I have a 2002 RoadKing, that I dont ride too much anymore, but can't really sell since it was a gift from Connie. Sooooo, I am thinking of adding a sidecar to it. I am in no hurry and will try to find a used car, and a friend will install it for me.My question is, other than Harley sidecars (which are clearly a possibility), what other cars would look good and would "fit" on a RoadKing (i.e. size).My only real issue with the Harley sidecar is it seems like it might be a little difficult to access? However, we have never looked closely at one, and Connie has never tried to get in one. It is probably my 1st choice at this point, but would hate to pass up something due to ignorance.Looks are pretty important, would appreciate any and all suggestions.regards, greg
A nice steel bodied Ural would be awfully nice on teh RK. And Motorvation makes some really spiffy sidecars tht have a GREAT look for the RK. Motorvation has the advantage of off the shelf mounting of course, but the Ural shouldn't be tht difficult to mount either.
You'll want to have a look at Liberty as well:
http://www.libertysidecars.com/
Champion makes a pretty good locking match too.
Many more choices here: http://www.sidecar.com/stuff1.asp
Happy hunting.
Can't go wrong with a Liberty on your RK!! While on the web site, be sure to read Ned's story under "Featured Sidecar" and browse all three photo galleries. Good luck finding the sidecar of your dreams.
I have a matching TLE on my RK and I think that the combo looks great.
Having said that it is not easy for my wife or 90 lb Lab to get in or out.
In addition, passengers want use the not-so-sturdy windscreen as a grab bar and the fender is also partly in the way.
As for comfort, my wife is quite happy and overall likes the outfit. I adjusted the lean angle and toe in so that it now handles fine and is a pleasure to travel on.
Thanks for the replies. RRalph, your comments re: access are insightful, this was sort of my opinion on the occasions I have watched other get in the Harley sidecar.I do agree they look really cool.Re: the Liberty, this was actually a car I looked at closely before i got the VStrom/Ural combo.At the time, Pete needed 6 months leadtime, and then I decided the harley had too many miles on it, blablabla. Really liked Pete at Liberty. However, I would think any acess issues with the Harley would also pertain to the Liberty? I will call Pete. The cost of a new Liberty (or Harley for that matter) would be prohibitive, I really want to start with a used car.The Ural sound good, only minor issue is I already have one.Really aprreciate the input any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.Hopefully, we will run into a Harley sidecar combo and Connie can try the access. Should have thought of this when we were at the griffith Park Rally.
Here's another option.
Lonnie
The HD TLE would be the easiest installation for your Road King. As mentioned, however, there are some accessibility problems.
A nice feature of the TLE is that HD will color match the car to your bike based on your VIN number. If your bike is black, there is no extra charge. Colors and two tone are more expensive.
The Liberty cars are nice but require welding a flange nut to the right side of the frame below the seat. Some seats may have to be trimmed at that area as well. The nut is for the fourth brace that the HD sidecar doesn't have. Liberty also charges extra for color matching.
Accessibility in the Liberty is about the same as the HD. There are units other than HD or Liberty that have easier access.
Originally written by gnm109 on 12/29/2007 7:14 PM
The HD TLE would be the easiest installation for your Road King. As mentioned, however, there are some accessibility problems. A nice feature of the TLE is that HD will color match the car to your bike based on your VIN number. If your bike is black, there is no extra charge. Colors and two tone are mre expensive. The Liberty cars are nice but require welding a flange nut to the right side of the frame below the seat. Some seats may have to be trimmed at that area as well. The nut is for the fourth brace that the HD sidecar doesn't have. Liberty also charges extra for color matching. Accessibility in the Liberty is about the same as the HD. There are units other than HD or Liberty that have easier access.
Thanks a lot for the comparo. My RK is midly customized, including a stretched tank, Corbin seat (to fit the tank) and non factory blank paint. I wouldn't want to try to trim the seat, might talk with Liberty re this? I looked at the Liberty web sire more today, really like the older style sidecar (as I understood it, they copied the older style harley car) as compared to the new harley style.I would most likely paint the car myself (i.e. the guy that painted my bike, who is a friend). thanks gain, greg
Originally written by gregbenner on 12/29/2007 8:12 PM
Originally written by gnm109 on 12/29/2007 7:14 PM
The HD TLE would be the easiest installation for your Road King. As mentioned, however, there are some accessibility problems. A nice feature of the TLE is that HD will color match the car to your bike based on your VIN number. If your bike is black, there is no extra charge. Colors and two tone are mre expensive. The Liberty cars are nice but require welding a flange nut to the right side of the frame below the seat. Some seats may have to be trimmed at that area as well. The nut is for the fourth brace that the HD sidecar doesn't have. Liberty also charges extra for color matching. Accessibility in the Liberty is about the same as the HD. There are units other than HD or Liberty that have easier access.
