Hi everybody
I'm relatively new to the world of motorcycling (just bought my first one ever last year) and am thinking of attaching a sidecar so I can take my son around with me; his autism makes him unwilling to ride 2-up on the bike.
I've got an '05 HD Sportster 883C, pretty much bone stock; this would be a strong enough bike for a sidecar, yes? I'll be reading the various posts regarding the differences in handling between 2 and 3 wheels, but any direct advice would be greatly appreciated.
From what I've seen on the classifieds page, getting into a sidecar may be less costly than I previously thought. Excellent, Smithers!
Anyways, I look forward to further reading and hearing from y'all. Take care and ride carefully.
-Steve (eggroll)
The rubbermount Sportys make good sidecar tugs. I've setup several with the 562 or 563 Velorex's. The 883's will pull these cars quite well. They match the bike well in size and appearance plus they are in the affordable range. Ideal for a first sidecar rig.
Most heavier cars will keep you from maintaining freeway speeds in top gear.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
i like the champion "legend" for that sized bike and champion also has a reverse for the tranny. i had a legend on a fat boy and have a champion escort on a flh now. both with reverse.
I just bought a new 06 with the intention of installing the legend reverse but found out the 06 and up no longer have a trap door transmission so you can't put in the reverse kit.Bummer.
My new bike is the one on this page
http://www.trans-moto.com/401_a.html
There is no reverse mods available for the sporty's.
Lonnie
Hi Lonnie,
I posted some comments about the Spalding Side I am now considering rather than the California Friendship 2. You seem to be the man that knows alot about hack's. Do you have any experience or been involved with a Spalding car? This is the website: http://www.spaldingside.com/index.html. I'm about to do it unless I get some bad information. I'm the guy with a handicapped wife that loves to ride and the way this car opens up seems to be perfect for what we need. Thanks in advance Lonnie.
Jim
Hi
I have an 01 883 Sportster with a Liberty "Sporty" sidecar. You can see a picture under Sporty Sportster on the album page. The car was designed for the Sportster and is very light and aerodynamically shaped. They don't manufacture them anymore, I think.
My wife and I weigh about 450 lbs together and we are about as much as the bike can pull. I've put in the K/N air filter, less restrictive slip on mufflers and had the carb rejetted. I've also drained the forks and put in thicker fork oil to reduce diving while braking. I can do 75 on it by myself, we can do 65 or so together, unless the wind is in our face or we're going up hills. I envy your rubber mount frame.
We use it a lot and are very happy with it. Peter
Jim,
I have no experience with the Spalding car. Like the Liberty cars I believe they are destined for the big twin Harleys, not Sportys, unless the have a newer model that I am unaware of.
Lonnie
Lonnie,
I'm not sure but I think we are talking about two differnet bikes here. I seen your post on "The New Guy" and thats when I asked you my question. I have a 2003 Harley Heritage Classic, not a Sporty. I have just started looking at the Champion cars now, do you know if they have one with a filp up front end for easy entry?
Thanks, Jim
if you like the Spalding Side,also check out the Hannigan Classic.it is similar with disc brake and electric lean options.
the champion escort is hinged in the front for easy access.
Bob,
Thanks for the info,I'll check the Hannigan Classic out too.
Jim
Hey Steve,
I have an 05 1200C w/stage1 and a Texas Ranger. It is a real nice combo. I would go with longer rear shocks and Progressive Springs in the front forks. Wife and I together are about 400lbs and I can easily maintain 70+ speeds in top gear. The Texas Hill country has me using 4th gear alot but not bad at all since my normal cruise speed is 60-65 (and I get around 35mpg). I'm guessing an 883C rig would be comparable but may spend more time in 4th gear to make up for the difference in horsepower.
Good Luck!
Henry
