Approached the dark side today

[WildWilly]

As my F800GT has acquired human properties, (it gains weight every year) I've been considering a 3 wheeler. Don't "need" one yet but I'm a preemptive kind of guy. Look before I need. Rode a Spyder and didn't like it. Today I attempted to ride a Harley Freewheeler. Didn't make it out of the parking lot. I didn't dislike it. I hated it. I have friends who've stopped riding rather than go to a 3 wheeler. I was hoping to extend my time on one but now I'm not so sure. What are you seasoned guys and gals going to do when "that" time gets here?

[IanA]

G'day Bill! Yep, I've been closely considering going down the 3 wheel path as my balance and coordination has been a bit compromised in the past twelve months by old age and my C status.
My thoughts and research have been tending towards an F800 GS with a DMC enduro sidecar. It seems to be a good compromise (check out DMC's enduro offering on their site) Macho enough to retain some self respect, and maybe giving me the opportunity to tick off another bucket list item - to get to do a BMW GS Safari.
Wotcha think?

[Daboo]

I doubt I'll go with a three-wheeler. I thought I'd move to a Mazda Miata, but I think I'll stick with my 05 Subaru Outback XT. The turbocharger puts a smile on my face. And while it doesn't handle like a Miata, I like how I can get in and out easily with the vehicle height it has.

I thought I might buy a second bike, though storage is a problem. I was thinking of a F700GS or WeeStrom. Then I got to thinking that if all I wanted it for was to go down forest roads and camp...I have an even better vehicle in my driveway. The Outback XT is perfect for that. And I can't drop it.

Chris

[cyclerosis]

Have you considered the Piaggio MP3 or the Yamaha Niken? https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sp...g/models/niken
https://www.piaggio.com/us_EN/models...-sport-500hpe/

[WildWilly]

Ian, I never considered a sidecar and I don't know why not. There are several BMWs with sidecars on Craigslist and I will check one out. Thanks for giving me another avenue to explore. Chris, I do like the convertible idea but it has one too many wheels. I have to draw the line somewhere. Mike, the Yamaha is an interesting mount and one I will explore. Thanks for sharing.

[Richard230]

While I was riding on Highway 89, about 60 miles west of Reno last Saturday, I passed a guy riding down the highway on a utility off-road 4-wheeler doing about 50 mph. My granddaughter has sent me a couple of photos of people riding those things on Berlin public streets, which I would post here - if I could.

[WildWilly]

my granddaughter has sent me a couple of photos of people riding those things on berlin public streets, which i would post here - if i could.

lmao

[IanA]

http://www.dmcsidecars.com/sidecars/enduro/ The Bmw650 version looks cute and possibly versatile. check out the gallery. I haven't confirmed with DMC whether they can do a left hand version to be legal in Aus, might have to do my own version.

[OX-34]

I have never considered a sidecar, except maybe an old Dnepr/Cossack/Ural.

But those lightweight DMC ones look great.

[Runmyownlife]

For luggage this seems like a smart design. The version with a passenger seat, however.... the height of the passenger is worrying.

[MGD109]

Used a Trials sidecar on my GS for when it got to snowy to be on two wheels. It was sort of wrong for everything. As a competitive outfit just to big and heavy compared to a proper trials combination, on the road it was far to narrow to be ridable without something in the chair (couple of sacks of sand if no willing volunteer) and to wide to traffic filter. But it kept me upright in some pretty lousy weather and with an enthusiastic friend in the chair prepared to hang out round corners it was a sight to behold. However it did plant the seed of having a proper road going motorcross combination one day I'll have a Wasp based outfit.