Any sidecarist

[54chevybelair]

I'm considering adding a sidecar to my 2004 RSV so my son can ride with us. Does anyone have experience with sidecars and a 2nd gen RSV. If someone has pictures that would be great. Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

[ashley9187]

I have a sidecar connected to 08 RSV. It is a Champion Escort, a really great sidecar. My wife will only ride with me in a sidecar and not on the bike. I hope the link below takes you to my facebook page, I hope so that you can see the bike for and after the sidecar is installed.

 

I will be very happy to answer any question you may have about the bike and sidecar.

 

You can also PM or email me any questions. rickeyashley9187@earthlink.net

 

 

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=14818&id=100000505972016

 

Rick

[DONATALIE]

I have a 2000 RSV and a 2005 HD Electra Glide Ultra, with a Hannigan Sport sidecar on it. I have owned the RSV since 2007. I bought the HD with the sidecar in December of 2009. I needed it for my severely disabled son, who LOVES to ride, but does not have enough lower body strength/control to ride on two wheels. I bought the HD instead of simply installing a sidecar on the RSV for two reasons. First I did not want to give up two wheeling all together, and the RSV is paid off, so why not keep it for myself. Second, I don't believe the rear suspension of the RSV is adequate to support the added weight of a sidecar. This is just my opinion, but it is based on two main criteria: 1. The rear shock on the RSV is a JOKE! I've gone through two of them in 40,000 miles since 2007. I finally bought a Works shock, but that was after I bought the HD/hack setup. 2. The owner's manual form my RSV says not to exceed 420 pounds total (the HD is 525). I'm 220, my son is 200, now add the weight of the sidecar. Excessive weight is one thing I won't fool around with. Hope this helps. Don from PA.

[SteveW]

I had a champion sidecar on my 2005 venture with no problems at all. It was a lot of fun but alot of work in the twisties.

[ashley9187]

In stock configuration, it is very stiff when going into turns or just making right or left turnes and the twisties can be really beastly. I had my RSV's triple tree modified so as to give me power steering. I also have a steering damptner added for stability and to eliminate the front end wobbles. So I think I have configured the almost perfect hack rig. I chose the Champion Escort because of the ease of entry and exits, no climb overs. Its front end opens up like a clam shell, step in step out easy.

 

Rick

[Aussie Annie]

I had a sidecar on my 2007 RSV, with a leading link suspension. Lots of fun

[54chevybelair]

Thanks for all the replies. Rick I don't have a facebook account but I was able to see your bike on your personal page on this site and I was impressed. I like that champion sidecar but was unsure how it would look on our bikes. Yours looks great. Steve I think I seen your bike on Craigslist recently or at least one that looks like yours. My wife will only ride on the back with me (not her own) and we really enjoy riding. We usually take a couple trips a year and ride most weekends. We also participate in many charity rides. I know that adding a sidecar will take some of the fun out of riding, but having my son with us will be priceless. I’ve read both sides of people’s opinions on whether a RSV can handle a sidecar. For those of you that have or had a 2nd gen RSV/sidecar what do you think? Does Champion make a mounting kit for our bikes or did you have to make custom mounts? Thanks

[Rick Butler]

Annie,

 

They put your sidecar on the wrong side of the bike Wait, I just remembered that you all drive on the wrong side of the road down under

 

But you have really done the right modification with the leading link front end, but only if you intend to always keep the car on the bike.

 

Now I got a sidecar back in 1990 so we could take our neice on trips with us, but I chose a California Side Car (articulating) Flexit so that I didn't have to re-learn how to ride a bike with a car. And we had a blast with it but after I totaled my 93 in 2000 and got a new RSV, I had to get rid of it because it wouldn't mount to the new Venture. It's over in Norway now attached to a 91.

 

Merry Christmas,

 

Rick

 

 

I had a sidecar on my 2007 RSV, with a leading link suspension. Lots of fun

[ashley9187]

As with the leading link fork, modifying the triple tree precludes being able to just remove the sidecar and continuing down the road. I have never tried to test this so I take it on faith on what the experts tell me. The geometry of the steering is so disturbed that you wont be able to handle or properly steer the bike.

 

All of the sidecar manufacturers make mounts for their sidecar for most bikes and Bob Darden of the http://www.texassidecars.com/news.htm has the skills and expertise to augment and manufacture mounts for most any bike that is capable of handling a sidecar. I bought my Champion Escort from the Dardens, as they are a dealer for them as well as their own sidecars.

 

A side note about the Dardens....They are not your typical business type people. They are the most friendly people and quick to make a friend of you even if you don't buy from them. Heck, they may even treat you to lunch or dinner. Bob Darden is fond of Outback Steak house. Nearest one to where they live is about 70 miles, so it's a treat when they get to go.

 

Say high to Bob & Deb Darden.

 

 

Rick