I started to write something for this thread but after reading all of the posts I felt there is little to be added.(And everyone said 'thank goodness')
Seriously, People here on this forum and other forums, whether they are in the industry or not, provide some great information. I do want to appleal to the ones who are in the industry to please not let any negatives about you posting here or eleswhere hinder your future responses and participation. I feel that the ones who are in the sidecar industry who post here will profit from it even if it is not directly. It shows they care about others and are willing to share their experiences to many. Face it these people have more experience in many areas related to sidecars than any of us can ever hope to gain as mere enthusiats so the potential of all of us profiting is real. I have not seen any real evidence of 'hidden agaends' to sell their own product be forced upon anyone and have not seen any real evidence of one person putting down another person's wares. These facts alone speak of the quality of people who are in the sidecar world. So, to Lonnie, Jay, Vernon and others...keep up the good work guys, you are appreciated.
Originally written by HD roadking on 9/11/2005 7:25 PM
Well these were very interesting posts about sidecars. Not at all what I wanted to hear but I do appreciate all your input. I was in hopes that a sidecar would be my answer but you all have scared me a little but I am still tossing it around in my mind. I did know that a sidecar on a bike would be different as far as steering and I knew it would take time to learn. I was tossing the idea of getting a sidecar and learning to ride it before I ever put a child in it, possible one season and then my son would be one year plus of age. But for the most part everyones reply makes it sounds like its not worth the purchase. I love motorcycling and I will find a solution. I am wondering why would someone make a sidecar if it wasn't made to haul folks around, I thought that was the whole idea of a sc.Can anyone add any positives to purchasing a sc.Does anyone have a HD and what kinda sc do you have the best luck with. come on guys say something good about sc's.
Hey there Mr RK, A couple years ago my wife decided she was no longer willing to accept the risk of riding behind me on two wheels after many years of long distance touring. I couldn't figure out a way to get my Boxer, Archie, on the back of the Harley and feel safe about it. So I bought a Ural as a second bike. This served several purposes. I wasn't sure at all I'd enjoy riding on three wheels. I love it. I wasn't sure Archie would take to it or the doggles. He loves riding and wears the doggles with pride. I thought maybe Barb would like the sidecar and ride again. She didn't. Two out of three ain't bad. But the Harley sat gathering dust more often than not in favor of riding the Ural. Just a short while ago I sold the Ural in order to purchase a Liberty sidecar for the Harley. I never in this world thought I'd give up riding on two wheels in favor of three! But once you start riding a hack it gets in your blood. "Say something good..." I can't say enough good! Jay and Lonnie are both really fine people but the looks of the Liberty won out (for me.) Check out www.libertysidecars.com. You'll be glad you did and you'll get that kid off to a great start.
One more note. When you're on the Liberty site, check out the raked triple trees. Lonnie will verify the difference in 'steerability' is worth the money. A long time friend who still rides a RK at 84 and used to have a bagger with a Legend car but didn't like it now says it's because he didn't change the triple tree and wishes he would have.
Originally written by HD roadking on 9/11/2005 9:25 PM<BR><BR>Well these were very interesting posts about sidecars. Not at all what I wanted to hear but I do appreciate all your input. I was in hopes that a sidecar would be my answer but you all have scared me a little but I am still tossing it around in my mind. I did know that a sidecar on a bike would be differant as far as stearing and I knew it would take time to learn. I was tossing the idea of getting a sidecar and learning to ride it before I ever put a child in it, possible one season and then my son would be one year plus of age. But for the most part everyones reply makes it sounds like its not worth the purcharse. I love motorcycling and I will find a solution. I am wondering why would someone make a sidecar if it wasn't made to haul folks around, I thought that was the whole idea of a sc.Can anyone add any positives to purchasing a sc.Does anyone have a HD and what kinda sc do you have the best luck with. come on guys say something good about sc's.
