I have a 2012 bmwr1200rt that I would like to put a Hannigan sidecar on. I would like to put it on a lift attached to my motorhome. I know a Hydralift can handle a can am spyder . As best as I can figure out, the side to side wheel track would be close. I contacted Hydralift but they needed exact dimensions . Can't give them that till I get the sidecar! I would like to get this figured out before I commit to getting the sidecar. Anyone out there have any experience or suggestions. I'm new to the whole sidecar thing, but I was able to ride a bmw with sidecar recently and loved it, so I've got the bug!
I can only speak to the sidecars we make, it would depend on the sidecar. It would also depend on how wide you decide to mount the sidecar which gets down to how far you want the left saddle bag to open. But about 6 feet for most of our sidecars with the saddle bag opening just enough to be able to remove the bag.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Why not to use trailer? What motorhome do you planing to carry it on? Most of them do not have carrying capacity for big bike.
If I had to I could leave off the saddlebag or make do with a minimal opening. Motorhome is a 45 foot Monaco Signature with a tag axle. Weight shouldn't be a problem. I would prefer to do without the hassle of a trailer; I also plan to tow a Jeep Wrangler . That would be a big trailer! Could also do an Idaho Tote, Toy Tote , etc., but a lift would be my first choice. One way or another, gotta have the sidecar!
You may want to contact Claude Stanley or Hannigan for the specific info you need for your RT and the sidecar of your dreams. It's OK with me to haul it any way YOU want to. ??
Just a little more info for thought. With a motorhome of that size, you should check on length regulations of states you plan to drive. With the bike tote, and towing Jeep, you are getting pretty long. Just an FYI.
Enjoy, however you do it!
I just had a Hannigan classic single installed om my F6b Goldwing. It measures about 77" wide. I carry it on a trailer that has a bed width limit of 80 inches. Claude Stanley and Dave did the installation and were able to shorten the width by 1.5 to 2 " to accommodate the trailer limits. That's a close fit. They are great people who understand what can and should not be done. I am really enjoying the unit. It's very well balancd and runs smooth. I 'be had it running at 70 and with no issues. I could'nt be happier with the combo. Just got back from a 5 hr. ride with a group of 2 Wheelers and stayed with them without any issues. That was important to me because I never want to be "the limiting factor"! Shortening the width between the sidecar and the bike may affect how the whole rig handles. It is well worth a call to Claude and Dave at Freedom Sidecars to discuss what you want to do. Claude also builds custom sidecars! Just a few thoughts for what they're worth. Good luck with whatever you decide! Ride safe!
I believe and it's just my opinion, a toy hauler RV would be the most ideal. But if you do go the enclosed trailer route, get a trailer that's wide enough to comfortably work around your rig while securing it. When I bought my enclosed trailer, my thought was to get the narrowest trailer my rig would fit in so I could see better through the mirrors on my truck. Bad. Mirror extensions would have been better. My FLH/Liberty barely fits through the door opening and then it's a pain to fasten the tie downs. I've never been able to load the Dyna/Spalding but haven't worked out the low clearance issues with it. Only tried once to load it. And my son recently talked me into selling him this trailer so I could get one more to my liking. It didn't take much arm twisting on his part... And I still prefer to ride rather than trailer but at times there are compelling reasons.
Reardan Tom .... And I still prefer to ride rather than trailer but at times there are compelling reasons.
That is so true. At times we all will need to trailer a rig, if only for a couple of miles. Most trailers out there are too narrow for the large rigs. Even a U-Haul car hauler can be a tight fit for a Goldwing/Champion rig.
My solution to the problem was to build my own trailer wide enough to carry by K1100/Formula rig. It needed to be 7' wide to accommodate the rig. I had to take a stock trailer axle and widen it.
It has hauled the rig many miles. Let me explain that so you don't deem me some sort of wimp. We decided to ride the rig from border to border on highway 281 - from Pharr, TX to the Peace Garden in ND. The day we wanted to leave it snowed and turned quite cold. We hauled the rig to McPherson, KS. Brother Harold lived there at the time. From there it was supposed to be warm enough to ride. We were in the middle of OK before the weather warmed to a tolerable level. that's my story and I stickin' to it.
IronHorse Trailers builds an enclosed WideBody trailer that measures 80" inside the wheel wells, and 90" at the tailgate opening. The overall outside width is 102" which allows enough inside room to attach your hold down straps. I have used one since 2009 and am very pleased with it.
Bruce
http://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/
http://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/product/widebody-motorcyle-trailer/
http://www.ironhorsetrailers.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/2015-Brochure.pdf
Thanks Bruce!! You just showed me the ideal trailer. The worrisome part is "call for price." Since I didn't win either the WA lottery or the Power Ball last night, it might be cost prohibitive. If not, perhaps I'll be towing one soon. Or eventually. We shall see...
