Topic: 12' Skunk w/Sidecar (Read 12490 times)

Sidecar Dan · « **on:** July 06, 2013, 12:56:19 PM »

I wanted to share some pics of "Le Pew", our 12' Skunk and share the "story" of what it took to make it happen. I've ridden sidecars since 2004 when I recovered from a sever Femur break that had me in surgery from the fall (off a ladder) in 2002 for three surgeries over three years. I don't have the ability to hold up a rig "reliably" anymore and we considered a trike. My wife and I were at the International Motorcycle Show in Chicago and saw Sidecars. She said...."Let do that instead"...and the rest was history. My first bike was a 92' Heritage with a Legend Sidecar (Which I still own) and I love my HD, but our touring rig was a 2005 Goldwing with a Hannigan GTL Sidecar for the last 8 years.

At the MOTOGP Races in Indianapolis in 2012 and MoCo had their show trailer set up. I walked up to the SKUNK and MY KNEES BUCKLED! I texted my wife with a pic of me sitting on it and asking "what the limit on our credit card" was. Fast forward about 5 months....I bought a used one with 3K on it. Sold the Goldwing.....and this is our new "touring rig".

Everyone on this forum has been super helpful and the information has been invaluable! I wanted to share some of the experiences I've had with the build of my rig and what I've went through to get it here.

The original plan was to deliver the bike to Hannigan Motor Sports at the beginning of May and pick it up for Memorial Day to ride to Rolling Thunder. We missed the deadline by 3+ weeks. The main issue was the paint. They struggled though 3 different attempts to match the paint. They used a PPG regional paint center and still had issues. To their credit they REFUSED to deliver the bike until it was perfect, and it is. Then next problem was the "Ghost Flames".....to accomplish this they found an 80 year old SIGN PAINTER to show them how to do it. AGAIN...PERFECT! Some of the things Hannigan did for me:

Chromed the sidecar wheel, then powder coated the insides black to match the Agitator wheel.
Matched the front of the Sidecar with a "Willie G Skull" I provided them.
Ordered a "clear" tail light (from a Goldwing) with red LED's, then they smoked it to match the CVO lenses.
Embroidered the Sidecar interior stitching with my wifes road name.

I've added:

GADS: #1 under the turns and the LTTD (Dog dish deflector)
Daymaker Headlights HD
Custom Dynamics LED SPOT/TURNs for the front turns: Turns the signals into white running lights.
Custom Dynamics Magic Strobe tail light flasher
Mustang Saddle (on order): Mustang's "AMI" worked with me to do contrast stitching so it will look similar to the stock seat. I needed a backrest and the seat is just not good for a 240# 6'2" guy.
Done by the previous owner: 12" Apes with chrome controls, Hidden Antennae, 4" Rinehart Classic duals.

We've put about 2500 miles on it since pick up and love the combo. Hannigan is HANDS DOWN the best sidecar rig on the market. I've owned 4 Sidecars and Hannigan has the best engineered and comfortable rig on the market. In discussing my set up with them they told me they do about one CVO per year. I've seen some other CVO rigs on other websites, etc...and just wanted to share.

A few common questions that I answer:

How does it ride? You don't ride 3 wheel rigs, you drive them. Left is left....right is right, etc....you don't "counter steer".
Does it lean? No.
Does your wife ride on the back? almost never. Only if we have a passenger in the Sidecar that isn't her. The main reason is you have a weight/balance issue if all the weight is on the bike. Physics.
How much did is cost? The sidecar starts about $8K and with paint and options it was a little over $10K. Trikes usually start about $16K
What do you do when it rains? The sidecar has a "clam shell top" that sits behind the seat. There are "Jeep" style snap in windows. My wife doesn't own rain gear. We ride with the top off unless it's cold or raining.
Does the passenger have to wear a helmet? Depends on the State. In TN if the sidecar is "enclosed" you do not, but most police don't know that. I keep the law in with my insurance, but she usually wears a helmet regardless.
Does it have A/C? Ours has a high powered fan, but it is an OPTION....they use a "swamp cooler" style ice and forced air system. I've only seen one rig in the "wild" with that option.

If anyone has any "Sidecar Questions" I'd be happy to help. I'll post pics as I can.

Sidecar Dan

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:30:54 PM »

Side shot top off

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:31:30 PM »

Front

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:32:09 PM »

Side top on

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:32:42 PM »

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:33:29 PM »

High front

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:35:43 PM »

Close up of ghost flames

Buy early · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:37:44 PM »

That's exceptionally cool! Outstanding paint job! Can we get some shots of the interior of the side car?

05Train · « **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:38:45 PM »

I don't care what anyone says, that's badass.

Sent from my iPad, probably while I'm pooping.

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:45:43 PM »

Interior from front

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #10 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:46:16 PM »

Interior from rear

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:46:54 PM »

side with canopy open...this is how you step in

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #12 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:47:21 PM »

Front canopy open

dak47 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2013, 06:56:47 PM »

I was waiting for those pics! Exceptionally well executed job and the paint match

Kudos to you sir!!! Enjoy....