HD Roadking,
I have been riding motorcycles for about 33 years sidecar rigs since 1992 I have a 16 year old daughter that has been in sidecars since she was 2 years old.
I own 2 Harleys with sidecar's 1st one 72 FL with older style body same style as the Liberty sidecar.
2nd HD I bought new in 2001 is a Roadglide set up for touring with a California Friendship 3 sidecar (double wide)with 43,000+ miles on it we love to travel another thing to think about with todays gas prices.
The people here on this list all have their own ideas and thoughts some like DennisL may choose not to take this route feeling that it is to risky and that is fine it is his choice to make.
The people that sell sidecars and accessories for them like Claude said are here to help and yes to promote their products,sidecars are a very small portion of the motorcycle industry so it only seems that you would find dealers here and why not?
If you go back and reread what you posted above you have answred your own questions.
You stated that you want to gain some experience BEFORE you take any pasangers,I personally think you should install a seat belt for a child UNLESS the mother will be in the car with the child.
HD in the early 1900's the sidecar was a main sorce of transportation for some families.
People with handicap's and just getting older and finding it harder to hold a bike up.
Yes HD I to love riding..........and sidecars are the solution
Got more questions? feel free to ask that is what this list is for look thru the wanted listings here who knows maybe you will find a starter rig.
Where are you located?
gpers2,
Excellent response.
See Dennis, everyone isn't trying to talk you into buying their stuff.
Some hackers just like sidecars and will give you the same answers.
Thanks to all the responses. I feel much better about pursueing a sc now. Sounds like the liberty sidecar is a good option whats everyone think. I have been send info on this product ( Liberety sidecar). Where can you find info on the california sidecar. Someone mentioned a training course for sidecars and I would be very interested in that. I live in TN and the closest city is Knoxville. Anybody know where I can take one of these courses. I was real appreciative of the granny response and the fellow with a 16 year old daughter. See I to have been riding for thirty seven years and I love riding. My wife also rides her own bike and has been for seventeen years. Of course as you can tell we are harley lovers. Now someone is probably thinking this guy has been riding for over thirty years and is having a newborn. You got it! things happen. I am now 50 and pretty soon will be 51. I don't want to give up this great sport of motorcycling. I am a very cautious rider after so many years of being on a bike. So yes with time I think I can ride with a sc. Master it hmmm probably not. I have never mastered riding a bike, the bike is master over me and will always be that way. So if anyone has any good leads to a good sound sc for a 1997 roadking let me know. I really enjoy the good feedback from this site. thanks
The Champion Legend is a neat sidecar too. Here..click on link...buy whole rig...sell bike and you'll have aneat sidecar for a great price.
Just a thought....wish I had th emoney myself.
Click here:
http://tinyurl.com/b64a7
RK,
I added a sidecar to my 2005 Electra Glide this past spring and I love it. I still ride two wheelers as well and I can tell you they are very different.
The rig is a lot more work, but what a hoot!
I love my two wheelers and don't see myself going to a hack as my only ride. However, I don't see myself ever being with out a sidecar rig again either. In fact if I had to choose between two wheel and three wheel travel I'd probably go with three.
As for the HD. I have a full Harley set up, bike and car. However, I'm beginning to think that's not the best set up for me. The steering is heavy and the rig is underpowered.
As everyone else has written get Hal Kandall's and David Hough's book and read them; I found them to be invaluable. I then went to a parking lot and practiced. IMHO the basics are not that hard to learn. That being said, becoming a skilled sidecar pilot is still a considerable ways off for me. The salesman at the dealership where I bought the bike has been piloting a rig for many years and claims he still learning, so I figure I'm just a "babe in the woods"
I try to be cautious,taking corners slower than I think I actually can. Keeping additional balast in the rear of the car and slowing way down on unfamiliar roads. I also have on crash gear, (helmet, jacket, gloves and boots) pretty much everytime I ride.
