I think I need to elaborate on my plans.
I am well aware that sidecar rigs handle extremely differently to motorcycles an the intention is to get some hands on experience in Durban before embarking on the journey home. I am also hoping to have the assistance of an experienced driver during this time.
I have been told by various people including our local distributor of Ural sidecars that one's maximum speed should not exceed 110 km/h. (66 mph). I fully intend to stay within this limitation.
The mountain pass is fortunately not extreme. The curves are not sharp ninety degree curves. The road is a dual carriageway with two lanes on each side. The curves are gentle with cars being able to negotiate them at 120 km/h (aprox. 72 mph) or faster.
This does not mean that I'm not nervous, I am and I hope that I'll drive sensibly and within my capability.
I also hope to do 500 km's and have this service done before attaching the sidecar and embarking on the journey home. It may well be a good thing to do an oil change when I arrive home.
I am a bit confused with the comment that RE's we not designed for this kind of journey. Local riders that I've spoken say they regularly do trips of over 500km's and the salesperson that I'm dealing with has complete a 2,800 km trip recently. I have also viewed the video clip One Crazy Ride (
http://www.dirttrackproductions.com/ocr.html) and another tour of the Himalay's in 2009 which show these bikes as being extremely capable.
Lastly, I would like to thank you all for your concern and advice and hope that you will continue to feel free to do so.
I would also like to mention in closing that I hope to do a 5,200 km ride around my country in April this year. Part of the journey will take me through some remote areas. It was with this trip in mind that I decided to get a sidecar rig.