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brands of sidecars

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(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

The wife and I are thinking about getting a Hannigan sidecar. The main reason is because they are only 4 hours away and we can go look them over before buying as well as have them paint and install it with convience. That said, I have done some more looking around and find that the Hannigan is more expensive than some others so I thought I would get some opinions on who has the best bang for the buck. Hip room is prolly at the top of our list of importance after of course construction and safety. The wife and at least one grandson will need to fit. The boys are 7 & 3. The wife is, umm, well rounded. I have no idea of her weight and will NOT ask. If I decided to go with a different brand I could always get it shipped in and get it put on locally or get a buddy to help me do it. A second part of this query is what modifications/additions are necessary to make a safe ride. The bike we are putting the sidecar on is a 1999 Harley Ultra Classic with a stage II upgrade. Any suggestions or helpful info much appreciated.


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 5:59 am
(@bluehdmc)
Posts: 73
Trusted Member
 

What also may be close to you, (I don't know how they compare to Hannigan pricewise) is CaliforniaSidecars. I know the name says California but their factory is in VA. Check them out at http://www.californiasidecar.com/index.htm


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 6:33 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

In the best bang for the buck catagory, you may want to find a used Harley sidecar. They can be found fairly easy. Other than that, I think I would go with a Hannigan, especially since they are close. Great folks, as most are in the sidecar biz.


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 7:24 am
(@sidecar-2)
Posts: 1696
Noble Member
 

We used to ride from Lexington to Cedar Rapids, IA in 8 hours. A couple hours northwest of there is Motorvation in Sibley. They sell a couple different ones they class as a 2 passenger, although one adult and one child is more accurate. My wife has ridden in most of the sidecars out there, she disagrees with xmikex98. She found the Harley car OK, but says she couldn't imagine sharing it with even a very small child. Her advice, in order of her preference, is the Hannigan, a Motorvation Formula 2 or Roadster Royale, or a California Friendship 3.


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 9:09 am
(@Hack__n)
Posts: 4720
Famed Member
 

The Kenna Standard and doublewides are about the most affordable wide cars if one wants an open sidecar.

Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars

Attached files


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 11:38 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

I've heard nothing but good things about Hannigan. I ordered my sidecar from them back in December. It is supposed to be delivered in the next week or so.

We'll see what happens when my rig arrives, but so far, I've been treated well, and they seem to be very knowledgeable of their product. I ended up going with the Hannigan Bandito. I also got the electronic camber adjust and the disk brakes which added about $1100.00 to the cost.

As for price ... yep, there is denying that the sidecar was shockingly expensive.

Good luck finding the right rig. I'm pretty excited about being able to haul the little ones around instead of just me and my wife.


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 11:43 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Thanks everyone. The more I look around the more I like the Hannigans but I'm still open to suggestions if anyone else has any. Thanks again.


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 1:43 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

The Hannigan cars offer a lot of things as standard that are either unavailable or optional on other brands. They're well built and comfortable. I own Dave Keesee's previous bike. Dave is the installer for Hannigan. Hannigan has a number of styles to choose from and for what you get the prices are in line with other brands. I'm quite pleased with mine.

V Star 1100 Custom w/ Hannigan Classic sidecar.
Photobucket


 
Posted : February 21, 2009 6:52 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

We're currently fighting with Dauntless Motors, but as soon as the court case is settled I'll be ordering the Hannigan GTL for my '06 Gold Wing. I've heard nothing but good things about them. Even though my wife prefers to ride behind me, getting to stretch out a little is nice on long trips. Our daughter (9 years old) has plenty of room for all her stuff, too. I couldn't even consider a narrower car.

Good Luck
Mike


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 2:18 am
(@gpers2)
Posts: 567
Honorable Member
 

I just upgrade my sidecar to Hannigan Astro. I highly recommend it. The outfit handles great!!
It is definitely topnotch! I wish I had purchased it sooner, but I am 1900 miles from KY. .. I have driven others - no offense intended to them - but the Hannigan is SWEET. I just love the way it handles. Camber control, and aerodynamic shape equals way too much fun, and plenty of comfort for passengers. The mounts are definitely quality. I had over 40000 on my old rig. (An adequately beefed up Velorex).. I was expecting a huge difference in handling. The handling was Better! Guess I mentioned that already. LOL.. I love the Hannigan - looking forward to taking it on some long trips this summer. Get a Hannigan and then come to the June National Rally in Tahoe. We can compare notes. 🙂 ... I think no matter what model - Hannigan makes an excellent product.
gp


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 9:17 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Well, it's looking more and more like we'll be getting a Hannigan. Can't wait.


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 11:07 am
(@gpers2)
Posts: 567
Honorable Member
 

Hey TCat:
Did you get those icicles on your rig when that last terrible ice storm went through KY knocking out all the electricity? .. Very nice looking rig.. I see you are running handlebar gauntlets and a tour tank. Me too. Aren't they great!
Ride safe, stay warm.
GP


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 11:46 am
(@gpers2)
Posts: 567
Honorable Member
 

I am excited for you. Tech David Keesee at Hannigan is a real pro, and he will give you sound and honest advise. Welcome to sidecaring.
Send pics when you have your rig.
I can't remember if this is your first rig - if so, please remember that there are free downloads located on this site - good info on driving a rig etc.
Have fun
gp


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 11:53 am
(@gpers2)
Posts: 567
Honorable Member
 

Hey Geek
Think I saw you registered to attend the USCA Regional Rally in Chelan, WA.
Looking forward to seeing you and the new Orange rig there. You should be a stand-out!
cheers
gp


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 11:58 am
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
 

Originally written by gpers2 on 2/22/2009 4:58 PM

Hey Geek
Think I saw you registered to attend the USCA Regional Rally in Chelan, WA.
Looking forward to seeing you and the new Orange rig there. You should be a stand-out!
cheers
gp

Hi GP:

Yep. We're registered and planning to attend. I'm bringing the WHOLE family, which means I'll have the Minivan in tow! Unfortunately, no side car in the world will fit all five kids, but it should be an absolute blast nevertheless.

I'll look forward to meeting you and other avid sidecarists. Especially where I am a novice to the ... errr ... hobby???


 
Posted : February 22, 2009 1:26 pm
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