Trike vs adding a sidecar
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Stage I
Joined: Oct 2022
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From: ACT
Trike vs adding a sidecar
I need help making a big decision. My wife and I purchased new heritage soft tails at the start of this year, 2021 models registered for the first time in January 2022. We added extra comfortable seats and extra loud pipes plus more. We have used a few times when she broke her foot and soon after that has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. Unfortunately it is progressing faster than we had hoped and now we have two new bikes and she has lost confidence as has our kids. So here I am, do I sell one bike and have a lovely sidecar installed or sell both and invest in a comfortable trike that we can still enjoy touring which has been non existent. Any help on making this decision would be great.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I am all in on sidecars. We have two rigs. That said , from reading your post you would be better off with a Trike done right.
Sidecars are a totally different world. Done right there is no cost saving compared to a trike.
The skills needed to safely drive a sidecar rig take longer than a trike. Sidecars are cool . But not what most expect.
Couple of us that own and use ours often are as likely to discourage more from going that route than doing so.
Should you decide riding is no longer right for you. It is easier to sell a trike. You are more likely to recover more of the cost than with a sidecar.
Good luck with your search to extend your riding years. Any question you have just ask.
Sidecars are a totally different world. Done right there is no cost saving compared to a trike.
The skills needed to safely drive a sidecar rig take longer than a trike. Sidecars are cool . But not what most expect.
Couple of us that own and use ours often are as likely to discourage more from going that route than doing so.
Should you decide riding is no longer right for you. It is easier to sell a trike. You are more likely to recover more of the cost than with a sidecar.
Good luck with your search to extend your riding years. Any question you have just ask.
Last edited by smitty901; Oct 10, 2022 at 08:32 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 1,250
From: Clayton, NC
I also went through this decision process and over a year plus of looking / test riding - I ended up buying a used 2019 TriGlide in June of this year. 4000 miles later I am very pleased with my decision.
Biggest thing about the sidecar that steered me away was the width when added to a touring bike. It will nearly fill the entire lane!
I looked at sidecars on both HD and Honda Goldwing platforms - but stayed true to HD as I am already familar with the platform. Move to Honda would be a learning curve that I didn't want to tackle
Biggest thing about the sidecar that steered me away was the width when added to a touring bike. It will nearly fill the entire lane!
I looked at sidecars on both HD and Honda Goldwing platforms - but stayed true to HD as I am already familar with the platform. Move to Honda would be a learning curve that I didn't want to tackle
Last edited by theheder; Oct 10, 2022 at 08:42 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I would highly recommend that you ( if you already haven't ) take a hack for a ride ... It is a completely difference experience ... Good luck with your decision :>)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
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I am still considering a third one. But that does not mean they are right for everyone.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 577
From: Raleigh NC
I have had both sidecar and trike; I currently have a Triglide. As others have said, sidecars are fun, but do take time to develop the riding skills needed. In your situation, I think I would opt for a trike
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 138
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Im not sure but with Parkinson would you lose physical muscular control of your body making it hard to hold on riding a trike.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Lake Orion, MI
I need help making a big decision. My wife and I purchased new heritage soft tails at the start of this year, 2021 models registered for the first time in January 2022. We added extra comfortable seats and extra loud pipes plus more. We have used a few times when she broke her foot and soon after that has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. Unfortunately it is progressing faster than we had hoped and now we have two new bikes and she has lost confidence as has our kids. So here I am, do I sell one bike and have a lovely sidecar installed or sell both and invest in a comfortable trike that we can still enjoy touring which has been non existent. Any help on making this decision would be great.
I have been fortunate to have both a sidecar and a trike. In 1990, we added a Motivation sidecar to our 1989 Wing. Along with the car, we added a rake and electronic lean. The lean allows you to adjust the car when on highways.
My wife was the driver - and, I have to tell you - when this is set up right, it is very easy to handle. When I rode it, it was a joy. As my kids got older, we converted that same Wing to a trike. My wife was also the rider/driver here. She loved it and again, with the rack, it handled well.
Now having said all of this, the reason we went with the sidecar first was, my daughter was quite young, and we didn't want her on the trike. Given your wife's condition, one might think that you may want to consider the sidecar as she may be able to more comfortable sit inside and enjoy the ride. I would probably worry a bit if she were on the back on a trike.
Whatever way you go, I wish you guys the best.
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From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
Not sure why holding on is important. My wife sleeps on the back of our trike.
