When we last left the motorcycle discussion, I was stuck with a problem. The issue of carrying gear and pets if I owned a motorcycle as my only motorized transportation.
Behold! The Ural Gear Up! An American run Russian factory that produces motorcycles with sidecars! My favorite version is the GEAR UP. It comes with your choice of two camo paint schemes, a sidecar with bumpers, a spare tire, luggage rack, shovel, spare gas tank, and spot light. Oh and 2wd. You can engage the sidecar wheel for extra traction offroad and in snow. This bikes were apparently Russian copies of BMW motorcycles in the old days. With the sidecar and rack, this motorcycle can haul a lot of gear!
So, the sidecar solves many problems. Grocery runs, taking animals to the vet, and foul weather safety. Due to a seating more similar to a car, the sidecar may encourage people who are normally afraid of motorcycles.
At about $14K, I can't say this is the ideal solution yet. Typically running a motorcycle should have a mpg and insurance advantage over cars. Since it is based on an older motorcycle design, it's not that gas efficient (around 33mpg). A brand new base Nissan Versa (around 38mpg highway) starts at $11K and seats four with gear and covers you in foul weather. But I think I'm getting closer. This option has a very very high cool factor. Maybe I should just try it for the experience...
Current Motorcycle Lust: Part III rejected ideas; Can Am Spyder three wheeled motorcycle - expensive, low cargo capacity. Harley Davidson trike - very expensive, dorky looking, low cargo capacity. Scooter with sidecar - may be even cheaper to run than motorcycle, some highways maybe off limits, dork factor, low cargo capacity.
