Bikes with side-cars.

[Mercenary]

Hey folks.

I recently watched a program found on the CTV travel channel titled "Journeys to the Ends of the Earth" In this particular episode the host, David Adams, takes a Russian built bike (not sure what brand) with a side car from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea travelling through Georgia and Azerbaijan.

I got to thinking that with the proper bike, this could be a very rugged setup. I think it would allow bikes normally ridden on pavement to be enjoyed on dirt roads and other marginal surfaces of travel. Now I wouldnt expect a set-up like this to be able to handle extreme off road riding or muddy single track, but it would allow me a bit more freedom from a so called normal highway environment.

What is your opinion on the best bike to convert to a side car design that is more rugged and lighter than the average crusier or other street bike, but is not a full blown dual-purpose?