KTMrad 508 Posted April 5, 2016 So, many of you know I'm planning a round the world trip with my BMW 1150GS with sidehack built for our Mascot, "Doc Holliday" who will travel with me. I hope to leave sometime in June and be gone for a few years. This sidecar project is a huge undertaking to have one built right, heavy duty enough to travel long distance and also off-road. I'm having Chris Canterbury at Boxer Metal in Chico, CA build the rig. He's been on the Discovery Channel and also on some other TV shows regarding custom projects, he is quite the craftsman. Here is a list of accessories and major changes to the bike: High Quality Winch, able to change easily from forward direction to rear direction, using 2" hitch receiver front and rear.. A way to raise and lower sidecar height for off-camber trails and roads, using a linear electric actuator. Possible fender rack. Piaa driving lights and off-road lights on the sidecar Heated pad in the sidecar for dog BMW power outlet and cigarette lighter outlet on bike Power outlet on bike for heated riding gear. USB ports and cigarette lighter plug in the sidecar Interior light in sidecar, switchable from my handlebars. Plugs in bottom of sidecar, to be able to wash it out and water to drain out...2 plugs Side door, Canopy (hard or soft), zippered windows for both sides using YKK Zippers.Some type of web netting on both sides, attached to canopy/windows. Slightly tinted windshield instead of clear, Want the dog to be able to see thru, but tinted to help keep sun off him. Place to carry spare gas, plastic Rotopax cans Tie-down points inside the sidecar to tie-up the dog. A small glove compartment in sidecar, on side wall or top of body, below windshield Possible ventilation fan in sidecar for dog. Large Zarges aluminum cases to carry stuff on back of sidecar Leading link front end, with subframe, 15" wheels, etc. (from Holland) New Touratech shock for GS, and taller shock for sidecar Heavy duty skidplate covering entire bottom of sidecar rig Front bar on sidecar to mount lights on Paint the sidecar to match the yellow GS color. A really good, loud horn mounted on sidecar. Jesse Luggage for bike Custom pinstripe lettering on sidecar Door that folds down to let Doc walk into sidecar, only if the subframe/fender aren't in the way. If it can't fold down, must have a door that opens, has a latch, etc. There is probably even more that I haven't listed....no real good pix yet because it's "under construction". Here's a couple photos of what a similar rig looks like, from Kuhjunge who is in South America with his dog, been going around the world for last few years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dress4Less 162 Posted April 5, 2016 Can't wait to see the finished product and track your ride reports and pics going forward! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Diego 40 Posted April 5, 2016 I'm happy for you, Randy...and not just a little envious! We'll all be following your progress and standing by in case you need SD support while you're on the road. Do you have a tentative route map of your likely travels? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bp619 104 Posted April 5, 2016 Looks like awesome stuff, that sounds like a big undertaking best of wishes. just curious is the electrical system on bike, stator and battery capable of handling all that seems like a huge load. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 5, 2016 The BMW 1150 has one of the most robust alternators out there, yes the loads will be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 5, 2016 Dan, while there are many primary overland routes to take thru certain countries, there are many options to explore. My first year will be 4 corners of USA, first north thru British Columbia, Alaska, across Canada, parts of northern states, friends in Wisconsin, Buffalo, NY, eastern Canada, Maine south to NY to see friends and family, then south, more friends down east coast, Daytona Bike Week, Key West, then across the south back to San Diego before heading to Baja and across to Central America, South America....that will be a couple years...we'll see what after that. One goal will be to try to see a bunch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites...there are over a thousand on the list.Also, to ride some of the world's most dangerous roads, and also the best rated roads and "must do" roads in the world. I'm going to get Doc Holliday certified as a therapy dog, so plan on visiting nursing homes, kids homes, hospitals, etc. while traveling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wierdrider 187 Posted April 5, 2016 Did you ask Doc if he wants to go? That all sounds really awesome Randy, what a cool adventure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oracle 195 Posted April 5, 2016 Wow, just the USA part of that route is amazing. I'm looking forward to following this one for sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Some pix from when I dropped the GS off at Boxer Metal in Chico CA, right before Christmas....I had a nice Christmas winter trip with Doc up to the Sierra while I was at it.... Chris's shop.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Chris Canterbury of Boxer Metal and me, having a beer to celebrate the commissioning of the sidecar project. Chris's sidecar rig above, and some of the other rigs he's building....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Doc Holliday having fun on our trip.... Of course I couldn't pass up this Brewery....mmmm, yummy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Just a few more pix from the trip, after dropping off the GS at Boxer Metal..... Doc's first time in the snow....he went nuts, here he's airborne... Monument at Donner State Park...then I watched the Donner Party documentary in a motel room a couple nights later.... Convict Lake... Up above Bishop, in Buttermilk Country....we did some snow hiking. Alabama Hills... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ktm-licious 0 Posted April 6, 2016 That is one lucky dog! When the bike is ready hope you can stop by OB to check it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Some pix of Jesse Luggage racks, other mods, and the Leading Link front end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wierdrider 187 Posted April 6, 2016 Nice photos Randy. Looks like you took the bike to the right person. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danrider 5 Posted April 6, 2016 All I can say is dude! I wish i could take 5 and be gone, I cannot wait to see your bike when it is done, I could tell by what he has done to other bike setups, he is the best in the business. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beta450 0 Posted April 6, 2016 Randy why did you choose the BMW as your RTW rig? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Diego 40 Posted April 6, 2016 Randy why did you choose the BMW as your RTW rig? Two reasons, really: Charley and Ewen! Sorry, couldn't help it... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted April 6, 2016 Randy why did you choose the BMW as your RTW rig?Two reasons, really: Charley and Ewen! Dan, those guys and that movie had nothing to do with my decision, I haven't seen their movie either. My 2003 1150GS Sport Model with 9500 miles and in showroom condition is basically a new bike, has a lower first gear, has no ABS, no Canbus wiring, a hefty alternator, minimal electronics, fairly easy to work on, valve adjustments are so simple, motor easily goes over 100,000 miles. The 1150's and other Beemers are used by many travelers, so parts may be a bit more available. Many people use GS's for sidecar rigs. I wanted minimal electronics, easy to work on, engine longevity and shaft drive. Other options for sidecar bike were Yamaha 1200 Super Tenere, but didn't like the non-switchable ABS on older model and newer model has too much electronics. Older Airhead BMW GS was an option, but have less power and weak electrical systems. Single cylinder motorcycles didn't interest me, even if I wasn't going with a sidecar. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spyder 2 Posted April 7, 2016 Some pix of Jesse Luggage racks, other mods, and the Leading Link front end. I was going to mention that I have an extra set of stock wheels for the GS, but after seeing these mods..... Wow! S Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carguy 1 Posted April 10, 2016 I found a cheaper hack for ya http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mpo/5506084828.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted June 7, 2016 Updated pic, should be ready sometime in July... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dan Diego 40 Posted June 7, 2016 Too cool, Randy. Looks really good. Specs? Special builds? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wierdrider 187 Posted June 7, 2016 Looking good Randy. ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
