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Sidecars...

17K views 32 replies 13 participants last post by  Freaky 
#1 ·
Looking for input/pictures on sidecars and roadglides. I currently own an 86 goldwing with a California Friendship III sidecar, and I am looking at replacing the wing with a RG. Thought I would see who else had a hack'd RG and see what their thoughts were on power and handling. The wing is ok, but not really my style and lacking in power. It is a GL1200. Thanks in advance for any input you might give!!

Here is our current rig...
 
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#4 ·
Here's a few shots of my 05 with a Liberty sidecar. I'm running a TC88 Stage 1 and it has lots of snot, cruise's all day long at 75mph. Instead of buying a new bike I'll have the engine rebuilt to a 103 when it hits 50,000 miles, got 29,000 on her now and never missed a beat. The RG is a awesome tug as the frame mounted fairing takes a lot of weight off the front end which is important on a sidecar. Go for it, you'll love it. it keeps me on 2 wheels after heart problems and cancer, not ready for a trike.





 
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#6 ·
Looks very nice for sure! Question, how does the bike handle with it? One person at my local dealer said when you start off the bike will want to pull to one side. I have never road a bike with a side car but like you health issues and I see a trike down the road, but this might be a better option.
 
#8 ·
There are things that make the ride/driving of a sidecar easier. Raked trees being a biggy. That will make the steering much lighter. They liken it to power steering. With out them, it takes some upper body strength to turn. The other is a sidecar brake. It helps slow the whole rig equally. The pulling is because when you take off, the rig wants to run slower and pulls you to the right. When you stop (with out a sidecar brake) the hack wants to keep going and pushes you to the left. You get used to it fast though and learn to play it into the twisties. The other nice feature we have, is an electronic sidecar height adjuster. That allows me to keep the bike upright on uneven roads or with various amounts of weight/people in the chair. This also means less constant pull one direction or the other. I am only 29, and bought the sidecar with my wife so we could take our son (age 5) out with us. I have a few other bikes now, but they just collect dust as we are having a blast with the hack! Now they are going up for sale to get a new tug...hopefully a RG
 
#7 ·
Thanks for the pictures Dog Pound! And the input. Jay at DMC sidecars recommended an 09 or newer glide as a tug, simply for the fact that you can run a car tire on the rear. How is your rear tire for wear? The wing has been doing pretty good, but it is cashed at 70 mph with any sort of wind. LOVE the liberty hacks, but I think we are going to keep our California sidecar for now. I like having the 2 person hack for my son and our dog...as they both won't let me leave the house with out them! Do you have the raked trees on your rig?
 
#9 ·
Billy-Bob, I'm getting 9-11,000 miles out of a rear stock Dunlop. Going to try the new Commander 2 next season as I hear good things. No raked trees as of yet but have talked to Side Effects Pete/Brock about picking up a set this winter for next year. Running Progressives in the front end and it makes a huge difference, this is a big rig with lots of weight and the progressives take care of the front end dive. The bike was set up by Pete at Liberty and tracks and rides like a dream, I have no front end pull on acceleration or deceleration, it tracks true at all speeds. There is a slight front end head shake in first gear but smooths out just before shifting into second. Running the 05 as I don't need the geometry of a new frame as the bike won't lean, just need a few more ponies under the seat. Good Luck with a new RG, keep us posted.
 
#12 ·
My wife spotted a new FLTRX in sedona orange while we were out riding yesterday, and fell in love with the color lol. that 103 would be more than enough to push our hack around, but not sure it is in the cards right now. Helluva nice looking bike though!! Anyone else have a sidecar attached to their RG?
 
#25 · (Edited)
Sedona orange was only offered in 2011, and the stock motor was a 96, but you could upgrade to the 103 as part of the Power pack option. You're right it is a spectacular color ... but then again I may be biased! ;)

For 2013 they are offering Candy Orange, similar to Sedona but different.
 
#21 ·
The bike pulls the sidecar just fine, 95" stage II motor. Of course, when the hack is loaded with camping equipment, cooler full of food and tasty beverages, you will feel it. I hardly ever carry a person in the hack, used for cargo mostly. The wife rides an FLHT with Hannigan Classic hack.

Hannigan uses a four point mounting system, rock solid. Not sure if can call it a subframe, but there is a bracket that goes across the top of the frame under the seat for the upper rear mount, upper front has a bracket that bolts to the frame downtubes. Disc brake on the hack linked to the bike's rear brake helps get it stopped, electric camber control makes for effortless cruising on long rides.

I'll try to remember to post some pics of the mounts when I get home.
 
#31 ·
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Hannigan uses a four point mounting system, rock solid. ....
I know nothing about sidecars. Seen them around of course. Curious -

  • In what way is Harley or Hannigan better.
  • Other manufactures of sidecars?
  • What are prices of side cars, new and used?
  • If buying a used sidecar, what must one look out for?
  • What is involved in attaching a sidecar?
  • Can the sidecar be easily detached?
 
#23 ·
This 2008 RG (105th) belongs to my neighbor 3 doors down from me. He brought it up to my house this past Friday night to allow me to take my 5 year old daughter who is special needs, for a ride to see how she would do (riding with my wife). She LOVED it and was upset to be done riding. Naturally I had to take her older sister for a ride too (she's 7 and does some riding with dad now, but never in a sidecar...she loved it too).
It was so cool to have her enjoy a motorcycle ride with dad too!

Might have to be looking for an additional bike now with sidecar to put in the garage next to my RG....
 

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#26 ·
Everyone's smiling in the pics, that's a good sign!
 
#30 ·
Well, I did it. I added a sidecar rig to my garage! Found a 2003 Ultra (anniversary one) with matching sidecar and 11K miles on it. I know it aint a Road Glide, but I still have mine and now I can take everyone out for some rides. My kids LOVE the thing. Picked it up on Sunday and finalized the paperwork yesterday. Pictures will be posted soon.
 
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