Wow, thanks for the information. First, my Wing has 32K miles. Yes, not that much for a 2005 model, but it got minimal usage for 10 years while I dealt with a bad back, and after the three surgeries, I finally found the doc that fixed it. Anyway, I try to ride with the Dallas Honda Riders Club every other week. My wife rode a lot in the early years of it, but not since my back was fixed, and I am hoping the sidecar will change that (She says it will 😉).
I spoke with Flo at TSC, and she quoted $8,700.00 in black or $10,550.00 with one color. I do not recall her mentioning a triple tree that you mentioned. Plus, it will probably not be ready till March or later. I can live with the price, but not for a five to six-month wait.
Based on everything you have said here, I will attend the 2025 Fall Sidecar Muster for the Ark-La-Okie-Tex area that CCjon suggested and speak with Kent as you suggested (I am already planning a ride with the club). However, I am now thinking the best approach is to go with the complete rig. So, I think I will raise my budget to around $ 30,000 to replace my 2005. I like the idea of having both, but I don’t have the space. My wife gets the garage for her daily driver and Corvette, while I am relegated to the covered carport driveway. I’m sure you're familiar with the phrase “happy wife, happy life” 😊. Plus, that’s why I added the carport in the first place.
I found the 2015 Wing with Hannigan GTL sidecar at the dealer in Ohio you mentioned. (<a href=" removed link "> removed link ) That is a BIG sidecar. 😊But, do you think it has everything it should have for safety?
As for #1, I will take a look, but I usually don't like to go back older than what I have. I also found <a href=" removed link "> removed link , which is a little more (okay, a lot more) than my new complete rig budget, but it does look nice, and I'm not sure if it includes the safety items you mentioned or if it's a good deal. Additionally, TSC also has a BMW on consignment that looks appealing, although I might struggle to live with that kind of bike.
Thane also mentioned this Victory removed link e":"6596293826246041222"}&__tn__=!:D which is impressive and I like it but my last three bikes have been Honda, and I have a good relationship with Dallas Honda and know I am taken care of there.
Chris in Texas, first...the 32k miles you have on your 2005 Wing is only 1,300 miles more than what I did in ONE month on my 2003 Wing, so YES, you have very low mileage on your '05 Wing. (30,681 miles in 30 days)
Second, for a rider with a bad back, or history of a bad back, I have the fix for that, so you can ride in comfort....seriously. RDL seats.
Third, this quote you got from Flo at TSC of $ 8,700.00 to $ 10,550.00...I find that almost impossible to be the All-In price for everything you need to make a complete sidecar, the attachments to your bike, including the subframe, and the labor involved, and to install a trail reducing triple trees on your bike, including labor.
I do not want to "correct" anyone at TSC, as I have no doubt that they are competent and know their business, however I have a feeling you were quoted a price for simply the sidecar, and nothing else, or the sidecar, and attaching it to your bike, but nothing else.
Meaning, YOU need to be aware, and informed, so that YOU can ask all the pertinent questions, and get an All-In price for everything, beginning to end, including all labor, taxes, etc.
Now, I know that TSC/DMC manufacturers a lower priced sidecar than say...Hannigan, or LBS, or even Champion, but there are costs to be considered that are extremely doubtful that were included into the quote you received.
Fourth, that 2015 Wing w/Hannigan GTL sidecar at the dealer in Ohio, is not only overpriced...for what they are selling, but it also has "some" issues, as I have pointed out to another couple that contacted me regarding THAT specific sidecar rig. This other couple, that I met at the National Sidecar Rally in Maine, this past June, may in fact "possibly" buy that 2015 Wing with Hannigan GTL sidecar at the dealer in Ohio, only because they know that MY 2015 Wing w/Hannigan GTL sidecar has already been promised to someone else and a deposit received from this other person. They would have preferred my sidecar rig, hands down, but since it is off the table, they may have to go with the backup plan, and make improvements to it, as I suggested to them.
Frankly, and this is my opinion, I would caution you in buying a $ 30k priced rig, as your first sidecar. There is far too much unknown to you, and that is a huge investment on an unknown. Many of us have found that baby-steps is the best wat to get into sidecars. Start with a completed, road test, road ready rig that is less than $ 10k, and either MAKE it your own by way of improvements, adding this or that, or....upgrade to a better rig (for you two) only after the first sidecar rig PROVES to you that this is your new THANG, and that sidecaring works well for both of you.
I can tell you, that buying a 1995 Goldwing w/California Friendship ll sidecar for under $ 10k will never lose money in the first 2 or 3 years. It is EASY to resell that rig for the same money in the first few years...IF you decide to upgrade, or add a sidecar to your 2005 Wing.
Two Million Mile Rider
Exploring the World in Comfort
