Tips to Drive a Motorcycle with Sidecar in India

The iconic motorcycle with the sidecar oozes nostalgia. And if you are considering buying a sidecar, the two things that come to your mind are the feel of driving a sidecar and the challenges that it might bring. In fact riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is quite different than riding a standard two-wheeler. The leaning movement is not as effective when riding with the mass of a sidecar. It is safe to ride it with a sidecar if the set-up is done correctly. And not all the sidecars have a drive wheel.  For instance, most of the add-on kits for Triumph, Harley-Davidson and Honda don’t have a drive wheel. These conversions need to be attached to a two-wheeler. Some motorcycles need to be modified to install the sidecar properly. If the sidecar has a drive wheel it may tend to go in a straight line, and a sidecar without a drive wheel may remain unaffected.

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If you attach the sidecar properly and the set-up is also done nicely, then the motorcycle will track straight down the road and also lean against the turns. And when you take right turns, you might want to rise it from the ground and lean as if it is not attached. The best way to prevent this by reducing your speed before taking a right turn and stay calm when the sidecar begins to rise.

Adding a sidecar to your bike helps in accommodating one extra pillion rider or a specially-abled person, and for commercial purposes, it can be used to put cargo as well. On the other hand, some people like to add a side-car just to make the ride more stable and appealing, but it may require a different set of skills to ride it safely. Also, keep in mind that it is mandatory to have at least 3rd party bike insurance cover if you are driving a two-wheeler or a motorcycle with sidecar. As per the Motor Vehicle Act, it is compulsory to have your vehicle insured. And without insurance cover, you would be charged a hefty fine.

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If you are riding a motorcycle with sidecar in India, the below-mentioned tips will prove to be handy for you:

Drive in a Straight Line

It can be difficult to travel on the sidecar in a straight line with its three wheels. To driver safely what you can do is keep both your hands on the motorcycle bars and drive it on a straight line. Avoid distractions and straight to the road in the direction you are moving. It will require some strength around your arms and you might have to constantly pull the handlebars.

Use the brakes

There is a lever on the right hand to operate the front brake of the sidecar, and rear brakes can be pressed with the help of the right foot lever. And if the sidecar has two brakes then you can use the regular front and rear brakes to stop the bike.  It is recommended to use the front brake in case of an emergency as it is the most powerful brake in the sidecar.

Steer with the Throttle

While mounting the sidecar on the right side of the bike, you need to handle it as per the side it is turning.  And when turning left, you can close the throttle to spin the rear wheel slower than the sidecars, and you can enjoy a better control as it gives a wider circle. Open the throttle when steering to the right side.

Regular Practice

Once you start practicing regularly you will become more acquainted in lifting off the side car off the ground. Begin slowly and practice daily and you are ready once you get used to the weight of the sidecar. And when it gets lifted in the air do not panic and handle the situation comfortably.

You can also practice by putting weights in the sidecar, which is just like the weight of a person. Once experienced, you will be able to hold the sidecar in the air with ease. While practicing you can also put small obstacles in between to see how you can turn. Riding through and around cones is the best to prepare yourself for real-life situations on the road.

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Takeaway

Once you have practiced enough and gained confidence, you can ride with a passenger. Sidecars offer an enjoyable ride to the passenger with an unobstructed forward view. When sitting on a sidecar, the passenger needs to wear a protective riding gear. Some of the rules they should also understand, and when a sidecar comes off the ground they should maintain calm and avoid putting extra weight. Just follow these simple tips for a fun and safe ride along with your passenger! Ride safely!

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