Sidecar on the T120

[Jedz123]

We'll I'm starting a documentation thread of converting my 2018 Bonneville T120 over to a sidecar rig.

As many know I recently adopted a dog this past month and she has become quite bonded to me. We very much enjoy our car rides together and she especially loves sticking her head out the window while going down the road for sometimes, hours on end.

So I'm currently looking at doing this setup myself, I will likely buy a new side car from this website: http://www.rtsidecars.com/Classical-...rocketteer.htm the reason being is I am having a very hard time finding one use in my area...

I have ordered a 15' rear rim from a Speedmaster so I can run a car 165 80 15 rear car tire. I also ordered a rear 130 70R17 for the front, double darkside which was the recommendations I was offered for the getup.

I'll post more once the bits come in and I start putting things together.

I do have to note that having a dog is such a phenomenal experience. We had family dogs growing up but it's a whole new experience with my own canine and not having to share with my parents and 6 other siblings. So much love, so much partnership. Very symbiotic. I'm very motivated to get a side car rig set for the spring and can't wait to bring her with my on all my motorcycle adventures.

Cheers!

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Looking forward to this!

[LAB3]

Looks like it sits up pretty high compared to other ones I've seen but overall it's a good looking unit.

[Jedz123]

So I used my JedzMoto network and asked some close friends I've met through it to keep an eye out for me... last night "Ping!" I get an email from one of my buddies and had found a used Watsonian Monza side car rig. The price is much lower than budget and the tub is in really good shape with the alloy rim. So I put money down to hold it and as soon as I can have my good friend look at it and confirm its looks as good in person as it does over the pictures we will be good to go! It has the roof vynal and snap cover and an additional fuel cell.... Going to work out well for what I need it for.

Good news as it's a premium tub and I'm getting it for a fraction of what my budget was, score!

Info on the tub: https://www.watsonian-squire.com/pro...monza-sidecar/

[bccap]

There is a guy here in Vancouver with a sidecar and a dog I see from time to time in the summer..... He's got the dog wearing goggles and one of those old style aviator helmets.... You'd think the dog would be pawing to get them off but he appears to not care.... And the dog loves the attention he gets when parked from the sidewalk admirers .....

[Baatfam]

There is a guy here in Vancouver with a sidecar and a dog I see from time to time in the summer..... He's got the dog wearing goggles and one of those old style aviator helmets.... You'd think the dog would be pawing to get them off but he appears to not care.... And the dog loves the attention he gets when parked from the sidewalk admirers .....

Doggles....https://woof.doggles.com/

I need a pair for our pup in the little two seater. He already has a harness and seatbelt restraint.

[Steve]

Have you ever piloted a 3-wheeled device?

Be prepared for a COMPLETELY different experience.

And having the third wheel on just one side (as opposed to equal-distant on a trike setup) just adds that "extra touch of excitement".

As others have mentioned or hinted, Doggles and a restraint are highly recommended.

.

[LAB3]

That Monza is one sharp looking set-up!

[Jedz123]

So I've been and will continue my work on my 3 wheeled build (and Doggie training) with Pete Burke.






Pete's Website Travels with Barley

And The BMW MOA podcast episode of Pete and his travels on a side car and his pup

My good friend and podcast host of the BMW MOA podcast; Wes, joined me up with Pete last week and now Pete and I are working on both the technical aspect of the build, modifying the tub for the pup, acquiring the needed equipment and also good training techniques I'm now working on with Zola. He said the pups have a hard time hearing on the tub so we are working tying her current commands to hand signals and man she is picking it up fast!

I have not ridden a side car rig but have operated a few 3 wheelers in my time, from the Can-am Ryker to a the Honda ATC125 and the larger 400. I understand the dynamics of the side car rig and Ryan made a great video on what to expect.

Yes I understand... 3 wheelers are not motorcycles and that the T120 will be transformed into a new vehicle; a sidecar rig... It will be a new machine and I also will need to amend it's registration specifications with the DMV. Definitely understand that... However I think the T120's new life will be fun and the prospect of the change will be worth it. Sure it won't be as fast, handle as well ( or should I say correctly) and it won't stop as quickly but if I can bring my new best friend with me everywhere, the endeavor is going to be well worth it...

So yeah Lab, that Monza was a STEAL! Very excited to get a properly made rig and it will compliment the T120 very well, apparently it's original tug was a Guzzi and it had no issue or struggle with moving it around. As the T120 is in the 90WHP and 90 ft/lbs of torque at 2.8K RPM with all the modifications I've done, I'm fairly confident it will work out well!

Well I'm off to go take the pup for another walk in the snow and work on some more hand signals. Pocket full of treats and poop bags (loving this new chapter in my life).

I'll update the build progress as parts land.

[B.C.G.S.]

So, is your wife jealous of all the attention you're giving the dog instead of her? Asking for a friend.

[Jedz123]

Not at all since the dog was a gift from my wife. If anything it has strengthened our relationship and allowed us to experience being a family unit for the first time. It has been exceptional for my wife and I. Zola loves her Mommy and is very protective of her, they too have a special bond. My wife absolutely loves the dog and we often do things together as the 3 of us.
Since My wife and I are unable to have biological children bringing Zola into our lives has enriched it for the both of us, we are full of love and happiness... I didn't think it would be possible to enjoy our lives together more but it is...

Dogs are just awesome.

[trevor]

Good for you Jedz!
There are several guys here on the island that have sidecar rigs for their dogs. At least a couple are veterans with support dogs. I have a dog and have often thought about getting a sidecar...but she is 12....I've told my wife that when we get another dog I will be buying a sidecar unit. I can't think of anything better to do than ride with my dog.

[B.C.G.S.]

You don't need to use a sidecar... https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Wc&sclient=img

[Jedz123]

You don't need to use a sidecar... https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&...Wc&sclient=img

Those won't work for me. 60lbs dog and still growing, she'll need the side car especially when we go across the country.

[Jedz123]

Good for you Jedz!
There are several guys here on the island that have sidecar rigs for their dogs. At least a couple are veterans with support dogs. I have a dog and have often thought about getting a sidecar...but she is 12....I've told my wife that when we get another dog I will be buying a sidecar unit. I can't think of anything better to do than ride with my dog.

Thanks Trev!
After several back and forths with Pete and other Triumph Bonneville owners that have side car rigs on their bikes (for their dogs too) I'm really looking forward with going this route. Can't wait to explore this new branch of motorcycling!