Please help. My wife announced today that she wants me to buy a new Harley, but only if it has a side car. Where do I start? We have never owned a Harley and are novice riders. We live in mid-coast Maine.
Please help.
Mark
Start here at the home page/links and books.
Download some free books, read up, check for any local or near training facilities and sidecarists, then go to your friendly Harley superstore and check out Harleys. There will be a long wait to get one and not much choice of models a Harley car will fit.
You may or may not want one with a Harley sidecar. There are many other options for a car for the Harley of your (wife's) choice.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Prior to buying my Harley rig I read, reread, and reread David Hough's book "Driving a Sidecar Outfit". It's now out in a second, updated edition. Big help! Taking a sidecar course is even better but there aren't many around.
It would be good if you could find an individual or a dealer with a rig to at least let you ride in or drive in a parking lot.
My wife and I really enjoy ours but you should remember that a new Harley sidecar combo is a big investment and the resale market is fairly small.
Go to the Harley Dealer with lots of money LOL. If possible take a sidecar course before you take the plunge, otherwise at the very least the first ride on a new rig will scare you. This way you'd have some idea what to expect. Might be a good idea if the wife goes for a ride in a sidecar, she might not care for it. Be a helluva thing to find out after you've spent all that money. You could try this website, they are in Mass, considering the investment in a sidecar the tuition is quite reasonable. http://www.ironstoneventures.com/
I am right next door in Hope Maine. Give me a call at 542 1253. My wife and I (and dog ride a Harley Road King Classic and Liberty Sidecar. I would be happy to give you and your wife a ride and go over the basics with you. This coming week I will be in Cumberland at the 40th annual Arts & Craft fair but will be home after that. Also, just in case you really get the bug and can't wait, I would not buy from North Country HD as I and other Harley owners have had bad experiences with them. LA Harley had a rig all set up and a few sidecars in stock the last time I was there. Although I have never dealt with them just the mere fact they have some rigs on hand says they have way more experience than North Country.
