harley sidecar

you need a TLE [ultra is a waste as its higher price is mostly so the stereo work in the sidecar and obviously road kinds dont have a head unit] 1999 to 2010

the REAL question is which mount kit you need.

you need a
07 / 08 mount kit - 99% of used sidecars come WITHOUT the mount kit - and the kit costs about 1200 bux.

the newer tle's have a disk brake - those are simpler to adjust toe in since the threads on the standoff are left hand - however even a drum brake sidecar will work just fine [and the drum brake is cool] but you want one with a wheel that matches your bike. the wheel is the hardest part to change, its simpler/cheaper to change the bike wheels to match the sidecar.

there is a wives tale that you can take it off in a few mins - ride the bike solo and put it on in a few mins - its just that a wives tale.

it can be made to run really well down the road with a stock bike - but to ride it a lot you want a trike tree for the front end available from various mfg including hd.

99% of the mount kit simply "dissapears" into the bike - you need the sidecar service manual to tell what is what.

to

As mention above the mounts is the big part. You can run older HD sidecars on yours with the correct mounts.

I hope one day to be able to afford a set of after market raked trees but for now I have to make do with out one.

One of the problems taking a sidecar off and trying to run a solo bike is that with a sidecar the rear tire wares square and if you try to ride it as a solo makes for some VERY weird handling and can be dangerous handling.

I just fitted a 1993 HD TLE sidecar to my 2000 FLHR RoadKing. I bought it with the connection kit, as all should come with. They are never complete because much of it actually fits to the bike. Get the file for the sidecar to see what you need extra, clutch cable-rear brake reservoir upgrade-etc. most parts you will need are available through your HD Dealer and not too expensive. I also fit a reverse gear.

I could use that reverse. Which mfr. did you use and how difficult was the installation? Right now my reverse is a pair of size 10EE Reeboks. Not that they dont work well and are fuel efficient, I am thinking of my upcoming trip across US (FL to CA) with LSQUID. Reverse would be soooo cool.

I would like to have a reverse but if you park properly no need for it. I even had to do this before the hack as a ultra is quite heavy. it is a lot easier pushing backwards with the hack then just the bike. Many revers set up you have to change your pipes so keep this in mind.

I used a MMD reverse kit, easy to self install, cheap ($1,099.00) and it does not interfere with exhaust.

Jobiwan - 2/24/2013 11:18 AM

I used a MMD reverse kit, easy to self install, cheap ($1,099.00) and it does not interfere with exhaust.

Are you running stock FLHT pipes? In the situation I am in that is 1/8 of what I live on a years. They will not let me go to work and I have been fighting for my disability I have been paying in to since 1970 but thank the Lord I am getting by and have my rig. I am better off them may others.
Thanks
Jeff

As it sounds like you do not as of yet have the sidecar, Why go with a Harley sidecar? The Harley sidecar has no suspension, The body is on undampened leaf springs so you hit a bump, you know about it on the bike and your passenger gets to bob up and down for a while. They are hard for your passenger to get in and out of, You must kick your passenger out of the sidecar to get into the trunk area. Once installed Harley sidecar do not come on and off very easy at all with wiring hardwired in and brakes with out quick disconects. Harley's basic frame design dates back to 1928. Most any other made in the USA sidecar will not only work better for you but also may have options such as electic trim. Our most popular sidecar for your bike is our M72C or the wider version of it the M72CX both of these come with bike specific mounts designed just for your 2008 Harley.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793

I have never had a passenger complain about the ride and even my 275 pound passenger I took 95 miles to pick up his Ural. With a Harley you never have to make adjustments when you take a 275 pounds like you do with all other sidecars. I assure you that the torsion bar suppression does work as I see mine flux all the time. Being they do not make them any more it is better then money in the bank. But this is coming from a person with over 5 months and 4,000 miles since putting the HD hack on.

Others with HD hacks have shown me better ways for riders to get in an out that work well. The only passenger I had that had a hard time getting out was my friend because he did weight 275 pounds. Has there ever been a major motorcycle company or even after market sell as my sidecars as Harley. But each too their own and I really like my HD hack. Have had many offer me a lot more for it then I have in it. Some are trying to sell you what the sell. Yes they make mounts for a 2008 HD.

You can pick up used HD sidecars quite cheap, considering what other manufacturers charge new. You dont see many other makes that last as long (if it works why change it) I have a Harley and wanted a HD sidecar. With the correct additions they are easy to fit, I have quick release electrics and brake line, cost $50.00 extra! Riding any rig is different to a solo bike, just needs getting used to.

46u - 2/25/2013 12:25 PM

Others with HD hacks have shown me better ways for riders to get in an out that work well.

What's a better way? I could use some tips for my passenger.

Not the easiest sidecar to get into - or out of. I have a California sidecar and the passenger can step in easily because of the fender design which covers the wheel.

MJ

There is a Harley step unit on ebay right now if you don't already have one. The step makes it a little easier to get in and out.

The step is there.....it's just.......not easy! The angle is off, you want to grab the windshield, but it's flimsy. The grab rails on each side don't help much, either. Not riding season yet, still some time to figure out 🙂

The handles are only on the ultra sidecar along with the dash that drops down so far makes it for big people cannot get in the sidecar and is why I have a standard HD sidecar on my Ultra.

The best way to get in a Harley sidecar you do not even use the step if you are a person of any size. What you do is stand behind the side car put your left foot on the mount for the leaf springs swing your right foot around into the sidecar sit on top of the back seat and slide in. No many with Harley sidecars there wife does it this way.