I don't think you are going to find anyone with S40 sidecar experience.

One issue I wonder about, is the steering geometry of the Savage.  In stock form there is a lot of rake in the forks, and the bike sort of "flops" into corner a bit more than just turning......I don't know how a sidecar would affect way the bike steers, corners or handles.

Here’s a picture of the original sidecar rig.

This is gonna be good, lookin forward to watching this project!

Nice!  Handling and comfort aside (because I never did a sidecar, and comfort is subjective), I think you made a great choice.  These bikes have a nice powerband and chug along nicely at reasonable speeds.

You can lower always lower the forks up to ~2" which will reduce the rake a bit and I believe it will increase the trail at the same time.   Options include reducing travel, top clamps that allow you to slide the forks up in the tubes or even having the tubes cut down.  The latter two options will allow you to keep the original fork travel.

You can also do mid-controls and even make the 650 look more like the RE if that's what you are into.  That's what is so cool about these bikes.  Lots of options.

Personally, I built my bike to be more of a standard with the forks lowered 2" (cut down) and stock rear shocks and I think I handle great.  Just like any other standard I've ridden over the years.  No more floppy front end.  

ohiomoto wrote on 11/06/19 at 05:55:49:


I like the idea of turning the Suzuki into more of a classic style but not sure I want to spend a the time or money since I have several projects in the fire and the bike I bought is really clean. If the sidecar doesn’t work out I’m thinking the value may be more if left stock. Maybe if it works out and I like it, then I might consider it. It would be cool to have a solo seat tho.

Dennisgb wrote on 11/06/19 at 08:13:35:


Dubious notion, me thinks.  While (judging from local listings) dumping a bunch of money into a bobber build probably ain't recoverable, I doubt adapting a midset and lowering the front end will hurt value, at all.   Raise it, more likely, if done well.

My point isn't about the value, it's about the bike is a good platform to start the sidecar project.  

If it works out in stock form, great.  If the fork rake proves to be more than desirable, throw some spacers in there and see if it's better.  If it is, you have options to regain full travel.  If you decide you want it to look different, it can be done.

If it doesn't work out and you want a project, the options are unlimited.  Or ride it in stock form, or sell it.

Options.