It is different, but I'd encourage you to give it a go. As for putting your baby in the rig; for my part I will not put my children in it until they no longer need a car seat in the car. Just my opinion, everyone has one you know. As for the wife she loves it and doesn't want to ride pillon anymore.
I'd also like to let you know that I have recieved terrific advice on this site. Commercial interest or not no one has ever pushed anything on me. All I've gotten is friendly and helpful advice.
Good luck to you and be safe.
the heavy steering can be fixed w a set of trees or a leading link
stacy
HD
If you're a die-hard Harley rider you probably will turn up your nose at this suggestion, but I'll give it anyway. There is a GWRRA rally (Wings Over the Smokies) Sept. 22-24 in Fletcher, NC (across the road from the Asheville Airport). California Sidecar always has representatives there. It will cost you $10.00 to get in, but there are all kinds of vendors there. I'm sure that Hannigan sidecars will be there and maybe others. Don't let the Goldwing thing keep you away, there are always Harleys there, too. My husband and I will be going down with a bunch of our friends. We'll be staying in Maggie Valley, if you're interested in going to the rally and would like to ride along with us.
California Sidecar has a website if you're interested in their sidecars. I watched them setting up Bruce Springstein's Harley for a sidecar a couple of years ago. They're located in Colleen, VA (mailing address is Arrington, VA)if you're interested in visiting their facilities.
Connie
HD,
I think the Liberty is a great looking car IF you are looking for the classic HD look.
If you want to think down the road a bit you may want to think about a top on a sidecar for the little one.
This is what swayed myself and wife to the California friendship 3 it has a top that can be removed or left in place while traveling.
If you and the wife do any traveling you may want to consider a sidecar with a top should it start raining on a trip there is no reason why the little one should get wet when the parents won't get out of the rain.
The cal has removable windows and a vent in the bottom at the front of the car I made a scoop for mine and it is like AC on a hot summer day the daughter loves it.
Hannagan also offers sidecars with tops Pete Larsen at Liberty also offers other brands of sidecars with tops should you be intrested.
I also saw a photo of a HD car with a top that they had made but I personally think that the HD cars need to come up to the 20th century they look great but need some improvements in some areas just my .02 cents on that.
Being in Tennesee you are in range of both Hannagan in Ky. and California sidecar in Va. if you are looking for a mini road trip call one and set up an appointmemt to SEE the cars first hand this I think is much better than a photo when ever possiable or as Connie said scoot over to North Carolina for the Wing thing.
HD Keep us posted
Wow.....the word baby has brought everyone into this thread. First off, congrats on your soon-to-be father status....it could well be the happiest thing you've ever done-- just as trying a sidecar may. I'm on the dark-side of 50,been riding bikes since 13, got into hacks 10+ years ago as a way to carry my hockey gear to the rink. 8 rigs later i'm still loving it, and every rig has its peculiar dynamic and any attentive person will react to the rigs input. As you already know being a focused driver/rider is the key to staying safe. In all the previous threads you have heard many great suggestions..and i need not try to add to that. My 2 grandkids have sat in my hack on numerous jaunts in what i PLAN as a safer experience. Neither has been placed in the car b4 age 4, large enough to be out of car-seat (as some one has stated). The PLAN always keeps us in neighborhoods below 30 MPH or backroads where the deer are more of a threat than cars. The car i have is steel, has a roll-bar, and a seat-belt, the same criteria i would use in placing them in a convertable sports-car. From the childrens' viewpoint, i can hear their joy when grandpa calls to invite for a ride. This past weekend i had the privalege of seeing a 90 year old couple take off for a return home trip of 220 miles.....both grinning like kids in candy store as 13 other hackers waved goodbye to them.! Enjoy your new adventures and be safe !!
Dan,
I just found your original post, and while it seems that there have been pleanty of replies to your original questions, since my situation is very similar to yours, I'll throw in a couple of cents also. I asked almost the exact same questions as you did before getting a hack after many years as a solo rider.
