Hi Everyone,
I hope that this is the right forum for my question -- if not, please advise. My name is Bob and I live in Dickerson, MD. I have an '08 Harley Davidson Roadking that weighs 800 lbs., and now that I'm 62, it seems to have gained 800 more lbs. I'm interested in adding a sidecar. I'm not new to sidecars -- I have an '06 Ural with a sidecar that my wife and I love. I'm unsure, though, what will work best on the Harley. I have checked out the websites of various companies online (e.g., Champion, Texas Sidecar, etc.), and they all claim that their sidecars are the best. What do you all think? I know that recommendations are a minefield, but I would like to know your preferences and experiences with any or all of the sidecar manufacturers in terms of quality, customer assistance, and compatibility with a Harley Roadking. Also, any advice on after-market handling options (e.g., tilt control, disc brake, rake, etc.) would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
Bobdrev - 2/24/2012 10:22 AM
Hi Everyone,
I hope that this is the right forum for my question -- if not, please advise. My name is Bob and I live in Dickerson, MD. I have an '08 Harley Davidson Roadking that weighs 800 lbs., and now that I'm 62, it seems to have gained 800 more lbs. I'm interested in adding a sidecar. I'm not new to sidecars -- I have an '06 Ural with a sidecar that my wife and I love. I'm unsure, though, what will work best on the Harley. I have checked out the websites of various companies online (e.g., Champion, Texas Sidecar, etc.), and they all claim that their sidecars are the best. What do you all think? I know that recommendations are a minefield, but I would like to know your preferences and experiences with any or all of the sidecar manufacturers in terms of quality, customer assistance, and compatibility with a Harley Roadking. Also, any advice on after-market handling options (e.g., tilt control, disc brake, rake, etc.) would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge.
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I don't have any idea what is the best sidecar. Perhaps the easiest to adapt to your Harley-Davidson would be a Harley sidecar. If you have all of the parts to attach it, you will not have any trouble installing one. The only difficulty with a post 2006 Harley Favidson FL is that they have higher gearing than the earlier bikes and different gearing, although possible, is difficult and generally requites changing the rear belt ratio, which is no small issue. Of course, on the other hand, you do have six speeds and you would be able to run in fifth gear when lower gearing is needed and also, you have 96 cubic inches, so it may work well for you.
The Liberty is a nice sidecar as well, but requires welding a pad to the upper right frame tube just behind the fuel tank and below the seat. Some seats will also need to be cut for clearance. I wanted a Liberty sidecar for my former 2004 Ultra Cllassic but I won't do any welding on a virgin frame so I forgot about it.
I really don't know much about any other sidecars. Others will perhaps address your post.
Goog luck.
What ever sidecar you go with, Make sure that the sidecar is strong and heavy enough for your bike that it comes with bike specific not universal mounts. Some sidecar companies do not offer brakes, Brakes are important, some sidecars do not have lights even as an option, Lights should be standard. Some sidecar do not have suspension others do not have shocks on thier springs. Check out the company you are dealing with, do they take credit cards? Some do not, a credit card gives you some recourse if you are not happy. Our mounts are 100% bolt on bike specific and do not requre modifications on your seat or cutting any plastic at all however if you have a lower fairing you must take out the inner pocket.
We have sidecars priced from $3695 for our Kenna to over $20,000 for some of the EZS sidecars. By far the most popular sidecar we have for your bike is the M72C, or the M72CX which is pretty much the same sidecar but 4 inches wider and comes standard with a Brembo disk brake. We also have triple tree's for lighter steering, plug in wiring harnesses so that you do not have to splice into the wiring and reverse for the transmission.
I would be glad to help you with any specific questions you may have.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
jay@dmcsidecars.com
Just sent you an e-mail. I recently install a h-d TLE sidecar on a 2005 FLHTPI ex-police e-glide. More than willing to give you a hand. I am in Richmond.
Stuart
you asked for opinions - so:
id find a hd tle - not tle ultra [your roadking has no radio} and a 08 mount kit [the mount kit will cost 1200 bux if you can get it] and a liberty raked tree.
or
a libery sidecar and deal with the weld on bracket and install his raked tree.
hopfully resale wont matter but your resale is highest with a matching hd sidecar - the aftermarket sidecars add zero bux at resale.
further
i have a 07 and the gearing is a bit tall - but it will cruise at 80 with the cruise on and two people all day as long as its not a stiff head wind. ie the tall gearing only sucks at stop signs and its not insurmountable, just irritating. if money permits at some point ill install a stock hd triglide front sprocket and a shorter belt - there IS a hd belt that will work and there have been issues with aftermarket belts.
tri glides are 103 with a stock cam and a smaller front belt sprocket the other usual hd power mods are normally useless on bikes and super useless on sidecar bikes see - http://www.americanrider.com/output.cfm?id=1205749
that said the only time i have to run in 5th is when im running into a really stiff head wind - the rest of the time the stock 96 will go as fast as you want to go. milage at 55 is in the mid 30's milage at 80 is 20
to
Thanks Tim for your response. I had heard the taller gears were a concern but by your description doesn't sound like a deal breaker. Also, thanks for the link. Interesting reading. Thanks again Bob 🙂
Hi
I have a 2010 Road King with a Liberty Sidecar.
The quality of the Liberty sidecar car is fantastic.
My bike only had 58.15 hp and 74.42 ft-lbs of torque, stock.
By changing the whole exhaust system, installing V.H Monster ovals, a Big Sucker air cleaner, and pc5 MAP1
we were able to get 69.68 hp and 81.81 ft-lbs of torque.
I have the Liberty triple trees installed, and a Champion reverse gear.
My wife and I are no light weights, and the bike has plenty of power, and handles great.
I can cruise all day at 65mph in 6th gear with no problem.
I hope you will have as good of luck with your choice, as I have had with mine.
Jay
In my opinion, for a Harley, the Liberty is the Cadillac of sidecars. And of course add the Liberty triple trees. I sent you an e-mail a couple days ago.
Side by side, I think you will find our M72C to be similar quality to Liberty. The M72C is much easier to get in and out of due to the step in the side and the cut down side and also as the windsheild folds forward. Our trunk also opens from the out side making it much nicer to live with. We also offer the triple trees as well as reverse for the bike and NO WELDING is required on the bike.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
