It's been 40 years since I had a sidecar and am looking to get one for my 02 Wing. While I like all the creature comforts of a Hannigan my Honda dealer prefers the engineering the goes into the Champion Daytona. Any and all thoughts and "pushes" appreciated.
Thanks!
Bob
I wonder if your Honda dealer is also a Champion dealer. This could have something to do with his preferences.
I've heard of Champion mounts cracking, not so with Hannigans'.
Your bike, your choice. You're the one who will live with that choice, not the Honda dealer.
L.
I would also talk to another dealer. I've been around sidecars forever and the only complaint I've ever heard was that Hannigan doesn't like to ship replacement windshields.
Champions are good sidecars, but so are Hannigans. Go to http://www.goldwingfacts.com or http://www.gl1800riders.com/forums/index.php and check with other GL sidecarists. They will be able to help.
I have a 03 Wing with a older Champion Escort. The front sub-frame was re-welded by the prior owner, but the newer Champion sub-frames are much better enforced. I have the seen the mounts that Hannigan uses, and to me they do look stronger than the Champion, but I am not an engineer. Hannigan uses a 5 point system, but one of the mounts attaches to the engine guard which I don't think it made for the stresses involved.
They are both good, but personally I like the looks of the Hannigan better. If I was buying new, I would probably choose Hannigan.
Wow! Thanks for the great info!! I spoke with Hannigan and Champion this afternoon. Hannigan was very helpful and knowledgeable. Champion was neither. Hannigan has new model out slightly smaller than the GTL which is where we're probably headed. As for the GTL, availability is a problem as they need a new mold. The link for info on the car doesn't work and they're in the process of correcting the address. If anyone want to see the spec's I can upload them if the link hasn't been corrected.
On my way to check out the web sites mentioned. Any other thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks!
Bob
Bobert - 6/13/2011 11:22 PM
Wow! Thanks for the great info!! I spoke with Hannigan and Champion this afternoon. Hannigan was very helpful and knowledgeable. Champion was neither. Hannigan has new model out slightly smaller than the GTL which is where we're probably headed. As for the GTL, availability is a problem as they need a new mold. The link for info on the car doesn't work and they're in the process of correcting the address. If anyone want to see the spec's I can upload them if the link hasn't been corrected.
On my way to check out the web sites mentioned. Any other thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks!
Bob
Hi Bob. I have a Kawasaki Nomad 1700 with a Hannigan Astro GT sidecar. The car was installed at the Hannigan facility in Murray KY in April 2010. Due to some issues when the sidecar body was manufactured (apparently not fully cured), it developed small stress cracks that originated where the body had been drilled, such as where the hinges mount and where the windshield mounts to the body. I sent some pictures of the problem and asked what might be done to correct it. My expectation was that, at most, they would have someone local where I live repair and repaint the body. In fact, they offered to replace the body with a brand new one if I would bring the rig to Kentucky. I just recently returned from a 2,000 mile round trip from my home in Florida to Murray and back to do so. Andrew and Ruth Ann Hannigan, Neal and the others at the shop exceeded my expectations as far as standing behind their product and correcting my problems. They went far beyond what I expected and beyond what they had any obligation to do in order to make sure I was satisfied. They also improved the paint match from my original car, and are now using a new paint supplier that does a much better job of matching factory paint. As a plus, my car has some updated features that the old one did not. They do listen to customers and are continuously upgrading their products. I hope my experience is helpful in your decision making.
Thanks for all the great info. We're signing the necessary papers Monday for a Hannigan HMS-SP2 Sidecar. Delivery and setup to take place late July - early August. After RogerE's comments on his Hannigan experience our decision was made.
We're located in Central PA and always ready for a ride. 🙂
Thanks again!!
Bob
I also love my Hannigan Conte.I have had a replacement windshield sent to me here in Canada as well without a problem . I broke it by tuning the handle bars when the tonneau was up and I wasn't paying attention. I have most of my rig issues sorted out and have had it a little more than a year. I don't think I'll be going back to 2 wheels any time soon. It grew on me rather quickly. Mine's fire engine red and turns heads because sidecars are uncommon up here. I think I am less likely to be driven into because I usually cause a double take when drivers see me
I had a sidecar about 40 years ago and it turned heads though it looked nothing like todays hacks. Like your side car my bike and car are Honda Illusion Red.
