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Quote from Txart on October 9, 2011, 4:51 pmI have an 08 Ultra and found out this past summer that I have difficulties with it when the wife is on board so I need options - leaving the wife home is not one. I drove a Harley trike yesterday and its just ok. I think hacks are really keen so I'm inclined toward them --- anyways, been reading here for the past few days and am processing info --- still do not know enough to ask questions but I will in short time --- look forward to talking to you guys
I have an 08 Ultra and found out this past summer that I have difficulties with it when the wife is on board so I need options - leaving the wife home is not one. I drove a Harley trike yesterday and its just ok. I think hacks are really keen so I'm inclined toward them --- anyways, been reading here for the past few days and am processing info --- still do not know enough to ask questions but I will in short time --- look forward to talking to you guys
Quote from SwampFox on October 9, 2011, 6:33 pmWelcome Art. Where are ya? Maybe there's someone in your area that can meet up with y'all for a visit.
Welcome Art. Where are ya? Maybe there's someone in your area that can meet up with y'all for a visit.
Quote from Txart on October 9, 2011, 7:35 pmI'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from Galveston
I'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from Galveston
Quote from RogerE on October 10, 2011, 8:09 amTxart - 10/9/2011 4:51 PM
I have an 08 Ultra and found out this past summer that I have difficulties with it when the wife is on board so I need options - leaving the wife home is not one. I drove a Harley trike yesterday and its just ok. I think hacks are really keen so I'm inclined toward them --- anyways, been reading here for the past few days and am processing info --- still do not know enough to ask questions but I will in short time --- look forward to talking to you guys
I suggest that you start by reading the Hal Kendall Sidecar Manual - you can download a copy at http://www.sidecar.com/Hal.htm
I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. My wife has back issues that make it very difficult for her to ride on the pillion. The trike did not offer any additional seating comfort or legroom like the sidecar does. Also, we have a Cairn terrier who loves to ride in the sidecar with my wife.
Txart - 10/9/2011 4:51 PM
I have an 08 Ultra and found out this past summer that I have difficulties with it when the wife is on board so I need options - leaving the wife home is not one. I drove a Harley trike yesterday and its just ok. I think hacks are really keen so I'm inclined toward them --- anyways, been reading here for the past few days and am processing info --- still do not know enough to ask questions but I will in short time --- look forward to talking to you guys
I suggest that you start by reading the Hal Kendall Sidecar Manual - you can download a copy at http://www.sidecar.com/Hal.htm
I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. My wife has back issues that make it very difficult for her to ride on the pillion. The trike did not offer any additional seating comfort or legroom like the sidecar does. Also, we have a Cairn terrier who loves to ride in the sidecar with my wife.
Quote from Guest on October 10, 2011, 9:44 amCheck out our Map Feature- link on the home page. Click the state of TX and there are a couple of TX installers
Check out our Map Feature- link on the home page. Click the state of TX and there are a couple of TX installers
Quote from jaydmc on October 10, 2011, 11:45 amIf you can, take a sidecar class www.esc.org there is also the book "Driving a sidecar outfit" we sell it for $34.95 however you can buy it other places such as white horse press. There are many sidecars that will work on your bike. Harley made one however they never got around to adding suspention to the wheel of thier sidecars and as the body is on leaf srings with out dampers tends to bounce up and down a lot. It can also be hard to get in and out of. There are many other sidecars on the market from both my company and others. What ever sidecar you go with make sure that it has bike specific mounts and not "universal" and that the sidecar was designed for a bike as heavy as yours, that your passenger can get in and out of it easy and will be able to for years to come. Make sure that the sidecar comes with lighting, not all do. I also recomend a brake, not all sidecars have brakes and some that do the brakes would be hard to match up to your bike. In our product line up, I recomend either the M72C or the M72CX (4 inches wider) which are on sale for 10% off. If you want a bit more modern looking sidecar then the Champion Escort is really nice. We also offer triple tree's for your bike that will move the front wheel forward making for lighter steering as a sidecar (or a trike for that matter, we do offer trike kits) we also offer real engine driven reverse for the bike however with the sidecar you will find that the bike is much easier to push then it was with out the sidecar as it will no longer fall down.
