[bikrbob]

The GF seen a HD with a Hannigan sidecar, looks pretty comfy. Anyone have a sidecar?
Price wise they appear to cost about the same from what I could find online. I just don't want to convert to a full time trike since most of the time I am solo. She doesn't like the look of the part time trikes.
It seems like the sidecar would be better for her since she is more temp and weather sensative, plus the added storage would be bonus.

 

[Randy Hawes]

When I was looking to replace my two wheeler, I considered a side car. Pam voted against it. She seems to be allergic to everything but concrete and brocolli. A side car would put her closer to the exaust fumes of trucks and buses. While an enclosed side car like a Hannigan would seem to help, it still has to be ventilated. The lower height also would put her the cloud of debris from other traffic.....dust, pebbles, rocks. splashed water, etc.

This past weekend, I was in The Ride For Kids for north Texas. I had a survivor riding with me. The bike ahead was an older BMW with side car. He had expected to have a patient or survivor riding with him, but we had more VIP Escorts than needed, so he was empty and without ballast in the hack. Three times I saw him raise the hack in right turns. Each time he made a sudden steering correction so severe it made me think he was new to the sidecar world. After the second tilt, I backed off and stayed about 20 to 30 yards behind him. My passenger, an experienced passenger, thanked me.

I know alot of them have been enjoyed thousands of miles without incident. I can only hope that yours will be also.

 

[fossil92]

Bob the only guy that I can think of right now with a sidecar is LtDave. I believe he even pulled his off recently for some reason. I think I remember seeing a thread on it so search the topic & maybe Dave will have some input for you as well.

 

[Shoehorn]

I wouldn't change my wing for my wife, let alone a gf. But there is difference in the stability of a trike vs side car. Something to consider just for safety. Maybe a comprimise, a trike kit she could get used to and a change on your wing you could also?

 

[angelmammaw]

Just me but I would never feel safe in a side car, all the traffic, debris, fumes etc. I am sensitive to smells etc. but with the full face shield on my helmet that helps alot. I am also claustrophobic which is why I don't have a little car either. In little cars I feel like I am right on the ground, I don't feel safe. I have been rear ended twice in my car but it was a Rodeo so didn't do as much damage. On the Trike I feel safe behind Dan. I have seen people swerving over the line when we are riding and the thought of being down close to that would scare me. I am sure there are people out there that like them and don't have any problems. I just don't see it as being really safe or stable compared to our Trike. Just my opinion.
Ride with the angels surrounding you.
God bless,
Angelmammaw

 

[rmrc51]

Everyone has given excellent opinions and observations regarding the side-car option and I agree with all of them. With that said, there's no need for me to restate what has already been stated.

Believe me, you won't go wrong choosing a trike over a side car.

 

[jackpoet]

My wife had a side car on her wing, back in the 90s. I rode it once and decided I would never have one. Plus, at least back then, it wasn't a 10 switch to take it off or put back on, like the trike kits are. jmho.

 

[Bobilldo]

sidecar vs. trike

I have never ridden a trike, but I do have a "reverse trike." It's a Can-Am Spyder Sport model. At first I wasn't comfortable with the power assist steering, so I added an aftermarket anti-sway bar which helped a lot, then I added Elca shocks. These items made a huge difference in the handling. I am 66 y.o. and now I can actually keep-up with the down hill speed riding bicyclist on the road. ( I don't do this very frequently, as they often ride beyond my skill level.) ... I also drive a Silverwing FSC 600 scooter with a side hack. I always ride with 40 lbs of lead ballast in 10 lb bags, and an aircompressor/battery unit behind the seat in the "chair". ( Approx 55lbs.) A few of my friends ride 1,800's and I can keep a leisurely pace with them in the twistys, and up to an 80 mph pace on the interstate as long as they don't "hammer down." I am awaiting delivery of a new Hannigan SP2 sidecar for an old 89' GW that I bought on ebay for $4,800. ( 26k, and looks as new.) This will be my second GW/sidecar. I wish I could still ride two-wheelers, but I've lost most of my ballance due to Agent Orange, but, three wheels are better than "no wheels." ... Rubber side down !!!

 

[bikrbob]

Thanks for all the input. She also gets claustrophobic so I don't think the sidecar would be an option. If I would do anything it would be a trike conversion, cheaper and still have two wheels.