I have a 1997 FXD, which has sat idle since I started riding my combination rig. I can't ride solo anymore, and really don't want to unload the bike.
I would like to hang a sidecar on this bike. I am aware that H-D does not recommend using sidecars on anything but their FL models.....and a friend who has had sidecars for many years told me that the FXD's front ends won't stand up to the rigors of sidecar use.
If I remember correctly, FXR police models pulled sidecars in the 1980s. And, I've seen lots of smaller, lighter bikes pulling cars....
Anyway....I'd love to turn this into a winter project....maybe install something really custom...or old....or weird...
Can someone with Harley installation experience tell me the whys or why nots of using this bike with a rig?
I can't help you with any of the tehnical questions you pose, but I sure like the idea. The world is full of those who will tell you why it wont work.
Do it, FXDs are cool.
I've seen a FXD with a sidecar before. So there's no reason you can't do it. Harley only recommends using their TLE sidecars with the FL's. Meaning the Harley sidecar is designed to hook-up to the FL's frame. FX's have a different frame, but that doesn't mean you can't connect a sidecar.
I've done several FXD's for customers and myself.
My last FXDL was an '03 Anniversary model with a 563 Tour Velorex (the rig in my avatar photo). It just got totaled last week and I've just finished mounting another 563 Tour on the replacement bike. A 2008 105th Anniversary FXDL. The '08 has a different frame than the '03 so it took a little magic to mount the car. I'll road test it tomorrow.
Here's a couple of FXD's setups from my shop. They make great tugs.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
Thanks all....Lonnie, the rigs all look great!...Thanks for vote of confidence too.
I think I'll do something crazy.....match my personality....
Hey ditch, I have a Motorvation Spyder on a Heritage Springer, they say you should not install a chair on this model, have had no problems, I love it,...."Believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see"...I used to live in Pgh. don't miss it, good luck, Doc.
there ARE a lot of changes between a fxr frame and a fxd frame --
the sidecar harley made for the fxr's is a rle [im pretty sure that was the code for those] - they show up on ebay every so often
the rear mount obviously would be a total custom job - but the fronts might work - or work with a little time on the milling machine - might have to use fxr brake parts just like the flht's use to clear the sidecar front lower frame.
ive seen three fxr / rle combinations over the years. the owners told me they were faster than the flh since the bike was ligher but they wore out front tires a little faster since its smaller.
who knows - it will make a all winter project either way
i HAVE seen softails with tle's on them voids all the warranties but looks very cool. best practice requires a billet rear mount that bolts to the lower frame, footpeg bolt & fender strut mount. not a cheap bit of work or just get a set of liberty rear mounts - those require a nut be welded to the frame.
the one good thing about either a softail or a fxd or fxr is that a pre 84 adjustable rake fork can be used and it will track about perfect.
to
Are all those late model front end parts going to just slide into the early Harley adjustable forks?
I think not. There might be a little more to this conversion.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars
no, to use hd adjustable trees - you have to replace the whole works tree, tubes, wheel, brake, fender. but lots of modern parts will fit on those trees so the only actual old part needed is the trees themselvs.
but it fits
if a guy is looking for a winter project, i figure might as well flesh out all the possibilities
fwiw
David....those are awesome!!! The 1918 circa model with matching gas tank would be a real head turner. The Dyna motor has a stage one Screamin Eagle kit, so hooked up to that antique looking car, with the coffin style tank...well....as my teenage nephews would say "That's Sick!".....and it would be the ultimate "sleeper" wouldn't it?!!!LOL
I have been surfing for a site like that for weeks...THANKS!
I've received emails from guys with great ideas and even a few with tubs/frames laying around. Mention a "winter project", and guys just stare into their coffee....lol...
Someday I'll tell my story, but the short side is that a drunk driver hit me head on 2 years ago, killed himself, and nearly killed me....so piloting a sidecar/trike, or giving up motorcycling altogether were my only choices....in a very real way....sidecars (and the fact that my lab jumped into the tub immediately) gave me a reason to stick around after having lost nearly everything...and taught me that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.
Thanks for the emails and for keeping this thread interesting....I'll post some other awesome ideas later....
