I just picked up my 1986 FLHTP w/sidecar yesterday. Ride home was interesting- good thing I've been reading and lurking here for a few weeks. On/Off ramps were interesting, to say the least. Rode true on straightaways and no noticeable shake on acceleration. Not sure if it rode like I expected, because I had no idea what to expect. LOL
Everything looks to be in pretty good shape, but I look forward to getting to know the rig. I've ordered the manuals and they should be in this week. As with any new-to-me bike, I will change oil, brake/clutch fluids, filters, etc. Looking to this group of experts for rig-specific to-dos and gotchas to avoid. There is a trike/sidecar class the first weekend of May that I will take to pick up some good and drop off some bad habits, and my plan is for both the rig and myself to be ready for the rally in June.
Thanks in advance for the advice and admonishments!
Welcome! Show us a pic of your rig, we like pics. 🙂
You're heading in the right direction by taking the training course. In the mean time, take it slow, use at least 50lb ballast in the chair at all times and practice, practice, practice.
+1. Good idea on the training - it sure helped me realize a couple things I was doing wrong, as well as reinforce a few things I was doing right. And, yes, we need pics. Congrats on the new rig.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Here is a pic. More will come in the next few weeks.
good looking rig, just new into it myself. what your describing is about what I felt 1st ride,it's getting better. looking for better weather now. I too will look for class then hard for me to get motorcycle riding out of my head yet, Good luck
Great looking rig! Like the white, really makes the rig stand out. Plus it is the most noticeable color. The class will be well worth your time, in the meantime find a big parking lot and push the boundaries, you will learn a lot. Welcome to the non symmetrical world.
Bill D
Thanks all for the compliments and reinforcements!
Hay there very nice If it doesn't have raked trees they would be advised much improved steering.
Great looking rig. I never took the riding coarse only because there is not one any where near me even with in a couple hundred miles but is not a bad idea. I have had my rig on now for over a year and have put at least 7K on it. You ride a motorcycle you drive a rig. So far no raked trees but it is on my list but could be years before I can afford them in my situation.
Welcome to the forum.
Jeff
Wow, beautiful rig! My sportster is white but the hack is black, looking at your rig makes me want to go white with the sidecar as well!
Very nice. Raked triple trees make life a lot easier.
Weight in sidecar when riding solo helps too.
Small picture and write up of my rig was in Motorcycle Bagger Magazine in the Nov / Dec 2013 Issue, page 23.
Good Luck
Jay
86? Really nice!
Very nice, I have a 2000 FLHTP that I am going to move my sidecar to one of these days.
Beautiful rig! Welcome... I envy you folks that are already on the road on three. I'm still awaiting my hack to arrive. After reading so many speak highly of the S/TEP course, I'll be taking one also. I hope to do the training using my own rig since I'd like to practice on what I'll be driving. I'm sort of partial to white also, maybe 'cause my scooter is white too. Yours looks great!
Jay, checked out your album. Great rigs. Is that Morgan yours?? I had a friend that had an early Morgan but she passed away before restoration was completed.
