Born again Biker

[Baby Bantam]

Hello to you all, past my test late 70s, had a 250 Superdream (who didn't) and then KZ750, rebuilt a D14 Bantam as well, growing family need for a car then the wife became disabled so end of biking, until now, getting on bit and the DW cannot get on the back anymore, but she can get in a chair, so I can get my leg over the bike and she can sit in comfort in the sidecar, so checking out a few dealers later this year, as we live in France we have a lot of stunning roads and not too much traffic so good biking country, spent 25yrs in front line emergency service, so fully aware of the dangers of biking which is why I feel happier with three wheels instead of two, anyone else forgot to put a foot down when stopping? embarrassing, need a bike with a reverse gear so only two on the shopping list Goldwing/ BMW K 1600 GT, will be seeking advice on the rest of stuff we are going to need later, all take care.

[Fiddlesticks]

Love a Goldwing. No space in the garage, unfortunately

[Simon Davey]

Welcome to the forum.

What about having a switch operated electric motor fitted to the sidecar for reverse? Must be spoiled for choice these days.

[JRH]

Hi and welcome. Didn’t have a 250 superdream, had a Suzy GSX250.

[curlylegend]

What about a Ural ?  I've seen a few of them round here, Nantes area. They have two wheel drive and I'm almost certain, reverse gear.  

Le side-car is popular over here, probably because of the suitable road network, as you've noticed.

You could contact Alternative sidecar  in Montgeron or speak to motosideadventure.com in Valence.

I'm sure they'll give you good advice.

Bonne chance !

[Bender]

Welcome, good luck in your search and your journey back to almost 2 wheels

[RideWithStyles]

Agree with CL, sure the ural does have a reverse. 

fortnine (CAD) did a review on one a bit back but the latest version, at least the Ural has had so long at it in refining it. the only thing is its abit work horse about it, but easier to fix or replace if you need parts.

 

most others are just way beyond eye watering over priced (can-am)even used, old GW/BM, to compromised, most others are still based off a bike with stuff slapped to it (shed job) if you trust the work and finish of it.

 

[Nick the wanderer]

The only time I ever had a ride on a 250 superdream was when I had one as a borrow bike while my CB900 was in the workshop. ( Cam chain ). I think it was quite probably the slowest 250 I've ever ridden, ever. I remember it well for that very reason. 

Good luck with the sidecar stuff l think that's a great idea.

[Baby Bantam]

Thanks for your replies, I know its a big financial commitment, but we only have one child left and she doesn't want anything from us, so lets enjoy ourselves while we can, we will be fine weather bikers and to start with a couple of hours in the saddle, then see how we go, any longer we will have to put the porti potti in the sidecar boot!, stopping spots are not as common out here, we have a Hilux for those cold wet days, so plenty of potty room in the back