Considering sidecar to suit Suzuki Katana ('81). Looking for ideas/suggestions how to do this right.?

Question

Bike: Suzuki Katana, 1981.
Wheels: F 16"; R 18".
Steering damper fitted.
Want this to look right - the shape needs to have a similar profile to the bike, and colour match.
I also need some advice as to how to set up - gearings, suspension, ??knuckle joint etc.
As I'm doing this partly due to a physical disability, I am also very interested in any advice/comments re: button shift.

Answer 1

www.sidecar.com
Lot's of info here + links, sidecar manufacturers,etc.
Interesting books in .pdf files, good bedtime reading.

Answer 2

Most important, before you start riding a sidecar rig, do A LOT of research & get the sidecar riding book, they do not handle, in any way, like a solo machine.

Also, as a previous answer stated, your bike may not be well suited to the extra drag & weight of a sidecar. Besides, completed sidecar rigs do not resell well, you would probably be $$$ ahead to by a used rig, try to get 1 that has had the EZ steer or some other front fork modification to make it steer easier, reverse is also a plus.
Good luck & ride safe!

Answer 3

I ran into a guy with a side car once. I asked him a lot of questions. The one thing that stood out is that he said an 883 Harley wasn't enough. He upgraded the engine to a 1200cc. That makes me wonder if you have a 600cc katana bike. It would be hell if you spent all of that time and money and decided you didn't like the performance. Keep that in mind.

Answer 4

The first thing I would do is go to
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com
to see if they make a **sub frame kit** for your bike. If they do putting a rig on will be pretty easy.

Also ,if you go to http://www.hollithesidecardog.com

On the sidecar services page there is a brief description of the work I did to Holli's rig.