TinSpinner · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:08:26 PM »

That is awesome! Your paint guys did a fantastic job too. Hands down the coolest looking sidecar set-up I've seen. Did you have a reverse gear installed on the bike? Seems like it would be difficult to maneuver without one.

Buy early · « **Reply #15 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:12:47 PM »

Quote from: 05train on July 06, 2013, 06:38:45 PM

Sent from my iPad, probably while I'm pooping.

Hilarious!

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:13:27 PM »

Quote from: TinSpinner on July 06, 2013, 07:08:26 PM

That is awesome! Your paint guys did a fantastic job too. Hands down the coolest looking sidecar set-up I've seen. Did you have a reverse gear installed on the bike? Seems like it would be difficult to maneuver without one.

I did not. I have not had an issue with it so far. My 92' Heritage doesn't have it. It's simply requires you "think" before you park sometimes. I call it "Fred Flintstone Reverse"....

when I have to use my feet. I had it on my Goldwing, which was great, but it's not "necessary" per se.

Example: If I have a "down hill" parking spot...I back in....if it's uphill.....I pull in and back out.

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:27:37 PM »

Looks great, Dan.

How does the motor handle the extra weight?

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #18 on:** July 06, 2013, 07:34:52 PM »

It's no problem. I have (a little lighter of course) had sidecars on lots of bikes. I have a 200 Lbs. rig on my 92' Heritage with a 80" Motor and it was fine until you went uphill with a full load. It would run, but I would peg the throttle and hit about 65 MPH. I added a S&S 111" and it solved that problem!

As for the CVO....it's no problem pulling the rig. This motor is a BEAST. You have to remember that 100+ Torque is more than some small cars that weigh more. Like a VW, etc....I have a "MPG penalty" and average about 32 MPG. As far as pulling it? I don't think it stresses this motor much compared to smaller displacement rigs. This engine is 1800+ CC so it's comparable to the Goldwing from a CC stand point and it has a low torque band, so the GRUNT is what pulls the weight.

Buy early · « **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2013, 08:08:10 PM »

My wife wants to know what the noise level is in the sidecar. Do you have a DB meter?

LovemyCVOgirl · « **Reply #20 on:** July 06, 2013, 08:48:49 PM »

Dan, you have yourself a beauty!

This is really a class act.

. The craftsmanship is A+.

AL123 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 06, 2013, 09:50:10 PM »

sweet!!!

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2013, 11:05:06 PM »

Quote from: Buy early on July 06, 2013, 08:08:10 PM

My wife wants to know what the noise level is in the sidecar. Do you have a DB meter?

I don't have one.....maybe if the iphone has a app for it I can get you something. If you can do the research if there is a APP for that I'd be happy to try it for you. It may be a week or two as I'm out of town on Business.

The answer from my wife is: "it depends".....! I have 4" Rineharts...which are LOUD...they ping off the Sidecar, but not so loud that your eyes or ears would bleed. My wife wears ear plugs just to reduce the "general noise". If she forgets to put them in she knows it, but it's not like being on the back of the bike....so quieter than that. There is very little wind noise with the shape of the canopy. This is the same shape as our Goldwing (she didn't wear plugs in that one ever) and protects you very well. So.....the pipes are the biggest factor for noise. Even with the pipes it's not so loud that she can't use our SENA Headsets (for a frame of reference), she can even use her phone (paired up via bluetooth with the headset) while driving on the Highway at 70 (speaks volumes at the noise canceling capabilities of the SENA headsets). She uses a 'wrap around' style that she can wear without a helmet or with a 1/2 helmet. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-sph10-bluetooth-helmetless-headset-intercom.

The answer to the question you didn't ask: I feel the "popping" of the wind on the bike is worse for your hearing than the noise from the bike, and she wouldn't have any of the wind pressure/popping on the ears that you'd get on the passenger seat. I wear a 3/4 helmet and no ear plugs and it's fine. I wear this helmet and headset: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-mag-9-sena-helmet-solids If I'm not wearing a 3/4 I have "molded" ear plugs for a 1/2 helmet. Even on the Goldwing, where noise wasn't the issue, I felt my hearing being effected by the wind on long trips and started wearing ear plugs and then switched to a flip up helmet and that stopped the wind issue.

If you wore a 3/4 Helmet, ear buds, or plugs in the Sidecar that would probably be enough even with the pipe issues. If you have stock pipes, I'd bet you would be fine without any extra hearing protection. It is definitely not LOUDER than being ON the back pillion!

I hope that answers your question.

Buy early · « **Reply #23 on:** July 07, 2013, 12:22:57 AM »

IPhone app is called SPL Meter. Believe it is free.

North Georgia Hawg · « **Reply #24 on:** July 07, 2013, 10:01:44 AM »

That is an AWESOME setup! It's one of the coolest things I have seen in a long time.

Absolutely gorgeous! WELL DONE!!!

