Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: sidecar, side, car

Question
I recently got a motorcycle with a sidecar, so both of my dogs could ride along.  The hack is very difficult to drive.  I've readjusted the sidecar alignment with info found on the net, but it's still seems to have a lot of torque steer with acceleration and braking.  Also, the side car lifts very easily with road banking, winds, etc.?  Any ideas to make this process easier?

Answer
The torque upon acceleration and braking is unavoidable, it's just a characteristic of sidecars (that don't have a drive wheel and brake on the car). For that, it's a matter of getting used to it! I understand that adding the drive shaft and brake reduces or changes the torquing, but never fully eliminates it unless you've got unlimited resources and a team of racing engineers at your disposal.

If the car lifts too easily, you may have a geometry problem that needs to be corrected. Again, the flying chair is endemic to sidecars and takes a special motorcycle brain to control it, so it may be that it's just not familiar to you yet. On the other hand, it may be anchored too high, too low, or at a bad angle which makes it hop around. Without seeing the bike I can't really offer you suggestions, but I recommend inviting an engineer buddy over for beers (we've all got at least one) and sit and puzzle it out.

The United Sidecar Association has an online forum, I'd bet you'll make tons of new friends and get all the advice you can possibly handle: http://www.sidecar.com/megabbs/category-view.asp

Good luck and have fun!

Pat