Buying a sidecar and fitting a seat

[Steam]

Yo! I "won" this auction - but there was a stuff up on the price. He will take $2400 for the bike only, but $3k for the combo. I'm having second thoughts (bid $2300 for the lot).

That wasn't a stuff-up, he's playing the field... first he set the reserve at $2000 to draw interest, then a week after bidding a bidder says the guy who actually owns the bike is after $2500; "Have you told jj that you set his reserve at 2 thou? I spoke to him today and he's after 2500."

The guy running the auction then changes the price to $3000, then a bit later says "Sorry, buy now is $3500."
But he doesn't change anything in the actual auction, just puts a note in the Question and Answer section.

He seems like a dishonest trader, the deal was done, an auction is a binding contract. What's he trying for? Something fishy is going on.

[Lucy]

That wasn't a stuff-up, he's playing the field... first he set the reserve at $2000 to draw interest, then a week after bidding a bidder says the guy who actually owns the bike is after $2500; "Have you told jj that you set his reserve at 2 thou? I spoke to him today and he's after 2500."

The guy running the auction then changes the price to $3000, then a bit later says "Sorry, buy now is $3500."
But he doesn't change anything in the actual auction, just puts a note in the Question and Answer section.

He seems like a dishonest trader, the deal was done, an auction is a binding contract. What's he trying for? Something fishy is going on.

Yeah I saw all that, that's why I bid anyway to see what would happen. The guy selling it is not the guy who put up the auction apparently - seems genuine enough on the phone. Funnily enough there is another BMW R80 auction, also Palmy based, also with the wrong reserve - fishy down there eh. I am still deciding whether to go and have a look or not. I'd love the bike and sidecar, but would be happier with the price I bid.

[Steam]

I am still deciding whether to go and have a look or not. I'd love the bike and sidecar, but would be happier with the price I bid.

No harm in looking. How far is Raetihi from Palmy?

[Lucy]

No harm in looking. How far is Raetihi from Palmy?

Two hours. I'll probably use my never fail decisionmaking tool of tossing a coin.....

[Lucy]

Well instead of tossing a coin, the seller rang to say it got it's warrant, so I went and had a look, and went for a ride, and decided it was too much of a 'project'. Then, changed my mind and bought it! Was fun riding home, (sidecar not attached - but in the van). Being able to accelerate uphills and overtake people is not something I am accustomed to being a GN owner! Bit of loss of power right before getting home, and the fuses blew so no indicators worked, oh and petrol was leaking from a carburettor after filling with gas, but apart from that....it is great and I really like it!

[Jiminy]

Well instead of tossing a coin, the seller rang to say it got it's warrant, so I went and had a look, and went for a ride, and decided it was too much of a 'project'. Then, changed my mind and bought it!

Great, good on you Lucy .

I talked to the guy on the phone, and decided that the price was just out of my range for a second week-end bike, especially as I would have needed a car park somewhere in town, which pretty much adds another 2k/year.

I'll still own a sidecar one day, but I'm glad this one got a good home. Hope to see you on the road soon!

[Jiminy]

Well, and now I've just seen this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...1/k-932854.htm

Argl, must... not... buy...!

[Steam]

...Then, changed my mind and bought it! ...

Wow congrats!
Enjoy! I'll have a sidecar one day too.

I can send you a 77 page booklet on CD about Sidecar Riding Techniques if you'd like. Or maybe I can just track down the link to the PDF and you can download it yourself...
There are heaps of good tips in it.

[xwhatsit]

Well, and now I've just seen this:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...1/k-932854.htm

Argl, must... not... buy...!

That's seriously cool. The last picture, with the canopy up -- I'm never buying a car, I'll just cart around the eventual family in something like that

[deanohit]

Haha, that side car is awesome!

[Motu]

I was following the auction too,saw that stuff up in pricing and thought better to not get involved....and I'm not ready yet.The price was right,but I'd like a closer look at the mountings as BMW's need a subframe for lower mounts and something to support the top rear as well.The body would make a good goat shelter....and I would make a dualsport chair.The late '80's single shock BMW's are going for realistic prices now....I'm watching.A nice K75 or two worth a look as well.

I've seen the BMW powered Chinese bike - it's very well done,a bargain for someone.The other chair is Indian,a Steib copy I think.

[Lucy]

I was following the auction too,saw that stuff up in pricing and thought better to not get involved....and I'm not ready yet.The price was right,but I'd like a closer look at the mountings as BMW's need a subframe for lower mounts and something to support the top rear as well.The body would make a good goat shelter....and I would make a dualsport chair.The late '80's single shock BMW's are going for realistic prices now....I'm watching.A nice K75 or two worth a look as well.

I've seen the BMW powered Chinese bike - it's very well done,a bargain for someone.The other chair is Indian,a Steib copy I think.

I hear ya. Haven't mounted the sidecar yet, still plenty to sort out on the bike (it was stored for a while). Having said that - I rode it home and most of the time it went great. Even so, I don't think the sidecar will be used on any serious travelling or long trips...

Yeah that link above looks like a really lovely looking setup. I prefer aircooled though, and I think the K75s are oil cooled?

[Steam]

Lucy, here are three downloadable books on how to set up and ride a sidecar safely and well.
And also a section on how to do stunts!
http://www.sidecar.com/links3.asp

Hal Kendall, noted sidecar authority and founding member of the United Sidecar Association, has asked that we post the following books to the website in their entirety. When I asked Hal what prompted him to make such a generous offer, he replied as follows;

“The reason for giving the manuals to the USCA, and making them available at cost via CD-ROM from my home is that safety should NOT be something that needs to be BOUGHT if you can't afford it. If you believe in it, it must be freely shared.”

Nice eh!