Trike Or Hack
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Wildomar, CA
I guess the trikes will handle better (around right hand turns anyway, left handers are a blast in a hack) but the side car is just a ton of fun. More storage space too. I'm building a custom box that will interchange with the car body so I an have a "truck" for carrying larger items.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 932
Likes: 14
From: CENTRAL IL
I agree with the abundance of trikes. They seem to be everywhere now and kind of have a "GeezerGlide" connotation to them. On the otherhand, there is just something unique about a sidecar rig. They seem to bring a smile to everyone who sees them and everyone wants to go for a ride.
I guess the trikes will handle better (around right hand turns anyway, left handers are a blast in a hack) but the side car is just a ton of fun. More storage space too. I'm building a custom box that will interchange with the car body so I an have a "truck" for carrying larger items.
I guess the trikes will handle better (around right hand turns anyway, left handers are a blast in a hack) but the side car is just a ton of fun. More storage space too. I'm building a custom box that will interchange with the car body so I an have a "truck" for carrying larger items.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
I just had Hannigan install their Hannigan Sidecar (Classic Twin) on our 2011 FLHTC. I have four years previous experience with sidecars (Ural).
First of all, depending on the sidecar and bike, your MPG will drop dramatically. I went from 44 MPG to 25 MPG. A whopping 40% drop. I was not prepared for that. I have read where guys claim much smaller MPG drops--I no longer buy it. They must not know how to properly calculate MPG. The weight, drag, etc is just too much to not affect MPG significantly.
Steering whether the sidecar is setup right or not is very heavy. I am a strong 6'2" guy and I find it a struggle. They sell triple trees that reduce the effort by 60% but then you CANNOT ride the rig without the sidecar. Period.
Wind buffeting coming off the sidecar can be very annoying at speed.
They are fun around town but I found our first trip (ride home from Hannigans) of 450 miles (one day) was not a lot of fun. The wind buffeting, the gas mileage, the heavy steering, not being able to out run the semi trucks, all led to a tedious ride. The day before when we rode the 450 miles down to Hannigans, we both said it was the best ride ever.
Never buy a sidecar without first testing the rig. It is a high effort affair. On the plus side, we rode the next evening and got caught in a rainstorm on a road covered with slime and mud from the adjacent road construction. Would have been hairy on two wheels.
So jury is still out on whether we are happy or not. Wife loves the sidecar, but it took 80% of the fun out of the ride for me. And if motorcycles are not fun, they have no use.
Jack
First of all, depending on the sidecar and bike, your MPG will drop dramatically. I went from 44 MPG to 25 MPG. A whopping 40% drop. I was not prepared for that. I have read where guys claim much smaller MPG drops--I no longer buy it. They must not know how to properly calculate MPG. The weight, drag, etc is just too much to not affect MPG significantly.
Steering whether the sidecar is setup right or not is very heavy. I am a strong 6'2" guy and I find it a struggle. They sell triple trees that reduce the effort by 60% but then you CANNOT ride the rig without the sidecar. Period.
Wind buffeting coming off the sidecar can be very annoying at speed.
They are fun around town but I found our first trip (ride home from Hannigans) of 450 miles (one day) was not a lot of fun. The wind buffeting, the gas mileage, the heavy steering, not being able to out run the semi trucks, all led to a tedious ride. The day before when we rode the 450 miles down to Hannigans, we both said it was the best ride ever.
Never buy a sidecar without first testing the rig. It is a high effort affair. On the plus side, we rode the next evening and got caught in a rainstorm on a road covered with slime and mud from the adjacent road construction. Would have been hairy on two wheels.
So jury is still out on whether we are happy or not. Wife loves the sidecar, but it took 80% of the fun out of the ride for me. And if motorcycles are not fun, they have no use.
Jack
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield New Mexico
I agree with the abundance of trikes. They seem to be everywhere now and kind of have a "GeezerGlide" connotation to them. On the otherhand, there is just something unique about a sidecar rig. They seem to bring a smile to everyone who sees them and everyone wants to go for a ride.
I guess the trikes will handle better (around right hand turns anyway, left handers are a blast in a hack) but the side car is just a ton of fun. More storage space too. I'm building a custom box that will interchange with the car body so I an have a "truck" for carrying larger items.
I guess the trikes will handle better (around right hand turns anyway, left handers are a blast in a hack) but the side car is just a ton of fun. More storage space too. I'm building a custom box that will interchange with the car body so I an have a "truck" for carrying larger items.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 6
From: Northern Michigan
I have trikes, hack, and 2 wheeler(see sig.). The trike is easier to ride as others have commented, feels safer also. The hack when properly adjusted will not wear your arms/sholders out, and is a blast to ride, seems most everbody likes to see a hack. one other thing is that the rear tire on the bike will wear out faster with the hack on it. good luck on your choice.
Last edited by icebite1; Jan 14, 2012 at 05:16 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Calabash, NC
I finaly got my head wrapped around the fact that I cannot ride 2 wheels safley. Due to an accident over 3 years ago i cannot pickup my left foot off the ground or operate the foot shift. I've been researching Hacks and Trikes but haven't been able to make up my mind. I'm going to convert my 1990 FLSTC. I have a 103ci 100hp engine and a 6spd trans. Can you experienced Riders of both weigh in on the pros and cons of both as you see it? It'll sure help, Thanks
Last edited by Diesel-Dawg; Jan 26, 2012 at 09:53 PM.
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