Riding a sidecar motorcycle is easier than you think. It is not like wrestling a bear. Nor is it like riding a bull. If you feel intimidated, do not fear, you will adapt quickly.

First, put on proper apparel for safe riding. Then, familiarize yourself with the motorcycle. One quick check of tire pressure and you’re ready to ride.

The bike will track straight if set up properly. You might feel a little wiggle when you accelerate…or roll off the throttle…or when you brake. Over time, it will become natural and almost unnoticeable.

When driving a sidecar rig, you cannot lean into a corner, instead you must steer in the direction you wish to turn. You do not counter-steer like on a motorcycle.On right turns (if your sidecar is mounted on the right), the sidecar will want to rise. You must reduce as much speed as possible before you enter the turn, back off the throttle when you reach the apex. Lean toward the sidecar as far as necessary. It is important to avoid panicking when the sidecar begins to rise. Panic can lead to an unnecessary and dangerous overcorrection.

A sidecar motorcycle can carry more speed into left turns, but don’t go too fast, you power on progressively and smoothly in mid corner, or the nose of the sidecar may dive and the motorcycle’s rear wheel may lift.

Flying the Chair:

Consider riding to an open parking lot to practice slow right turns until the sidecar starts to lift. An experienced rider can hold the sidecar wheel in the air with ease. Get to know this sensation so it doesn’t surprise you in real-world occurrences. This can prepare you to properly handle right turns.

Things to Consider:

• Throw a sandbag or two in the floor of the sidecar to add confidence when learning.

• Set up two soft objects a little wider than the width of the rig and practice riding through them.

• Avoid being in a hurry: This goes for shifting, braking, lane-changing and cornering.

• Prepare for UDF, Ural Delay Factor. People of all ages will be drawn to you and your sidecar motorcycle; plan on many delays caused by conversations with curious bystanders.

• While riding, don’t get distracted by roadside admirers!

• Before you carry ANY passenger, be it a pet or a human, you can never practice too much. The passenger depends on your mastery of the entire rig. Learn about all of its nuances before inviting a passenger into the sidecar.

You may ask yourself, why would one choose a sidecar motorcycle?

• For the extra carrying capacity

• They are less susceptible to toppling over in slippery conditions

• They can be ideal for people with physical limitations

• The sidecar passenger is more planted in the vehicle and has a less-obstructed view forward