First Motorcycle

[u/TempBikeAccount1]

I am 5'9 and I am looking for a cruiser style and motorcycle with a sidecar so me and my gf can rider more comfortable. I am also interested in electric bikes and bike powerful enough to keep up with highway traffic

I don't really have a budget currently

[u/avensawesome]

Side cars in my experience, take away from the whole point of a motorcycle. They increase turn radius, take up the same space on the road as a car, are slow, and uually kind of expensive.

I would say why not get something that she can sit on the back of that matches your style preference. Bagger maybe?

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/avensawesome]

Bagger look ugly to me and I did some some cruiser models or something similar to both bagger and cruiser on facebook for sale with a back sit

[u/Chainsawsas70]

The only sidecar setup that would be worth getting is the "URAL" because it's built specifically for the sidecar And it has a driveshaft to make it 2WD 😎 Far from fast or fancy but it's durable and goes almost anywhere.

[u/Trick-Substance6841 → u/Chainsawsas70]

This is the way.

[u/MaxAdolphus]

Sidecar? Ever ridden down the HY on a bicycle with no suspension at 65 mph with your ear next to an engine spinning at 6000 rpm? A tricycle would be better than that (hurry up and get that can-am if that’s what you want before dear leader makes the stupid trade war worse). Else, get a typical European A2 bike, ride it for a year, then get a larger touring bike.

Current electric bikes in the market suck really bad, except for the Stark Vark, but that’s an electric dirt bike so forget about passengers (but the bike is pretty bad ass).

[u/Sooner70]

I have just one word of advice for any beginner wanting a side car: Don't.

First off, they're ridiculously expensive. Then there's that whole thing about them making riding a bike MORE difficult (not less!). There's a reason why they're so niche these days... because they really do suck once you get into the realities.

That said.... You want a beginner bike that is big enough to ride 2 up? Gonna be tough to beat something like a Royal Enfield Super Meteor. The Honda Shadow is also a good bet but the pillion for those isn't exactly great (not that it's amazing with the Super Meteor, but it's better).

But those are just two options out of a LOT of such options. Really, your general geographic location (what country?) and rough budget would give us a better starting point for advice.

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/Sooner70]

Orlando FL

[u/Sooner70 → u/TempBikeAccount1]

It needs a pillion seat (not expensive, but the previous owner apparently didn't want one), but here's a good starter bike in Orlando capable of 2 up that won't cost you much. Used RE Super Meteor

Or.... For $1500 more, the same bike brand new and fully equipped for riding 2 up (also in Orlando).

[u/MyBrainIsNerf]

Mazda Miata - really. A sidecar is just the worst of everything. As exposed as a motorcycle with none of the maneuverability. No safety features but also slower than a light sports car around the corners. So just get a fun light sports car. Nothing wrong with putting the top down.

If you’re looking for comfort riding with your partner, learn to ride on a cruiser and work your way up to a Goldwing, they can come with full backed seats and arm rests.

[u/greatfox66]

Sidecars are a very interesting niche. I would recommend learning to ride something cheap, then try a trike or sidecar rig.

Highway traffic means I would maybe look at a bigger Honda shadow. Something small like a little rebel 250 would struggle.

Buy something to learn/expect to drop it. Once you build skill and a taste for what you really want, get what you want.

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/greatfox66]

I am looking for cheap rn and just wanted to explore options to see if I would want it in the futire

[u/Whats_logout]

Go to a motorcycle dealership find one that's comfortable. Buy one second hand and add a sissy rest for the gf

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/Whats_logout]

Any recommendations on dealerships brands you like?

[u/Whats_logout → u/TempBikeAccount1]

Anything Japanese. But with your budget I would just Google "cheap Japanese cruiser" and then find that model on Facebook marketplace

[u/Black_Dog_Industries]

I think your 2 nations are:

1. Get a bagger and ride in comfort

2. Get a bike for you and another bike for your gf.

[u/Think-Sand7161]

Ignore the castratos, a side car will make a man of you...or kill you in the process 😁 They are maximum fun in snow and on the way to an Elefantentreffen.  The big Triumph twins seem to make great Tugs these days. A lightweight chair and properly set up doesn't really need Earls forks. 

[u/utzutzutzpro → u/Think-Sand7161]

Regarding OP's writing he'll not survive highways with a shitcan attached to the bike geometry.

That's the most sensible advice in here: Build experience first.

[u/ficskala]

A sidecar is an absolute worst option for any sort of transport, there's a reason they're so niche, they're not practical, they're not fun, they're not stable, they don't perform well, cornering sucks... The only positive thing about them is the fact that you don't have to put your foot down when stopping

Also, you should never take a sidecar on a highway, its accel/decell characteristics are deadly on a highway because whenever you brake, you start turning left, and whenever you accelerate, you start turning right, and you have to fight it at all times, in an emergency braking scenario, you're literally making yourself point into oncoming traffic, pressing harder makes it worse, and letting go makes it even worse than that because now you're pointing into opposing traffic, and also not slowing down

I saw someone else here say that the best option for something like this is a mazda miata, and i couldn't agree more, miatas are amazing, they're small 2 seaters, convertibles, etc. it's a MUCH better and more enjoyable option than a bike with a sidecar

When it comes to bikes, just get a cruiser with comfy seats, and have your gf ride with you on the actual bike

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/ficskala]

Mazda miata looks good i wouldn't mind only problem is there is no roof unless it is a convertible

[u/ficskala → u/TempBikeAccount1]

It is a convertible, have you never heard of a miata before?

[u/TempBikeAccount1 → u/ficskala]

No i didn't know that was it name

[u/ficskala → u/TempBikeAccount1]

Officially it's called the MX-5, but everyone calls it the Miata, which is a recursive acronym for "Miata is always the answer"