@fant I've been on the road for a Funeral, so I'm just catching up on the thread. I sent you a text. Let's set up a call to discuss as you suggested, way easier for both, but I'll try to address the questions and responses for the thread.
The sidecar top fits behind the seat, so you always have it with you. It's a "clamshell," basically. There is a LIP or "C-channel" that slips over the top of the windshield of the sidecar. It then has a locking pin that falls into a spring-loaded clip, similar to the release on a car's hood.
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Very nice set up. I know nothing about side cars, which is why I just joined this page. I'm hoping to learn as I'm looking. Is there any special maintenance to/ for this particular side car? Alignment or suspension wise? Obviously wheel bearings... anything that's tricky for a non-mechanic? Does the side car top fit somewhere in the side car so it can be removed on the fly? (It will be mostly for traveling with my dog, occasionally for the grand kids or adult passenger. My cell if it's easier to talk. 203-515-8966 Thank you
Robert @fant, the answers you seek are here:
Basically, no special maintenance needed for the sidecar. Once it's been installed correctly, and aligned correctly, as this sidecar rig that is for sale above has been done, it's really just routine maintenance on the BIKE, keeping an eye on tire wear of all three tires.....most importantly keeping the tire pressures properly maintained on all three tires, periodically checking the brake pads on the sidecar wheel, and periodically checking the wheel bearings at the sidecar wheel.
Note that the brake pads and wheel bearings on the sidecar are a once a year check.....i.e......not really a problem on well built sidecar rigs like this.
The top of the sidecar can be stored behind the seat in the sidecar, possibly inside the nose of the sidecar, or....in a separate storage bag, and secured on the backseat of the bike.
Caution, joke ahead:
DO NOT remove the sidecar top whilst ON THE FLY. Bring the rig to a stop, then remove the top.
Oh.....WELCOME to the greatest Sidecar forums on this planet.
If you are thinking about possibly buying a Harley-Davidson sidecar rig, it would be very difficult to find one better than this. The price is correct, mileage is relatively low, and it's a well-known sidecar manufacturer....Hannigan.
If the H-D part of this package is not a prerequisite for you, we know of many other sidecar rigs for sale, and can advise you accordingly.
There is nothing complicated, as pointed out above, to maintain the sidecar. There are two grease zerks, one on the sidecar axle and one on the wheel hub, a few pumps, depending on what a "pump" is on your grease gun, at the beginning of the season and before a big trip if you're fastidious about maintenance. Like you'd do to maintain a trailer. I have had three Hannigan rigs and replaced the sidecar pads well before they wore out, just the "time in use" and a "while you're in there".
The bike and sidecar, as mentioned above, have new tires, all the fluids have been changed, and it's ready to ride anywhere.
The Motorcycle is easy to remove for a mechanical service if needed. I took it off to have the dealer replace the tires; otherwise, most things can be handled with the rig intact for general maintenance.
@miles-ladue, thanks for adding to the thread. You're spot on with the total cost/investment. The bike is conservatively worth $15-18K alone based on actual sales I've found. The SP2 sidecar build-out would be $10K without any options or the CVO paint...and adding that expense with options, I'm asking about 50% of retail based on what Hannigans suggested the used sidecar is valued. So that's how I came up with my Price. I don't need to sell it, but I have three two-wheeled bikes, two sidecar rigs, including this one. It deserves a home and to be enjoyed by someone. I restore cars too...so I'm just thinning the herd. I've put over $1,100 in tires, battery, and prep for the sale. It's one of a kind and a showstopper.
I assure the next owner that they will enjoy it as much as I have.
Got it on the maintenance. I was wondering if they brakes lasted about the same on the side car as the bike.
Yes, I guess I worded my question as to receive that response! lol I'll have to fill in Josie (My Lab) to not remove during travel!
Yes on the HD. I currently ride a 2018 Road glide, and I do put some miles on it when I can. I have an '82 Shovel for my around town jaunts. 🙂
I def wasn't looking to spend that much, but the bike is beautiful and has me pondering... keep you posted. Oh, just in case, do you have the width measurement? Thank you for the response and tank you for the welcome. Seems like a good group of folks on here. I appreciate that.
I'll get you the width measurements. I also have a trailer I had custom-built, which I'll measure too and post tomorrow.
EDIT: The rig itself is about 76" wide, giving about 2-3" PLUS for wiggle room, to the crash bars from the side step (part that sticks out farthest) on the sidecar. To the edge of the total rig handle bars straight is about 84-86" total width.
I use an open trailer so the HIGH PART (Handlebars straight) of the bike with handlebars has all the room it needs, i.e., an enclosed trailer should consider the total width.
My open trailer load floor is 82" wide between the fenders and about 84"-87" to the wheel chock post. The total lenght of the bike TIP TO TIP is about 96" (Front of wheel to the tip of the fender of the bike) with about 2" added. I can get straight edges and get "dead on numbers" if needed. Again..with the OPEN trailer the bike rear fender hangs over the end a touch, but the tires are flat on the trailer for loading and straps, etc...Enclosed would need to be longer.
That trailer is a possible add in. I've recently inherited another trailer from a friend. It needs a little paint, but is 100% functional, and has new tires all the way around 2 years ago with almost no miles on them. Negotiable.