Thanks a lot for the comparo. My RK is midly customized, including a stretched tank, Corbin seat (to fit the tank) and non factory blank paint. I wouldn't want to try to trim the seat, might talk with Liberty re this? I looked at the Liberty web sire more today, really like the older style sidecar (as I understood it, they copied the older style harley car) as compared to the new harley style.I would most likely paint the car myself (i.e. the guy that painted my bike, who is a friend). thanks gain, greg
Yes, the Liberty is a fiberglass takeoff of the earlier Harley-Davidson "Dutch Shoe" sidecar.
If you have a pro painter to do the work, then that's the way to go. I've painted sidecars in the past but it's sure a lot of work to get it right.
Good luck and Happy Trails!
Originally written by Lunatic on 12/28/2007 7:08 PM
A nice steel bodied Ural would be awfully nice on teh RK. And Motorvation makes some really spiffy sidecars tht have a GREAT look for the RK. Motorvation has the advantage of off the shelf mounting of course, but the Ural shouldn't be tht difficult to mount either.
Is it the correct weight? I just posted a separate thread, hoping to get some pictures.Good idea.
Thanks for the replies. I think I have narrowed it down to the Liberty, or maybe a Ural. The Liberty really looks cool, Pete is a really nice guy and I have only heard good things about them, the the quality looks great, and it looks "more correct" than a non Harley car.The Ural would, I think, offer easier access in and out, and is cheaper. Bases on how much $$ I have poured into the RoadKing over the last 5 1/2 years, I suppose the access issue is more important.
Originally written by gregbenner on 1/3/2008 8:34 AM
Thanks for the replies. I think I have narrowed it down to the Liberty, or maybe a Ural. The Liberty really looks cool, Pete is a really nice guy and I have only heard good things about them, the the quality looks great, and it looks "more correct" than a non Harley car.The Ural would, I think, offer easier access in and out, and is cheaper. Bases on how much $$ I have poured into the RoadKing over the last 5 1/2 years, I suppose the access issue is more important.
I like Liberty sidecars also. That said, if you are concerned about acessibility, the Liberty is, after all, a Harley pattern and the Early (Dutch Shoe) version is no easier to enter than the TLE. In fact, they are about the same. I speak from experience here. The issues are the location of the passenger opening which is alongside of the fender and wheel as well as the rearward sweep of the windshield.
As you say, the Ural is probaly one of the easiest access units. The only negatives would be the weight in relation to an original HD tub and frame, which is closer to 275# and the tread stance, which on an HD is around 54 inches.
Appearance-wise, the Liberty tub (early HD syle) is hard to beat. It's my all-time favorite. In fact, someday, if I can find an original metal body, I'm going to install it on my frame.
There are many other sidecars easier to get into than the Harley versions. It would be a good idea to try getting into and out of several diferent brands.
Posted by Claude on the thread re: pictures of Urals"If access to a newer Harley tub or the Liberty is an issue you could really get wild and go with '67 or earlier metal reporduction from Merle with a door. His shop is about 50 miles from us. Click here: http://www.l-wbody.com /"Claude,this may be a great alternative. I did call Merle, he has some pretty strong opinions, but seemed like a good guy.What do you think of putting one of his cars on a Liberty frame/chassis? I could get the look I really like, with easier access, and a more modern frame.
Originally written by gregbenner on 1/4/2008 4:07 PM
Posted by Claude on the thread re: pictures of Urals"If access to a newer Harley tub or the Liberty is an issue you could really get wild and go with '67 or earlier metal reporduction from Merle with a door. His shop is about 50 miles from us. Click here: http://www.l-wbody.com/"Claude,this may be a great alternative. I did call Merle, he has some pretty strong opinions, but seemed like a good guy.What do you think of putting one of his cars on a Liberty frame/chassis? I could get the look I really like, with easier access, and a more modern frame.
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Lol, I see you talked to Merle 🙂 He is actually a good guy and does take pride in his work. Opinionated? Yep you nailed it.
He caters to the restoration crowd for the most part and is a stickler for detail. If there was a 'normal' flaw somewhere on a given year Harley body he will build it the same way etc. if you know what I mean.
As far as your plan goes I think it would be a great idea if you can acquire a Liberty chassis from Pete. You will NOT go wrong with Liberty. Some of us can match the quality but I do not think anyone will exceed the quality of his work.
If there is anything I can do to help this project come along for you give me a call.
