My thoughts on this being as I am new to the Hack:
Reverse is great to have. You can get by without it but if you are starting from scratch why would you?
Gold Wings didn't have reverse before 1988 when they went to the 6 cyl. So if your mounts are for an earlier bike the point is Moot.
Gold Wings run forever and can usually be had for less cash than an equivalent year HD.
A stock GW will have more power to haul a car than a stock HD.
Thanks Big Tom and everyone, I found out the sidecar was attached to a 1500 Goldwing. The Reverse would be great to have, and the little more power from the liquid cooled six cylinder would be a bonus. The only thing I would need to buy for the bike would be the mounts attached to the bike, then use what is already on the sidecar. That is, if I could find a 1500 Goldwing for really, really cheap. The other flip of the coin is I already have the Harley, and it is powerful enough, but No Reverse which I would use everyday in and out garage, and I would have to order the complete mounting kit. Well, I am in no hurry, so I will have to look to see what is out their and if I cannot find a wing for cheap, I will order the mounting kit for the Harley. Thanks again everyone, Later-
You can deal with the lack of reverse by developing a parking strategy, no joke. Pull thru spots are gold! Spots that slope UP or are flat are the next best thing, you just Fred Flintstone your rig backwards to exit. If your only option is a spot sloped DOWN that boxes you in, just back into the spot.
Red, I say Wing for the sidecar and keep your Harley for two-wheeling.
I have a 1990 Wing on same sidecar as you've bought. 65 mph is a no-brainer. 70 is doable and maintainable. 75/80 for short bits I've done but the motor is working. I would think a newer 1800 would hold 75 easy.
I recommend a car tire rear (see another thread of mine for specifics).
Enjoy!
Hey, Thanks Old School and phlaug, have a friend who has a box for a sidecar, says he just pushes it out, no problem's, just makes sure he has a way out, preferably not up hill.
Nice looking combination you have phlaug. Right now my Harley is in the shop, electrical issue, and to make matters worse, this is Bike Week here at Ogemaw County Fair Grounds. Volunteered yesterday to work the front gate letting people in on their bikes, man was I Joansing. Seen a few bikes with sidecars and had a chance to check them out. Funny, before I bought mine, I would look at them, thought they were cool, but that was it. Now, I really Check them Out, man these sidecars must Get in Your Blood, just like Motorcycles have for me all my life. Thanks again everyone for their input, really appreciate everyone's opinion. Have Fun, Later-
Update-well, even though it would have been nice to get a Wing, and have two bikes, decided to just stay with Harley, and ordered parts today from Jay at DMC. Oh boy, on to the next chapter in life. Later-
Red, a couple thoughts for you. When you and Mama are tooling around on Saturdays and go by the mall, nobody notices you OR your Harley. You just blend in, and a million other people have the same bike. Here is what Al said: "People see sidecar rigs because they are different and they are more likely to take notice and be amused by sidecars" When you get this up and running you won't be able to keep people from stopping you, taking pictures of your rig, asking questions, etc. Remember, nobody cares about a three-wheeler, but EVERYBODY seems to care about a sidecar. Brenda and I did 3000 miles this summer around the Great Lakes, generally drove about 58-62 or so and had a great time! We are planning on Newfoundland and Labrador next August. We can promise you that you will not regret your decision! We'll wave when we come back through Michigan.
Thank you notinlines, yes I believe Al is correct on people checking out sidecars. Yesterday,stop at a gas station, raining, and people are still checking out a Harley with Harley Sidecar. I sorta laughed to myself, thinking wow, it will take all day to go a hundred miles if every stop is like that, lol. Looking forward to the next riding chapter in my life, it will diffently be a challenge ??. Later-
I can't resist a shameless plug here. I have a box of full color trifold brochures languishing in my closet. I would be glad to put a bunch in an envelope an send them to you and I am talking to everyone who has monitored this thread. I have a hand full in every vehicle and that isn't just the tankbag on the rig. I mean in the other three vehicles we own. They given the curious something to take home and think about. I have handed out so many that I have run out when I needed them. Contact me at president@sidecar.com and I will send you some.
Hey Will,
I would like to have a few of those to hand out. I will send you my address in an e-mail.
Big Tom in AZ
Well...I'm a noob to sidecars and mine is mounted on a 2014 Harley Streetglide with the 103 and 6 speed trans. Mine car is a Johnny Sweet Classic which is smaller than the Friendship you have but Johnny adds ballast weight to the frame so I would guess they're not that far off. Mine has no brakes and no electric lean. Being only into this for a few weeks I can say that speed won't be a big issue. I've had mine up to 70-75 but I'm still getting it dialed in and have a bit of head shake at that speed. Not noticeable until I let go of the bars though. Generally right now 45 to 55 seems like the sweet spot. Hopefully that will go up as I get it closer to the sweet spot. Sixth gear on my bike is 2000 RPM at 60 MPH. I don't use it much now because of the need to keep the revs up. I'm used to riding in the 2000-3000 RPM range. Now I'm in the 2500-3500 RPM range in 5th gear. You will want to plan your braking ahead at first and be conscious of your speed and what the rig is gonna do. Watch the curves and be aware that you car will push or pull depending on the curve. You WILL notice the road surface now. Crowns, off-camber, potholes, ripples, etc will be felt through the bars and on the rig. If you have an aftermarket exhaust make sure it's not loud. I had to go back to the factory slip-on's for the wife. You may have a catalytic converter in the RH muffler. You'll want to get rid of that if you haven't already.
You have a 2008 Ultra with the TC 96 engine with a 5 speed tranny if I'm right. I would guess that speed, while it won't be a problem, won't be an issue either. That car is gonna tax that engine. Between the car and bike that's a lot of weight to pull. I would take the lowers off (I did) as it helps keep the heat down by a good bit. Be prepared for the lower gas mileage. I've lost about 10 MPG.
But you will love it. When the wife and I ride we get waves and smiles from just about everyone. And be prepared if the the wife and grandkids are a little hesitant at first. It's way different for them too. If you stop be prepared to answer questions. And I'll admit, I have a soft spot for a Harley with a sidecar mounted. You don't seem them very often, it ain't a tricycle, and it has a heritage all it's own. Hell Harley just quit offering them from the factory a few years ago.
Get it mounted and be prepared for the learning curve as there will be one. It is a great community and I have yet to find ANYONE that didn't seem genuinely happy to talk and explain the whole sidecar experience and answer my stoopid questions. Both Jay and Claude are shop owners with busy schedules but each answered the phone when I called and talked until I had to go.
I have an 09 Ultra with a CSC Friendship III. We removed the sidecar from an '86 GL1200. The Ultra makes for a good tug. Steering is a little heavier then it was on the wing...but not insurmountable, but I am 32 and have pretty good upper body strength. You may wish to look into raked triple trees after trying the rig out.
It was my belief that the friendship III came in 2 different frame sizes. The shorter frame fit the GL1200 and Harley bikes....and the longer frame worked on the GL1500/1800 bikes? Either way, I am sure Jay will help you get it worked out, and you will love your new sidecar!!
Richamor and Billi Bob, thank you for the replies. My 08 Ultra does have a six speed but figured would not use the sixth gear much. Appreciate all your input. Later-
