So I got on Instagram years ago when I couldn't walk for a while. I followed Brad Richards personal page (VP of Harley design) then. While I don't do insta anymore, I did find some pics today of a rig he rode around the western US a few years ago. My memory sucks, but I think this was 21'-22'.
The sidecar chassis was available from the factory to law enforcement only, starting in, I believe, 21'. It fits 17' and up touring bikes (M8). A retrofit kit utilizing an older tub, fender, wheel, and some small parts, so PD's could adapt their old sidecars to the newer bikes.
I don't know if it was just a design exercise, a prototype, or something he put together for fun, because he could.
I thought maybe the factory was preparing a new product, but that hasn't happened.
Ah, Chris, but it did happen....in a way.
H-D contracted with Champion Sidecars in Southern California to build one specific model of sidecar just for them, and it was added to one of their Special Edition model bikes. It was, or is, a Limited production run.
Someone else here probably has better info on this, like @2FLTC
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
That's and updated chassis that Harley came out with about 3 or 4 years ago. You use your old tub, fender. and wheel. I do think they went over big as I have one of those chassis here. They must of liquidate them. The original price was around $ 4700 but ended up getting one for a lot lot less. The one Champion did was a complete different set up for the Revival Road King.
. The one Champion did was a complete different set up for the Revival Road King.
That's the one I was thinking about, the one Champion Sidecars did for the Revival Road King.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
(@miles-ladue) I have seen those, I believe one of the 1000 built, is listed for sale here. The beauty I saw with this, was the chassis already existed, with a MSRP of 4295.00 in 21'. Harley was just a few steps away from being able to have a complete sidecar kit to list in the P&A catalog to fit any of the 17' and up touring models.
Yes, one could easily reach the nearly 40k the Champion fitted bikes cost, having this setup installed on a new bike. We had no shortage of customers who would buy the most expensive bike Harley offered, then hand it to us to put another 10-15k of parts and labor into it before they took delivery. I felt the idea pictured here, would open the door to many more who might want a factory rig on their model of choice, or on a bike they already owned.
I'm digging the colors chosen on the rig in the pictures. Might have painted the fairing and bags, but I get the idea behind why they are white.
Pretty cool.
These big beasts with spoke wheels really grab my heart. 😎
Hold my keyboard and watch this! 🙃
(@2FLTC) Right, I was just looking for an entirely different part, and ran across a listing for the complete chassis kit, in Iowa, for under $2000.00.
I thought the bike was pretty sharp, styled after the 1969 ElectraGlide. Of course I am biased! Those new sidecar frames show up on Ebay for under 1800. I can't quite figure out what's up with that.
Last one I got for 1100. Appareled the new style chassis didn't go over big. One reason you would need the old style to complete it. I think they main reason they came out with the new chassis was so the Police could update the old feet by putting a sidecar on the new M8 bikes and keep the price down at the same time. Your right about those old Electra Glides has the style. Years ago, I was offer a 79 Flh with low mileage super clean basically for the taking. I match my FLTC's in color, but I knew I would never drive so it went down the road.
Indeed, the ones that got away. Opportunity cost is a real thing.
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
I'm digging the colors chosen on the rig in the pictures. Might have painted the fairing and bags, but I get the idea behind why they are white.
Pretty cool.
These big beasts with spoke wheels really grab my heart. 😎
That's a retro of the 1969 ElectraGlide I thought long and hard about buying that bike as I still have my 69 purchased in the mid 70's, a bone stock dresser when every one was stripping or chopping them luckily I kept my stock with only minor changes over the years. Period correct was white bags and fairing and spoke wheels. This is my 1969 ElectrGlide I'd have to dig back thru filmed pictures to find the original state of mine with the buddy pogo seat, custom one color high-fi blue from the factory. Stock paint of the retro version done pretty well, tank bottom half was a wrinkle black. My friend in Az. bought a twin to mine a with that stock blue color scheme and added the twinkie tub which he still has and I've been trying to talk him out of for years, I'll hunt for that picture too.
Reminds us all of...Electraglide in Blue....great movie.👍
Kind of surprised that no one is talking about the '63 Panhead Duo-Glide with 1945 H-D LE sidecar that is currently listed on Bring A Trailer.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
My got away. A 12 year old bike, with low milage, destined for the sales floor. I owned it by the end of the day. Shortly after that, I got hurt and was facing one nearly certain, and another possible limb amputation. So I had it sold. Well, my trauma surgeon was eventually able to salvage those limbs, and make them somewhat functional, and they are still with me. I wish I hadn't been so hasty.Indeed, the ones that got away. Opportunity cost is a real thing.
As far as the sidecar chassis being liquidated, perhaps the need of integrating it with the RDRS system (traction control etc.) of the newest bikes, if that would even be possible, was a factor in that decision.
Better Save-A-Limb than Save-A-Bike scenario. Still, fair bit of <deep sigh> in one's life. Glad you're still here and not giving up!
Illegitemi non carborundum est!
Well the thread started with a re-pop of the 69 shovel so I added to that, following the sidecar car portion of the repartee I'm going to look at BaT for that pan.
BTW I though Harley did a good job at the 69 Retro
