Since I was going to be parked on lower campus for the entire day and didn't want to carry around my gear, I used my old HJC modular helmet as it fits into the right side case. I also wore my Kilimanjaro jacket as it easily fits into the top box. I had forgotten how uncomfortable and noisy the old helmet was compared to the N104. The FirstGear jacket is still hanging up next to the bike and gets regular use if I'm just running down to the church or to College Coffeehouse. The Roadcrafter takes some effort to roll and tie and and with the back protector in place, won't fit into the top box. At College Coffeehouse it claims it's own seat. Yeah, I could just leave it all in the sidecar but I guess I lived to too many years in southern California to feel comfortable not being able to lock things up, especially if the gear is going to be left out of sight for a while.
Richard:
ReplyDeleteI have a PacSafe, like these
http://www.mec.ca/product/4011-299/pacsafe-backpack-and-bag-protector/?q=pacsafe
brand new, still with tags on. Waiting to be used, one day. I've only had it for two years
normal people buy these "just in case" it may be needed one day
bob
A weekend photographer or Riding the Wet Coast
I was thinking of adapting one to fit over the opening of the sidecar and creating sort of a trunk. Now that we actually have an REI in town, maybe I'll look into it some more.
DeleteI will never claim to be "normal" as I, apparently, demonstrated that I'm not by riding this last winter.
Funny guys. I've also thought about adapting a wire mesh/chain link net over the sidecar's passenger compartment to secure things. Thought through and discarded many ideas, some never got past the proof of concept phase so little money was lost. Heck, I think Raceway even makes a hard plastic cover designed for the URAL tub that you can lock! Was tempted while there but didn't act on it. I fully empathize with your not wanting gear laying in the open Richard.....hopefully you come up with something effective and easy. I just lug/wear my riding gear......sometimes I leave the helmet in the tub, with the tarp in place to at least hide it from curious folks.
ReplyDeleteWhat, you don't like being lumped in the "not normal" category? I'm thinking that anyone that regularly drives a motorcycle let alone a sidecar in North America may automatically qualify.
DeleteI've thought that a hard plastic cover would work especially if it could be made to fit on the floor in the sidecar when not in use. Does your windshield fold under the tonneau? If so, that may work.
Oh, one option re riding gear, get one of those vinyl-coated locking cables, about 1/4 in thick or better that lock in a loop. Thread through jacket arm and pants leg and secure to the sidecar. It'll at least slow down the would be thief I think.
ReplyDeleteI've used the locking cable thing before but I wouldn't want to leave it for more than an hour or so in a well traveled area. I frequently stuff things into the sidecar if I'm just going into a store or something.
DeleteCute kid! Does he like bicycles?
ReplyDeleteHe rides his bicycle during the summer if noone is willing to give him a ride and the bus is not running. But it isn't his first choice.
DeleteMotorcycles may not be his thing, but they'll get him from point A to B when he needs it. At least he let you take a picture.
ReplyDeleteI was somewhat surprised when he let me take his picture. He did mention that he could just take the bus from the clinic to the university and I said "sure, no problem" but he didn't follow through...
DeleteI used to hang my Roadcrafter over the bicycle rack at work (outside the guard shack), but then a couple of non-riding co-workers started inquiring about my suit, specifically how much it cost and another commented that it may get stolen. I had a heck of a time stuffing into my topbox with the back pad, then realized I was doing wrong (legs first). I found if I lay the suit back pad first into the top box, then the shoulder pads, elbow pads and finally hip and knee pads all fold neatly on top accordion style.
ReplyDeleteMiddle son is not into motorcycles, eh? Wait until he gets older and starts to rebel, rebels ride motorcycles. Careful what you wish for.
I'll have to try that when I get back home. But my top box is much smaller than most modern ones as it's not even deep enough for my helmet (new or old).
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