I started reading past posts and sites lately on sidecars. My wife has mentioned it a few times in the past and I brushed the idea off. Now in a year, our oldest will be leaving the nest so it will be just the wife and one child at home. The initial thought was to get the wife her own bike so that all 3 of us can ride together. Now I'm leaning towards getting a hack. Seems cheaper, more fun and cooler IMO. I'd like to hear anything from people who have rode one.

I have read that I could have a matching wheel installed like what is already on my bike. Anything else that I should be aware of? If I decide to get one, I'll have it built next spring for us.

Some of the sites that I have been on are:

http://www.sidecar.com/

http://www.warkshop.com/sidecars.htm

http://www.californiasidecar.com/sidecars_companion.htm

http://www.libertysidecars.com/

I like the Liberty cars the best so far. Here is a few pics:

 

I'm with you on the Liberty too. Especially since it has a "quick disconnect" that you can detach or attach in less that 15 minutes. My wife already rides her own bike, but it would be a blast to be able to take both of my boys for a ride at the same time. I also see that they'll color match to your specific color and wheel option. Keep us informed if you buy or not.

 

Don't have any specific input on a s/c but damn they look pretty sweet!

 

I have thought about this also. Have a 5 yr old at home that would be perfect for a sidecar. Looks like you did most of the homework for me. Don't see many of them on the road. Maybe they have the quick detach and keep em at home? Anyway, good thread and look forward to reading some responses from some of the members that have them.

Ride safe,

 

Ah will tell ya one thang - if they don't offer electric lean, you will be gettin' shortchanged. Ah've had a number of friends with hacks, an' they all either had (or modified their hack) to the electric lean. Since ah've not been in the market ah didn't pay a WHOLE lotta attention ta the "why", but ah know it's considered a "GOT ta" have!!

 

California Sidecar offers it. They are located here in VA too. I'd have to check with Liberty though. Between the two I like thelooks of theLiberty car.




Electric Lean
California Sidecar’s Electric Lean Adjustment allows you to adjust the lean-angle of the motorcycle with the flick of a switch, in order to compensate for changing conditions. This accessory is highly recommended for anyone that does any long-distance riding or touring.
The degree to which a sidecar tracks true down the road is affected by road conditions, wind, varying weight loads and other variables. A change in one condition can cause an otherwise well-balanced rig to pull to the right or left. A switch on the handle bar activates a linear actuator mounted on the sidecar swing arm. This raises or lowers the frame thereby adjusting the lean-angle of the motorcycle and eliminating the sidecar pull. With this option your rig can be trimmed while underway. The actuator is a self-enclosed water proof unit that is mounted where it does not intrude on valuable trunk storage space.
Photos illustrate the movement of the sidecar swing arm, and the drawing shows the frame in highest position and its effect on motorcycle lean (lean angle is exaggerated)
Sidecar Brake System
Add increased stopping power and control to any California Sidecar, with our integrated disc brake system. A Brembo caliper and rotor is mounted to the sidecar hub to add extra braking to your sidecar rig. A quick disconnect coupler allows for easy attachment and detachment. Standard on Friendship III model.
Steering Damper
Some sidecar combinations may have a slow-speed front-wheel wobble. It usually occurs at speeds between 5 to 20 m.p.h. The wobble can be very minimal to pronounced, depending on the combination of sidecar and motorcycle. The wobble can be controlled by a firm grip on the handle bars, or by the use of hydraulic stabilizer cylinder. California Sidecar's steering damper provides 50-50 dampening, 9 stage valving and a 3 inch stroke. Comes standard in black, optional factory color match available.

 

I had an Ultra with a HD hack for a couple of years and really enjoyed it. My wife has had Multiple Sclerosis for many years and bought the bike so she could ride. I found I enjoyed having a hack much more than I imagined. Sorry to say my wife is now too weak to ride in a sidecar so I sold it, but I am happy for the memories it brought.

Oh and never needed "electric lean". Once you get good at handling one the standard setup is a blast. Also the Liberty cars look very cool, but I am fond of the HD hack myself.

 

Abnmarine,
Thanks for doing all the hard work for the rest of us. Please re-post after you make a decision.

 

Sorry about your wife not being able to ride.

So you don't think the electric lean is nessesary? I've read about fuel mileage decreasing and increased tire wear. Any other good/bad issue?

 

Anymore info regarding sidecars out here?

My brother & I will be riding the Skyline/Blueridge Parkway next week and will visit California Sidecars in Colleen, VA. Should be interesting.