For a little more than a month I have been studying sidecar rigs with some intensity after buying a Velorex 562 that is too small for what I want to do. It is for sale BTW for 30% less than I paid one month ago.
I am about ready to make a deposit on a Hannigan Classic to mount to an '04 Harley Ultra. I would sure appreciate some feedback from those of you who are much more knowledgeable than I, in particlular from owners of Hanigan rigs.
The Moto Guzzi that I have the Velorex mounted to steers like a loaded truck with no PS. I know I could have gotten a Steerite modification or a leading link, but since I'm selling the Velorex that is now moot.
However, in regard to the Hannigan, will I need to change the steering head or fork in order to ride it? If so, does that not obviate the quick change capability?
Would certainly like to hear your comments about the suitability of this rig for touring. I don't just want to ride 100 miles to a rally once a month, but intend to travel with it. I do 30,000 miles a year on bikes and would like to do at least half that with the hack, so I would like to know if that is feasible.
I am posting the same on the ISOK forum in order to get a much infomation as possible as soon as I can.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
have you seen the foto of Pieros V-Max rig under the how to post fotos thread? that would be a travelling rig! Before making that kind of buy I would look at the cars that lean w/bike or one of those Gold Wings w/electric lean.
Why use the Harley over the Guzzi? If you put an Earls type fork on the Guzzi, that would be one smokin sidecar bike!
I have ordered a new Hannigan rig for a 05 Gold Wing. It should be ready by Memorial Day Weekend. To answer some of your questions I will give you my opinion and I'm sure many here have theirs:
Steering head: I have a 1992 Harley Softail with a Legend Sidecar. It does have a steering dampner, but does not have any major changes to the front end. The ultra does not have a "flimsy" front end to start. I'd recomend the dampener at a minimum, but would not worry about forks mods until you get used to the rig. Set up correctly the average person, once they understand how to ride a sidecar, can handle it. My softail setup is not as heavy as a Ultra, but shouldn't be that much different.
Hannigan: I have seen them for a few years and just ordered one last Monday. I have not even driven one, just sat in/on and climbed all over one. Their reputation is great and I am buying based on that and the walk around I had at the Chicago Bike show this year. Everything is first rate and it matches the Gold Wing perfectly. Hannigan puts most of the essential gear I wanted on a touring rig that I don't have on my Legend setup. I added a Wing, 12V, Headset, Roof bag, and installation to my stock GTL.
SWITCHING TWO WHEELS: I have a dedicated rig. You should ask around on the boards for better answers to this question. I don't ride 2 up, but I know people who do, but tend to add the sidecar as the EXCEPTION not the rule. Most I know ride 10-20% w/sidecar...the rest solo. They have kids, wife doesn't like to ride on the back, the dog, etc.... The only problem I would have is the tires flat spotting; My sidecar tire for instance is worn flat in the middle....has a few miles left in it, but it would get a bit "wonky" on two wheels....The tires on the bike tend to "flatten out" too. But I have a dedicated rig. Never ride without it. I will check the other boards to see what they have said.
My Mothers entire family is from Huntington FYI.....Grandma lives in Barbersville....isn't Hutington a suburb of Barbersville???? LOL....Send me a note, I plan I riding that way this summer to see her, perhaps we can hook up and I'll show you my new Rig!
Dundertaker
The Flexit leans with the bike. I really nice sidecar but ...
a little expensive as all good things. Otherwise a Kalich's
Swing (similar concept as the Armec's sidewinder) but, again,
a little expensive if you consider the Euro/Dollar exchange
rate. An older Guzzi (850T type) would look good with a Steib
LS200 or S350 (just my personal opinion).
Piero
Minneapolis, Minnesota
