Sidecar trans-continental
I've put this in the bar just because its an idea at the moment, nothing much more.
I'm hoping to do a UK to Japan trip in 2014 (or Japan to UK) as my brother and family live there. At the moment there are two options I'm considering:
- Fly to Japan, buy a Mitsubishi Delica and drive home via russia, mongolia and the stans. Straightforward(ish) but expensive.
- OR, the subject of this post, ride to Japan on my XT with a sidecar. Ship home. Should also be straightforward(ish) but less expensive. Harder but more fun?
I've always thought sidecars were cool. Not sure why, maybe its a Great Escape/Indiana Jones thing. But there's a couple of things I'm wondering about.
I'm going to have to get a sidecar made - I thought a basic platform to which I can fit my own aluminium body. It wouldn't be designed to carry people - just stuff. Anyone know someone in the UK that would be able to build something like this? Simple and robust is what I'd like. And cost is a factor. I'd be looking to spend about a grand or so, certainly under two, is that unrealistic?
In the UK you can't use a sidecar on a bike on the right hand side unless you are visiting from abroad. I'm going to want to use the car after I get home, so it will need to go on the left. Is this going to cause me strife at customs or with police abroad?
Any thoughts on this? Anyone know any brits (or other left hand siders) who have done some overlanding with a sidecar recently?
Cheers for feedback,
Matt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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