Local dealer (High Desert) has a 2003 Ultra w/sidecar for $27,995. What's the pros and cons on riding with a sidecar?

Don't know the mileage, but sharp looking.....going to look at it more closely Tuesday.

Should I consider or wait until the trike comes in?

 

I've been riding mine for a month now and will give you my take.

Pro's:
Additional room for cargo and or passengers
Not having to put your feet down anymore
Can fill gas tank completely
Cool factor

Con's:
Mileage dropped from 45 mpg to about 35 mpg
Rear tire life reduced
Can't take the corners as fast

I still love the sidecar. It's just as much fun as riding on two wheels. Enjoy taking both the wife and daughter at the same time. That was my whole purpose for getting it.

Here is a picture of my two daughters:



Here is me taking my Mom for a ride today:

 

Agree with Abnmarine. Been riding with a hack for several years now and can say it's much better than I ever dreamed. The handling is different than 2 wheels, but after a while, you improve your abilities and learn your limitations on speed in corners, etc. We've been all over the U.S. with sidecars and there is no better way to travel IMHO. But a caution - be prepared to talk to many people about it when you stop for gas, meal, rest stop or motel. They all come running with a huge smile and many questions .

I don't know the condition of the '03 you're looking at, but I got this '08 new and got the sidecar installed for less than $30k total. As a suggestion, I would try to get them down some on their asking price.

Good luck.

 

Guess I'll throw in from a trikers perspective. I have ridden hacks. I love the looks of a sidecar much more than a trike, and the extra storage or carrying capacity. But....I like the handleing of a trike. Mine will out corner most bikes, a sidecar will not. Also my trike brakes straighter then the hacks I've seen. Having said that, if you like the looks (who doesn't?) and you ride with it's limitations in mind, get one. Just wish I could afford a second rig. I would have a hack too!

 

My 03 Road King Classic with a matching TLE was $24.000 in May 07. It only had 2,000 on the clock.The Ultra you are looking at now should be about $23-24,000 in my opinion.

Fun factor? 10. As was stated, be prepared to answer many questions when you stop. Been traveling two up with my wife for over 50 years. Now we can carry a lot more "necessities" plus she can read books as we roll along.

Best of luck on your decision.

 

I picked up an 02 ultra with a hd sidecar and many extras with only 3000 miles for $20,000 & think i overpaid - $27,000 for an 2003 makes me feel like i got a good deal - one word - negociate - good luck

 

Oh yeah - that was a year ago - times are harder now- harder to find a buyer - negociate

 

I had an '06 EGC w/voyager kit so took it slow thru corners....too slow in fact that everyone went off and left me riding by myself.

Have put a deposit on the tri-glide (trike), but want to take a closer look at the '02 Ultra w/sidecar tomorrow.

With the MoCo doing a buy-back on Sportsters, may have low trade-in value on my '05....maybe now isn't the time to do a trade-in? Should I wait until after end of March to trade, or sell outright when Spring gets here?

Thanks everyone for comments and photos of your setup.

 

Sounds over priced to me. I got my 07 Ultra for $21.400 in 8-06, and my California sidecar for $7,000 in 7-07 so I have $28,400 in my rig. I think my rig is much better than the TLE. The electric lean control is a real bonus to have, and Harley doesn't even offer it.
The handleing takes a little getting used to, but for me it is worth it to have the option of 2 or 3 wheel riding in minutes.
Negotiate on the price and enjoy the ride.

 

ok trikers and hacks, if money was no object what would you rather have a trike or a hack