If you would like to ask any specific questions feel free to either email me or phone me.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
jay@dmcsidecars.com
If you can, take a sidecar class http://www.esc.org there is also the book "Driving a sidecar outfit" we sell it for $34.95 however you can buy it other places such as white horse press. There are many sidecars that will work on your bike. Harley made one however they never got around to adding suspention to the wheel of thier sidecars and as the body is on leaf srings with out dampers tends to bounce up and down a lot. It can also be hard to get in and out of. There are many other sidecars on the market from both my company and others. What ever sidecar you go with make sure that it has bike specific mounts and not "universal" and that the sidecar was designed for a bike as heavy as yours, that your passenger can get in and out of it easy and will be able to for years to come. Make sure that the sidecar comes with lighting, not all do. I also recomend a brake, not all sidecars have brakes and some that do the brakes would be hard to match up to your bike. In our product line up, I recomend either the M72C or the M72CX (4 inches wider) which are on sale for 10% off. If you want a bit more modern looking sidecar then the Champion Escort is really nice. We also offer triple tree's for your bike that will move the front wheel forward making for lighter steering as a sidecar (or a trike for that matter, we do offer trike kits) we also offer real engine driven reverse for the bike however with the sidecar you will find that the bike is much easier to push then it was with out the sidecar as it will no longer fall down.
If you would like to ask any specific questions feel free to either email me or phone me.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
http://www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
jay@dmcsidecars.com
Quote from SwampFox on October 10, 2011, 8:25 pmTxart - 10/9/2011 7:35 PM
I'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from GalvestonHey Art: Marcus with the Pineywoods Motorcycle Academy up in the Lufkin area holds S/TEP classes several times a year. He has a couple of small loaner sidecar rigs to learn on, but you can bring your own rig as well. You can contact Marcus by email: marcuscycleshop@aol.com
Txart - 10/9/2011 7:35 PM
I'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from Galveston
Hey Art: Marcus with the Pineywoods Motorcycle Academy up in the Lufkin area holds S/TEP classes several times a year. He has a couple of small loaner sidecar rigs to learn on, but you can bring your own rig as well. You can contact Marcus by email: marcuscycleshop@aol.com
Quote from Guest on October 12, 2011, 9:16 pmTxart - 10/9/2011 6:35 PM
I'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from Galveston
Nice country down there. If circumstances had been a bit different, we'd probably be in Palacios or there abouts.
Txart - 10/9/2011 6:35 PM
I'm in Brazoria, Tx ---- Thats south of Houston --- some 30 miles down the coast from Galveston
Nice country down there. If circumstances had been a bit different, we'd probably be in Palacios or there abouts.
Quote from Deleted user on October 19, 2011, 10:31 amTxart - 10/19/2011 6:37 AM
Are sidecars titled??
No, they are considered an accessory to the bike.
Txart - 10/19/2011 6:37 AM
Are sidecars titled??
No, they are considered an accessory to the bike.
Quote from SidecarMike on October 19, 2011, 10:40 pmTxart - 10/19/2011 7:37 AM Are sidecars titled??
It's good to check your local Motor Vehicle Dept. There have been efforts in some states to do so, but I don't think any are doing it at this time.
Txart - 10/19/2011 7:37 AM Are sidecars titled??
It's good to check your local Motor Vehicle Dept. There have been efforts in some states to do so, but I don't think any are doing it at this time.
Quote from SwampFox on October 20, 2011, 6:53 amReardan Tom - 10/19/2011 10:31 AM
Txart - 10/19/2011 6:37 AM
Are sidecars titled??No, they are considered an accessory to the bike.
Same here in Louisiana.
Reardan Tom - 10/19/2011 10:31 AM
Txart - 10/19/2011 6:37 AM
Are sidecars titled??No, they are considered an accessory to the bike.
Same here in Louisiana.
Quote from Txart on October 21, 2011, 10:32 pmThis evening I became the proud daddy of a sidecar (the California Friendship 3 listed on this site) may God have mercy on me. LOL Car is loaded on my trailer and ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.
This evening I became the proud daddy of a sidecar (the California Friendship 3 listed on this site) may God have mercy on me. LOL Car is loaded on my trailer and ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.
