Side car rig dynamics

So how did the rig drive? That is not an easy question to answer well.

On this trip, I learned a whole different approach to riding. I learned the intimate connection between the position of the center of gravity and the handling characteristics of an asymmetrically tracked vehicle. I learned about the influence of ballast, both total weight and position of the weight (that whole position of the CG again).

The short version of the answer is that the rig drove quite well. With the right amount of ballast, it tracked straight and clean, with easy left hand and manageable right hand turns. Right turns are harder on a rig as the sidecar wants to lift off the ground due to centrifugal forces. It didn’t shake or pull too much in either direction.

Acceleration was adequate, not the liter sport bike I came off of, but sufficient to keep up with traffic and stay mostly out of the way. As before, the rig really likes 60mph. It will do 70 or more if needed, but neither the rig nor the driver are very happy for long at those speeds. I’m seriously considering a personalized license plate: NO HRY. This trip really made me realize how much faster than the posted speed limits most people drive. I had a couple of reasons for keeping at or below the limit including not really being in a hurry, learning to drive the rig, and a registration issue that will not be discussed.

Braking was sufficient. The third (sidecar) wheel brake is not currently hooked up on the rig and there are differing opinions on if that is a good thing or not. Again, this rig is heavy and even with the three disks (two up front, one in rear) anticipating stops is a good idea. I’m getting re-acquainted with the concept of using the rear brake since the CG is much further back than on a solo bike.

The funny (?) thing about this rig (and all sidecar rigs) is that everything changes based on the weight in the car and the weight on the bike. So riding with Miriam will be different than with Eve or Megan. Also, riding three up will be different and even different depending on who is in the car versus the rear set.

This vector diagram was one of MANY I ran across in researching this purchase. Looks cool, doesn’t it!?

Mr.Honda makes new friends

I spent the first night at the Hiawatha motel, in Escanaba Michigan.

When I got settled in, I realized my room was next to a couple from Ohio riding through on Harleys. At least that was what I think was happening. The bikes were there when I checked in, were there when I checked out, and only moved at about 3am when they decided to check the rev limiters (or so it seemed). Strange doings really.

But at least Mr. Honda got to meet a couple new friends.

Seaway Motel

In a strange twist of fate, there is a motel near the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon called the Seaway Motel. It is neither near the sea, nor really much of a motel. They have this odd pool in the parking lot, overlooking the highway. The pool is surrounded by chain link fence and signs that warn you that you are literally taking you life in your own hands if you use it.

However, in my short stay there, I saw three different groups use the facility.

The motel has been around a while. There were signs on the inside of the room doors explaining that the motel switchboard closed at 11pm, so plan your calls accordingly.

The lake

At one point, I realized that with a 1-hour side trip, I could have seen four of the five Great Lakes. However, after spending several hours riding around Lake Michigan, I realized that they all pretty much look the same from the road.


So here is Lake Michigan, as seen from the Northern Shores. I suppose if you'd rather, pretend this is Lake (your favorite great lake here).

The bridge

I mentioned earlier on that I don't like bridges.

(I still don't, for the record.)

I've read other people say that crossing the Mackinac bridge automatically moves you up from motorcycle novice to motorcycle intermediate.

They should try it on a sidecar rig. The high, gusty winds are challenging to say the least. I was leaned way to the right (into the wind) just to keep her in a straight line. Then, when passing a solid object (like one of 1,473 construction vehicles on the bridge) the wind suddenly stops and the rig veers hard to the right. Luckily, the outer lanes were closed for construction, so I was forced to drive on the center, metal grating lanes. A really "fun" tracking experience with the assymetrical wheel pattern of the rig.

I guess I'm at least a sidecar intermediate now. And here is the bridge:

Leaving Lakeside

More photos to come, but here is the final shot of the trip, Miriam and I leaving Lakeside.

She enjoyed the short 80 minute ride home, especially since she was going to a pool party.

Her initial reaction wasn't as positive, mostly (I tell myself) since she was leaving Lakeside. Had nothing to do with her trust in Dad, right?

Megan says I told you so

Is a caption really needed?

Full-face helmet?

As before, I wear a full-face helmet. On the Fz, I would always keep the face screen down, for obvious reasons. On this bike, the big windshield eliminates the need for the face screen, mostly...

(I guess I got used to the UV protection of the face screen.)

Goldwing trivia

For two points, who can tell me what's in the photo below? As a hint
and as a special bonus question, what year did Goldwings lose this
feature?

Wisconsin

I didn't say much about Wisconsin yet.

Not so much an oversight as a "not yet" sort of thing.

The sign indicates there used to be Rocky Mountain type mountains here, infinitely long ago.

The mountains are gone and have been replaced by an infinite number of small roadside bars.

And Indian tribal things, like sacred meeting places and casinos.

Good sausages though.

Lakeside!

The highway part is over!

Wasn't a lot of fun, but better than expected. This rig is really
happy at 60mph, Ok at 65mph, and pretty unhappy faster than that.

This leg of the trip confirmed something I've been mulling for the
last three days; there is a big difference between "fast" and "in a
hurry".

This rig is not good for being in a hurry as it takes all the fun out
of the whole experience. Fast, relatively speaking, is fine. Just
don't hurry.

This difference is something I need to further explore...

Sent from my iPhone

The many faces of Michigan

Many of you have read the five Ohios piece the PD did a few years ago.

Michigan, so far, has four that I've seen, with more to come.

The Western UP, Eastern UP, North LP, and central LP.

Western UP is very pretty, but desolate, and only apparent means of
economy is selling each other stuff, mostly cool old cars and
snowmobiles.

Eastern UP is a tourist haven. Bass fishing tourneys are the norm and
they have their own state fair.

The north LP starts flat and turns hilly. Cherry farms are everywhere
with interesting "slicks" of squashed cherries at road crossings. I
had so much splattered cherries on the bike, I attract butterflies
when I stop. Either the cherries or dead bugs...

The central LP is starting to feel like southern Michigan, ala Detroit
and/or northern Ohio, kind of boring and post-industrial.

I've seen giant concrete dinosours, had really good chili dogs
(Pellston, MI), and seen 4167 "putting America to work" highway
construction signs.

So far, so good. On to Lakeside.

Sent from my iPhone

Step 3 - Michigan!

Specifically, Escanaba. More specifically, the Hiawatha Motel, where
we "do everything with love, and the Internet" and Swiss food. Who
woulda thunk it?

This was a long day, but I am no longer a hack novice and the bike
runs great, no tools required.

I wish I could have stopped to get a photo of the world's largest soup
kettle, but I didn't and you can probably visualize it anyway.

Goodnight to all, tomorrow will be good.

Step 2 - Minnesota!

Made it to minnesota and caught the early shuttle. Good karma so far!

Sent from my iPhone

Step 1, Chicago

Made it to O'Hare reasonably on schedule. Weather looks great for the
whole trip.

I forgot to bring a notebook, so I tried to pick one up, first at
Cleveland, and then in Chicago. No one sells notepads or any blank
paper.

Even though I'm sitting here on an iphone, I'm concerned about society
when we can't put pen to paper. More to come...

Sent from my iPhone