Would a motorcycle with side-car qualify as an environmentally-friendly vehicle?

[NachtRitter]

Some interesting sidecars here: Dark Roasted Blend: Unique Sidecars Showcase

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by War_Wagon

Ya, I would think it would qualify, especially if you live in a climate where it is useable all year.

Weather is not a problem with the proper clothes

[bestclimb]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Weather is not a problem with the proper clothes

I commuted via snowmachine (snowmobile to those in the states) for half a winter. Getting suited up for a -20f (or colder) and blowing 20 for a 10 min commute sucks.

A few days it was so cold that the only thing we could get to start was the 2 stroke.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I've never seen snow in my hometown. Anyway, many folks use motorcycles for their commuting even when there's some heavy rain...

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I've recently spotted this one in my hometown while walking my dog in another neighborhood.

[D.O.G.]

Many years ago, I owned a Honda Goldwing (GL1000) outfit.
Although I never tried hypermiling it, it returned 41mpg (imperial) riding easy or hard as a solo and only dropped to 38mpg or so with the sidecar attached.

I've never ridden in snow, but if it's anything like climbing a slope on wet grass, lack of traction can be a problem.

I love sidecars as weekend toys, but they aren't practical transport when compared to a small tin top when the weather turns foul.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I've once already considered to make a hybrid setup using a side-car, with a hub-motor bolted to the side-car wheel, initially to provide reverse gear, but could fare decently as the "poor man's Prius".

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Side-cars are still not so popular in the bigger bikes in my country, but about 2 weeks ago I spotted this Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200 with one.



Well, it may not be deemed so "eco-conscious", but considering all the energy-expense and resources consumption involved in its manufacturing process and later for the replacement parts let's say it at least fares decently compared to some random convertible car even if the fuel consumption would get the same average...

[P-hack]

for just cargo, trailer would be better, you can break wind.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by P-hack

for just cargo, trailer would be better, you can break wind.

Yes, but when the road surface gets slippy, such as after a heavy rain or when there is some oil on the pavement, the risk is higher.