Quote from SidecarMike on October 21, 2011, 10:40 pmTxart - 10/21/2011 9:32 PM This evening I became the proud daddy of a sidecar (the California Friendship 3 listed on this site) may God have mercy on me. LOL Car is loaded on my trailer and ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.
You will love it! Bookmark this thread, just in case. http://www.sidecar.com/mbbs22/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8938&start=1&highlight=friendship+tail+light&highlightmode=1
Txart - 10/21/2011 9:32 PM This evening I became the proud daddy of a sidecar (the California Friendship 3 listed on this site) may God have mercy on me. LOL Car is loaded on my trailer and ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.
You will love it! Bookmark this thread, just in case. http://www.sidecar.com/mbbs22/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=8938&start=1&highlight=friendship+tail+light&highlightmode=1
Quote from SwampFox on October 21, 2011, 11:23 pmTxart - 10/21/2011 10:32 PM
This evening I became the proud daddy of a ...California Friendship 3 ... ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.Good deal Art. Please keep us informed of your progress. And post pics.
By the way, there are a couple of sidecar gatherings in the works for East Texas, one likely in May 2012 and another in October 2012.
Txart - 10/21/2011 10:32 PM
This evening I became the proud daddy of a ...California Friendship 3 ... ready for the thousand mile return trip back home tomorrow and then to Texas sidecars for mating to my ultra.
Good deal Art. Please keep us informed of your progress. And post pics. 
By the way, there are a couple of sidecar gatherings in the works for East Texas, one likely in May 2012 and another in October 2012.
Quote from Txart on October 26, 2011, 11:20 pmI have made an appointment with Texas sidecar to mount my sidcar on to my bike. I'm trailering everything to and from so I started checking the total width. If I'm not incorrect, the rig will be about 80 inches wide --- thats the width of my full size pickup. Is this about right for a Harley Ultra with the FS3 car?
I had a trailer that is 82 inches wide lined up, but seems a little narrow. If I do not find anything wider, we will have to dettach the car -- ugh
I have made an appointment with Texas sidecar to mount my sidcar on to my bike. I'm trailering everything to and from so I started checking the total width. If I'm not incorrect, the rig will be about 80 inches wide --- thats the width of my full size pickup. Is this about right for a Harley Ultra with the FS3 car?
I had a trailer that is 82 inches wide lined up, but seems a little narrow. If I do not find anything wider, we will have to dettach the car -- ugh
Quote from Guest on October 27, 2011, 5:47 amThat trailer should do the trick. I've got an '05 FLHT with a friendship installed and it fits on my 6' X 9' trailer just fine. I live in League City, TX and have been running my side car for about a year and have really enjoyed it. Didn't really like the "Dresser" until adding the sidecar. The wife and I did a 1800 mi. trip and she only rode behind me for maybe 10 miles. She reads, does crossword puzzles and sleeps (although she won't admit sleeping) all the time. She really enjoys it. I've got a cocker spaniel that rides in it more than the wife and I have yet to go out on a ride without someone taking pictures of us. Good luck with your new attachment!
That trailer should do the trick. I've got an '05 FLHT with a friendship installed and it fits on my 6' X 9' trailer just fine. I live in League City, TX and have been running my side car for about a year and have really enjoyed it. Didn't really like the "Dresser" until adding the sidecar. The wife and I did a 1800 mi. trip and she only rode behind me for maybe 10 miles. She reads, does crossword puzzles and sleeps (although she won't admit sleeping) all the time. She really enjoys it. I've got a cocker spaniel that rides in it more than the wife and I have yet to go out on a ride without someone taking pictures of us. Good luck with your new attachment!
Quote from Txart on October 29, 2011, 12:14 amthanks, I do hope it will be enjoyable --- just knowing I do not have to hold up the bike is a blessing. Do you have a reverse on your rig? Do you have a step on the car?
I have a few odds and ends that need work but will wait to see if I really like it before spending more on it. Like someone wrote on here -- buying the car is really the down payment
thanks, I do hope it will be enjoyable --- just knowing I do not have to hold up the bike is a blessing. Do you have a reverse on your rig? Do you have a step on the car?
I have a few odds and ends that need work but will wait to see if I really like it before spending more on it. Like someone wrote on here -- buying the car is really the down payment