Total Motorcycle Community Forums

We have a 71 Triumph 500cc that has been stored for many years. We are currently having it worked on so we can put it back on the road.

Do you have an opinion on how a 500 cc will handle a sidecar? We've been told that it may struggle a bit, but we're not going to be riding at high speeds - just tooling around like the two old retirees that we are!

If anyone has an opinion we'd sure appreciate some input! Thanks!

You'll need to change the front drive sprocket in order to cope with the added weight of the sidecar. If I remember right, the stock sprocket is 19 teeth and the sidecar duty sprocket is 17 teeth. The change will mean that you'll have more low end torque but the bike will lose out on top speed; you can expect the rig to cruise around the 80-90kmh range. Don't forget to check the front and rear brakes - the added weight will increase your stopping distances and with those old drum brakes you're going to need to plan your stops well in advance!

Gummiente is correct . And welcome to the forums btw .
Kind regards, Wizzard