First of all, what about kids in sidecars? Well, that's the exact reason I got mine. I wanted to be able to spend more time with my daughter (who loves bikes) and continue to ride every chance I got even though she was too small to safely ride 2-up on a two wheeler. She was 7 y/o when I got my rig (just turned 8) and I wish I had made the decision a couple of years earlier. I also asked about seatbelts, and ultimately made the decision not to go that route. Unlike a car, where you have a strong cage to protect you, and the big concern is not getting slammed against the windshield, in a sidecar I think a seatbelt is just as likely to keep you trapped in a relatively fragile egg waiting to get squished in an accident as it is to save you from anything. If the child is young enough that the concern is to prevent them from moving around or trying to get up while in motion, they are probably too young to be in a sidecar without the comfort of having Mom there anyway, and if Mom IS there, then a seatbelt is a really bad idea for the same reason that it is a bad idea in a car (Mom & baby in the same seatbelt, that is) because in an accident the adult's weight will crush the baby against the searbelt. Personally, and having been in almost the exact same situation, I wouldn't hesitate to get the hack now if you're leaning that way, but use the first couple of years to get experience, and bring the little one later, preferably with Mom, especially in the beginning. . Although I did start driving my daughter practically from the git-go, I was really super conservative when she was in the rig, and at 7 y/o she was very comfortable with it.
As far as dealers on the board, I would only see that as a problem if they were trying to hide the fact that they might have a financial interest, which these guys don't, and their information has really been helpful. Personally, I don't see anything wrong with supporting the people in the industry who are taking the time to try to help and support you also.
Your Roadking was designed by HD to be used with a sidecar as well as for solo riding. I have a HD car on my Ultra, and no permanent mods had to be made. I would imagine the same holds true for the non HD cars mentioned above. I am quite happy with my HD car, but it is a bit more pricy than many of the rigs mentioned above. I especially like it because of the interface with the sound system/intercom/CB but that is not an issue with the RK.
As for the sidecar top issue, well now this is really just a personal opinion, but one of the reasons I love riding is because you get to be out in the open air to see, smell and (sometimes) hear everything thats going on around you. The more my rig starts resembling my car, the less appeal it has for me. But, again, that is really a very personal choice.
Is it different than riding on 2 wheels - oh most definately! That doesn't make it less fun, but it is important for long time bikers like us to realize that it is a totally different type of riding experience and requires some new skills.
Finally, would I give up my solo bike? No. I enjoy both types of riding too much, and when I'm not taking my daughter, I usually (but not always) take my solo bike. And besides, you already have the ideal situation. When you want to go solo, I'll bet if you're REALLY nice, your wife will let you borrow hers. 🙂
Joe
HD,
Here are my thoughts:
1. Driven properly a sidecar can be safer than your bike alone. You have a bigger profile and more lights, making you easier for other motorists to see. The key is driving it properly and understanding how it is different from a cycle alone.
2. Your child must be old enough to wear the proper protective equipment. The bottom line is that you could be in an accident and you want the child to be as protected as possible. I don't think you are going to find a helmet for a child younger than 4 yrs.
3. There are many reasons to have a sidecar other than transporting your child. My dog and wife both enjoy riding in the car. I find it useful for running to the store for groceries. I can carry more camping gear than the rest of my buds to the rally site (more beer too).
4. I have owned two rigs, and have to agree with a comment that Tom made. There is something to be said for ease of entry/exit. I had a Velorex and traded it in for the Dnepr/Ural design soley because it was easier for my wife and dog to get into and out of. I think it looks great with my HD.
5. Riding under the convertible top of the Velorex makes me claustrophobic. I'm not sure how your child will respond.
6. My son is 10 and has been riding in a sidecar since he was 4. He loves it.
Good luck with your decision,
Will
Ditto to everything that Itmclearen said except that I don't do much camping. It sure does make those "honeydo" runs to the grocery store more fun though.
Joe
