ASK KICKSTAND

Ask Kickstand is an email advice column dedicated to motorcycle questions. These questions can be technical; regrading mechanical issues, safety related, philosophical, spiritual or relationship issues.

Disclaimer: Kickstand is not a psychiatrist, a professional mechanic, Motorcycle Safety Trainer, pastor or a social worker. If a reader chooses to follow Kickstand's advice it is with the understanding that neither Kickstand nor the Nobody Motorcycle Club will be held liable.


Dear Kickstand,

I own a 2002 Honda Shadow. I absolutely love the bike, but I have a problem. A year ago I purchased a used Jupiter sidecar with plans to mount it on my Shadow. After doing research regarding mounting brackets and reading up on how to set it up, I got cold feet. I started thinking about putting it on my other bike a 1987 BMW K100. Then I started wondering if I should just purchase an older BMW (late 70's vintage) for the sidecar. It has gotten to the point that I am frozen and simply cannot make a decision. Can you help me?

Sincerely, Side Tracked Side Car Son Of Shadow


Dear Side Tracked,

First off you are not alone in this type of sidecar indecision. There are 34,642 sidecars in America alone. Of those sidecars there are only 29,011 actually mounted to bikes! Many bikers who have dreamed of owning a sidecar never think through the entire process prior to getting one. A poorly thought out plan usually spells disaster. Granted you are guilty of shabby, sloppy, short sited cycle management. You are also depriving a swell sidecar from being on the road, but the the major issue is the torment and guilt your are experiencing. In my opinion you deserve that emotional duress. Your relief will come when you get that sidecar attached to one of your bikes. So quite looking for sympathy and just make the decision. Whatever bike you attach it to will be just fine and you will be able to enjoy the wonders and joys of sidecar cycling.


Sternly, Kickstand