with the step by step “from the basics” approach, but those courses, fine as they are, don’t cover 3 wheeling. Safely driving a sidecar rig requires an extra set of skills and knowledge, but how do you get it?
The Sidecar Safety Program is filling the gap with this book which also serves as the manual for S/TEP, the Sidecar/Trike Education Program, covering all of the basics of driving a 3 wheeler. The book also recognizes that many novice sidecar drivers have no motorcycle experience so all of the basics of motorcycle controls, riding gear and traffic safety are covered, too.
The book has an additional chapter on motorcycle/sidecar assembly procedures, something you’ll need to know if you’re serious about these rigs. Sidecars are not as common as motorcycles in general and driving one means you’ll need to take more of the initiative to learn the necessary skills.
The S/TEP classes are a great resource but you aren’t going to find them everywhere. If you plan to get into sidecars, you should, at the very least, pick up a copy of this book and go through the practice lessons yourself. Many riders have used this book over the last 10 years and this new updated version gives you the current knowledge you’ll need to ride these fascinating vehicles.
The book is available directly from Printwerk Graphics (800)736-1117 for $34.95 plus shipping and handling. All proceeds from the sale of the book are used to promote sidecars and sidecar safety. It’s money well spent, so, if you’re going to drive a sidecar, buy the book.
L.Font says
Hi, is it possible to buy a copy without calling?
I am from Spain and I am very interested on this publication.
Thank you in advance.
Luis
Jeff C says
Haha, how to drive a sidecar outfit safely… on two wheels.
I imagine they could have picked a picture for the front cover with all 3 on the ground, but it’s much funnier this way.
Beth M says
Safely flying the car, as demonstrated in the photo, is a skill, demonstrating the ability to balance the rig on two wheels by choice until you are ready to lower the sidecar wheel… a perfect choice for the cover photo!
Ed says
Is it possible to drive a sidecar rig at speed? Say through some twisties or sweepers?? I’m an experienced mc rider considering something different( Trike, reverse trike, or a sidecar rig). Thanks.
Benjamin says
Ed, yes it is possible! However, if your motorcycle of choice for attaching a sidecar was not overly sporty in the first place then don’t expect too much! Make sure you’ve got a grunty engine and a willing passenger. Check out some European outfits. In Australia I have seen Hayabusas, a Kawasaki ZX-7R, Honda CB900s among other things setup for handling rather than touring.
I have in my shed a 20″ BMX sidecar with Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub. On the flat this thing will do 45km/h, corners on rails in either direction but only with a swinger. Turning left with no swinger (chair is on left hand side of frame for Australia) is tricky unless you take an extremely strange approach to the corner and you have a brake installed on the chair wheel. This machine has caused me and my mates some pain over the last 20 years… great tool for picking up slabs of beer!
Jim says
Side car at speed? I do everyday… 75+ on my commute.
I ride a BMW R1200C w/ a Ural. I don’t need a damper either.
This bike was “made” to tow a chair!