Hi all,
I'm in no hurry to buy right now but I'm thinking about a sidecar for my 2005 Harley Ultra Classic. I am 55 years old with back and joint issues and figure that soon enough three wheels will be safer than two. But which way to go? I have ALWAYS liked the looks of sidecars and have often thought about purchasing one (Harleys's 10K price tag has always scared me off too) but then I hear about how the handling changes with sidecars. Trikes are cool but look different than motorcycles...
My motorcycle is paid for and my grandkids fall asleep in the backseat; and that REALLY becomes a problem. I'm looking at something like the Liberty sidecar. Buying a new trike doesn't make since I have a fine motorcycle that is paid for. Could buy a trike kit but they are not cheap either.
Oh well.... Thanks for your input. They are always appreciated.
BTW, my wife said she will not get in a sidecar. I don't know why she would say that either.
A Liberty with extras, painted and installed with steering mods would cost about the same as a (now discontinued) Harley sidecar would have.
Unlike adding a trike kit, your motorcycle is still intact and complete plus you have more secure passenger/s.
Lonnie
Unfortunately side cars are more expensive than I thought.
I have gotten my rig to a point where it is no longer costing me extra. I had it installed in February 2010 and have done several mods to my bike to make it more rideable. It is actually becoming alot of fun and is well worth the effort. I have a new Hannigan conte on mine, new triple trees, a smaller back tire to help my gear ratio, and a 2nd gas tank installed on the back. I would estimate I have spent $10000.00. My family and I are finally getting enjoyment out of it. Next year I may add progressive springs and tougher rear shocks. Along with the 250 lb sidecar my wife ,son and Myself the bike is now pulling a combined weight of 800lbs plus a little gear in the trunk . Still going strong with 50 horsepower at the rear wheel. 1100 Honda s are pretty incredible bikes. The thing I found difficult was to alter my expectations of what I thought a rig should be like to drive. Once I realized what to expect from it I found out that my rig is actually a very dependable ( though slightly under powered) rig. 1997 - 1100 SHADOW ACE
Dave, If you look on eBay you can find a sidecar for your harley for about $3,500. Take it to a specialist to have it instaled and you should be good to go.
I've got a new Kenna in stock for around $3,000. here in Boise, Idaho.
Lonnie
I would say that's a deal for 3k.
I know I paid a lot but it came new from Hannigan up to Toronto and was installed by the dealer for +/- $7800.00 including electric camber control and sidecar hydraulic brake and sub frame for the bike.
don't feel bad because you paid alot. Having a sidecar is not cheap...we could have countless hours of discusion on having it installed by a pro. In the end this is a toy for most and if you wanted cheap transportation you could look for a Kia or ...
I was kind of expecting responses like: Welcome and go for it whatever it costs but watch out for...? hmm, maybe try another sidecar forum.
i bought a California Companion on Craigs list for $1,000 and mounted if for about $1,000 and am loving it so there are deals out ther just keep looking you want regret it
David R - 11/10/2010 8:38 PM I was kind of expecting responses like: Welcome and go for it whatever it costs but watch out for...? hmm, maybe try another sidecar forum.
It's easy to spend somebody else's money. The folks here care enough about each other to point you in the right direction first. And Welcome. I don't usually say that because I think it's infered by the number of responses you got to your post.
Hi: HD Hank here--Depending on how handy you are getting into sidecars doesn't have to break the bank. You can pick up a used hack and if you're able to mount it yourself-(it's really not that hard) cost can be reasonable. Eg.- in my case I picked up a used Sputnik hack for $600-- made a new swingarm-new wheel from Summit racing-new axle from tractor supply- repainted it in my backyard and not counting labor(all my own) got it hooked on my 85 HD fxr for atotal cost of under $900. If you have to get someone to do the hookup shop around- not all shops charge outrageous prices--- good luck and welcome to the sideways world of sidecaring.
Sorry about not adding -my wife also said"I don't think I want to be that close to the ground- doesn't look comfortable etc. etc. --got one ride and is hooked ! Says she can relax- zone out ,read and doesn't have to peer around my big head. Try to get her a ride in one, and tell her to keep an open mind and she just might be pleasantly surprised. (hint) I also added a plugin for her cellphone in the car.-once again good luck.
