I can't find very much information on what factory location H-D builds their tubs. I know that from around 1924 through the early 1960's they were farmed out. First to Seaman and then a subsidiary of Goulding.
Any good books on H-D sidecar history....or sidecar history in general?
Thanks all!!
The sidecar plant is in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.
Originally written by SidecarMike on 1/18/2008 9:09 PM
The sidecar plant is in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.
Correct. My TLE sidecar came in its crate from the Tomahawk plant. Harley doesn't spend much on advertising for their sidecars. Basically, if you want one, they can supply it.
I wish I could find a book on HD and other brands sidecars myself. I have yet to find one.
Hal has one available for free here.Some history and brand explaination.
I found a book TRELLAND'S MOTORCYCLE REFFERENCE GUIDE to be about as thorough as any out there today. It was last printed in 1991 but is still listed on ebay from time to time. Book contains 558 pages on many subjects of sidecars, motorcycles and trailers. Also lists clubs, museums and publications available at that time. If interested I will give the address. I know they are from British Columbia. Just let me know.
mrmustash
Just curious- Does H-D sell enough sidecars to keep the factory busy? I don't see that many.
Regds,
Jim
The fellow that I bought my rig from said that he called Harley and they gave him figures for 2003 TLE sidecar production ( I don't know if the Ultra was also included):
52 silver/black anniversary
5 black w/ anniversary silver trim
5 blue gunmetal
8 white
1 lux blue
Total 71
That's about 1.4 sidecars/week! Looks like that '03 lux blue may be the only one in the world.
(Compare that production with the Chinese motorcycle factory that puts out one motorcycle every 47 seconds).
Originally written by Jimbosidecar on 1/29/2008 6:56 AM
Just curious- Does H-D sell enough sidecars to keep the factory busy? I don't see that many.
Regds,
Jim
They don't make many. Im curious, too.....I haven't seen any of the following in many years: 1969 R69S conversion rig; 1967 R50/2 conversion rig; 1995 Chang Jiang 750; 1976 BMW R75/6. LOL Are they still makng those?
LOL
Mine is one of the white 03 TLE's, and a guy a few miles from me has another one. That leaves 6 out there roaming the countryside... During the HD Factory Open house in Tomahawk every September you can take a tour. The same 5 guys have been building the cars for years, they can answer any questions. www.tomahawkfallride.com
Originally written by stevesidecar on 1/31/2008 5:50 PM
Mine is one of the white 03 TLE's, and a guy a few miles from me has another one. That leaves 6 out there roaming the countryside... During the HD Factory Open house in Tomahawk every September you can take a tour. The same 5 guys have been building the cars for years, they can answer any questions. www.tomahawkfallride.com
They certainly do a great job! When mine came in the crate, it was a gem. Not a piece scratched, perfect paint, all the pieces and parts and not a detail missing, down to the last nut and bolt. I can't compliment them enough. The paint and stirpes even match my 2004 Utra perfectly based on the VIN number.
Happy Trails!
I placed an order for a TLE Ultra Sidecar last Fall and it came in yesterday at the Dealer. It's to be installed on my new Ultra and I may be able to pick it up this weekend, so this is one of the few that I've heard or seen being put together today.
In speaking with the Dealer, they indicated that most of the sale are of TLE to Police departments, and they sell them in large groups. Sales to individual buyers have been fairly low, which could change if the price of fuel keeps climbing (IMO).
Someone mentioned that HD doesn't advertise their sidecars, and that's an understatement. The HD web site gives no information on the TLE sidecar which truly is a special order item. The price of the HD sidecar is higher than those on www.texassidecars.com, but it still comes in less than a Trike conversion.
I would note that the HD sidecar doesn't appear to use any suspension on the sidecar wheel, which is connected through the frame to the bike. The "Tub" is mounted on a suspension system to the frame, so the passenger doesn't feel constant road vibration.
I'll know a lot more after the weekend, I hope.
I love my TLE. I went with the HD unit so I can get it serviced at the same time as my bike. I also liked the disc brake and storage. The one dislike I have is the wind deflection off the hack windshield. I get great protection from my Ultra shield,but get a face-full from the hack. It's nice in the heat, but uncomfortable in winter. I have to switch from my open-face to full-face helmet. I considered cutting it down 6-8 inches but my wife&puppy need the protection. Also,when braking,the sidecar disc would squeal. It took a couple thousand miles to go away.
Originally written by skaeser on 2/1/2008 2:27 AM
I placed an order for a TLE Ultra Sidecar last Fall and it came in yesterday at the Dealer. It's to be installed on my new Ultra and I may be able to pick it up this weekend, so this is one of the few that I've heard or seen being put together today.
In speaking with the Dealer, they indicated that most of the sale are of TLE to Police departments, and they sell them in large groups. Sales to individual buyers have been fairly low, which could change if the price of fuel keeps climbing (IMO).
Someone mentioned that HD doesn't advertise their sidecars, and that's an understatement. The HD web site gives no information on the TLE sidecar which truly is a special order item. The price of the HD sidecar is higher than those on www.texassidecars.com, but it still comes in less than a Trike conversion.
I would note that the HD sidecar doesn't appear to use any suspension on the sidecar wheel, which is connected through the frame to the bike. The "Tub" is mounted on a suspension system to the frame, so the passenger doesn't feel constant road vibration.
I'll know a lot more after the weekend, I hope.
I bought the TLE standard sidecar this time and it came to the dealer in the crate for my pickup in January, 2007. It was $7,350 delivered. It came painted Vivid Black with two silver stripes to match the VIN paint code on my bike. I installed myself and it's all dialed in now. They are very easy to setup with the new coupling standoffs.
We had an Ultra TLE and a Standard TLE before and we preferred the standard since we never used the radio in the Ultra and they wanted another $2,000 for the Ultra.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
ive been considering installing the ultra interior in my standard - its 650 for the seat, cover, brackets, pockets, sidebars, everything but the handles and the windshield - add 300 for the handles and modify the windshield. i already put sound etc in the sidecar last year - its still chepaer than getting a new sidecar & its already a perfect color match.
i got mine new in the box for 5400$ two years ago - boy that seems like a good deal now even with adding the sound system and all..
later
to
I was called by the Dealer and the Ultra TLE Sidecar was shipped without a part that they need to complete the install. They weren't happy with the Factory and called first thing this morning. With the two hour difference, they hope to have the part flown in and delivered by this evening; so, hopefully they can get it all together tomorrow.
The weather for tomorrow in this area is for mostly sunny skies and tempertures in the 50s, which means I might be able to get back on a bike for the first time since my accident in early September. Note the grin on the mask to the left.
