Can an 800cc motorcycle handle a sidecar?
I own a 2006 Suzuki Boulevard s50. I want to build a sidecar for it. 1) Can my bike handle the weight/resistance? 2) How much extra weight could the bike handle?
Is it a good idea to start out on a 1500cc motorcycle?
I'd have to go with the consensus and say start smaller. There is a definite learning curve to riding a bike that I didn't understand when I bought mine, as I had ridden some friends bikes. Turns out though I had never ridden friends bikes in heavy winds or traffic, or come across many of the obstacles you find when you start to learn. If you buy a used bike you can usually sell it pretty close to what you paid for it and upgrade through several bikes. Besides it is only money better to spend extra in the long run and have more enjoyment. I bought a smaller bike when I started and everyone told me I would out grow it quickly, which I did out grow it but will never regret starting on a small bike to build my skills and confidence.
Is a 420 mile motorcycle ride very bad?
With frequent stops for stretching out, gas, eating and rest stops, its a good long day's ride. I went on a couple last year.....one from Phoenix to Las Vegas, and Phoenix to Mexico, via San Diego, and they are long rides. If you're not used to the long ones, you're definitely going to be sore, and tired at the end of the day, but road trips are always remembered. At least you're doing it in the right time of year. Plan the route that's going to be the easiest ride, because mountains and twisty roads will wear you out after a couple of hours riding them....or plan to take a couple of hours rest during the trip to recuperate.