SideCars?
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Get hack'd!
Got hack'd about a month ago. 2,000 miles later and still lovin' it. I got my rig used and installed it on my sporty (yes a sporty will haul a hack) myself. It was easy enough to do with plenty of help from the internet and Bob at Texas Sidecar Co. No kids. No dog. Just wanted to try something new. Yes, it is totally different. You drive a hack as opposed to riding. No push (counter) steering. No leaning. Steer the direction you want to go and use a little "english" on right handers. Takes a little time and practice but isn't difficult. Many people find it charming. Lots of people think it's wierd, but everybody has questions (which can be a PITA if you're in a hurry). The key is a good set-up. A missalligned sidecar is a bear to drive and is murder on your bike but once you get it dialled-in it handles quite well and ,odd three wheeler handling characteristics asside, can be a pleasant experience.
Last edited by steve o; Oct 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM. Reason: add pic
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: Ofallon, MO
I have been looking into sidecars so I can take my 2 dogs with me.
My 2 yellow labs love to ride in my jeep.
I figured if they are naturals in the jeep the HD should be no different.
Finding them is rough not to mention the cost - they sure aren't cheap!
Even when they look like they have been out in a barn for 20 years they still want top $$!
I say the kid is old enough.
Just make sure he wears a helmet, goggles (im sure glasses would get lost) & gloves.
Good luck!
My 2 yellow labs love to ride in my jeep.
I figured if they are naturals in the jeep the HD should be no different.
Finding them is rough not to mention the cost - they sure aren't cheap!
Even when they look like they have been out in a barn for 20 years they still want top $$!
I say the kid is old enough.
Just make sure he wears a helmet, goggles (im sure glasses would get lost) & gloves.
Good luck!
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Been doing the hack on my RK. Bought it that way. One helluva good ride. Gramma is so comfortable in the hack she sometimes falls asleep. It didn't take long for me to learn how to ride it. Can't lean into the turns is the only problem. Not a problem to transition between riding with the hack attached or without. Taking a right has to be done slowly I discovered or the hack will go airborne and fly.
There's a decent forum at the United Sidecar ***'n http://www.sidecar.com/. There's a couple of "how to" books available for free download.
There's a decent forum at the United Sidecar ***'n http://www.sidecar.com/. There's a couple of "how to" books available for free download.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: Carlin, Nevada
Been doing the hack on my RK. Bought it that way. One helluva good ride. Gramma is so comfortable in the hack she sometimes falls asleep. It didn't take long for me to learn how to ride it. Can't lean into the turns is the only problem. Not a problem to transition between riding with the hack attached or without. Taking a right has to be done slowly I discovered or the hack will go airborne and fly.
There's a decent forum at the United Sidecar ***'n http://www.sidecar.com/. There's a couple of "how to" books available for free download.
There's a decent forum at the United Sidecar ***'n http://www.sidecar.com/. There's a couple of "how to" books available for free download.
Moe Taters
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 899
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, TN
If your going to get a side car get a Ural!! Watch the movies, even if your not getting one, you'll be amazed if you haven't seen them already.
http://www.imz-ural.com/downloads/movies.htm
http://www.imz-ural.com/downloads/movies.htm
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 979
Likes: 0
From: west of the west side of Indy, many miles from nowhere
I bought a used Hannigan Astro 2+2 sidecar this summer. I'm still waiting to get a quote from the factory -can't wait to get it rigged and try it. The previous owner had a beemer with another Hannigan on it that I took for a ride before I bought. It feels more lke driving a 4 wheeler, but the wife said the ride was a lot smoother than the back of my Ultra.
I tossed around getting triked instead, but I wanted the option to take it off and ride it solo. I know about the comments about trail, etc, but figure I'll find out for myself.
I tossed around getting triked instead, but I wanted the option to take it off and ride it solo. I know about the comments about trail, etc, but figure I'll find out for myself.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
I have been looking into sidecars so I can take my 2 dogs with me.
My 2 yellow labs love to ride in my jeep.
I figured if they are naturals in the jeep the HD should be no different.
Finding them is rough not to mention the cost - they sure aren't cheap!
Even when they look like they have been out in a barn for 20 years they still want top $$!
My 2 yellow labs love to ride in my jeep.
I figured if they are naturals in the jeep the HD should be no different.
Finding them is rough not to mention the cost - they sure aren't cheap!
Even when they look like they have been out in a barn for 20 years they still want top $$!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
My father in law has been riding them for yrs.Raced them at Boniville.
He is selling his '05 Road King Classic/sidecar.Bought a Can Am Spider.
He is selling his '05 Road King Classic/sidecar.Bought a Can Am Spider.
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Banned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 2
If tire wear is any indicator mine appears to be set up correctly.