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #25 on:** July 07, 2013, 11:57:49 AM »

Quote from: Buy early on July 07, 2013, 12:22:57 AM

IPhone app is called SPL Meter. Believe it is free.

I'll find it and run a test for you.....Like I said it may be end of the week.

roly4 · « **Reply #26 on:** July 07, 2013, 01:19:25 PM »

Totally amazed! That is beautiful.

Well done sir!

dlaws01 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 07, 2013, 01:53:55 PM »

Can you get one with a quick jettison option that works while on the road in case my wife get to talking too much?

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #28 on:** July 07, 2013, 02:03:17 PM »

Quote from: dlaws01 on July 07, 2013, 01:53:55 PM

Can you get one with a quick jettison option that works while on the road in case my wife get to talking too much?

no comment...

BaggerProud · « **Reply #29 on:** July 07, 2013, 10:50:07 PM »

I have never been a side-car type but your rig is absolutely awesome! Beautiful!!!

Barmats · « **Reply #30 on:** July 08, 2013, 11:50:52 PM »

That looks just awesome - beautiful work!!

DesertHOG · « **Reply #31 on:** July 09, 2013, 12:11:45 AM »

So this is where Bluetooth communication between driver and passenger would really pay off. Nice rig and awesome paint job.

DesertHOG

SDCVO · « **Reply #32 on:** July 09, 2013, 12:47:30 AM »

One of the coolest set ups I have ever seen! good for you

bandit · « **Reply #33 on:** July 09, 2013, 06:27:02 AM »

AWESOME

It's a pitty that in switzerland you need the agreement of the MOCO, to run a sidecar. I would be in for such a sidecar!!!

dlaws01 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 09, 2013, 09:16:27 PM »

Come on Bandit, be a rebel!

Don't let the government tell you that you can't put a sidecar on! Just do it!

Charlie · « **Reply #35 on:** July 11, 2013, 10:09:00 PM »

Amongst the best side car setups I have ever seen

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #36 on:** July 11, 2013, 10:50:01 PM »

Quote from: Charlie on July 11, 2013, 10:09:00 PM

Amongst the best side car setups I have ever seen

Thanks!

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #37 on:** July 12, 2013, 07:25:07 PM »

Ran that program....90-99 was the range. It says the meter goes to 110....never went over 99db

spydglide · « **Reply #38 on:** July 12, 2013, 09:26:34 PM »

Too cool!

love it. spyder

Tuneso · « **Reply #39 on:** July 12, 2013, 09:34:16 PM »

Great story, Great job!!!!!

Buy early · « **Reply #40 on:** July 12, 2013, 09:55:57 PM »

Thanks Dan! I'll reproduce that at home and see what the wife thinks.

seadog · « **Reply #41 on:** July 13, 2013, 02:07:40 PM »

That is very cool! I have always said if I get to the point where I can't hold my bike up anymore, then a sidecar option is where I will go. I know sidecars need to be adjusted to the bike - how difficult was that to dial in?

Again, love that set up, you have a classy looking machine there!

Unbalanced · « **Reply #42 on:** July 13, 2013, 04:56:03 PM »

Your sidecar came out awesome grats on a great job !

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #43 on:** July 13, 2013, 05:12:44 PM »

Quote from: seadog on July 13, 2013, 02:07:40 PM

That is very cool! I have always said if I get to the point where I can't hold my bike up anymore, then a sidecar option is where I will go. I know sidecars need to be adjusted to the bike - how difficult was that to dial in?

Again, love that set up, you have a classy looking machine there!

Not a problem I'd you have the right company build and install. It's more work to learn how to do it obviously....but there is a basic geometry you shoot for and adjust from there.

Willie D · « **Reply #44 on:** July 16, 2013, 09:45:24 PM »

Very cool - this would be my choice for a side car since HD no longer manuf. one
Thx for sharing.
WD

tweeter13 · « **Reply #45 on:** July 16, 2013, 10:34:13 PM »

Quote from: BaggerProud on July 07, 2013, 10:50:07 PM

I have never been a side-car type but your rig is absolutely awesome! Beautiful!!!

Same here. If I were to ever want one this so far is the only one I have seen that I have really liked.

Todd.

PierceEye · « **Reply #46 on:** July 16, 2013, 11:19:26 PM »

So is that a ridged mount then?

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #47 on:** July 20, 2013, 02:21:28 PM »

Quote from: PierceEye on July 16, 2013, 11:19:26 PM

So is that a ridged mount then?

Yes...it is rigid. There is only a few "leaner" sidecar set ups. But the they are rare, the last company I saw that made them went Bankrupt several years ago. Almost all Sidecars you will see do not lean.

Dare · « **Reply #48 on:** July 20, 2013, 05:40:45 PM »

Awesome look, love the fact you still have the bags on the side also, have you tried this with a tourpak?

Sidecar Dan · « **Reply #49 on:** July 20, 2013, 06:22:07 PM »

Quote from: Dare on July 20, 2013, 05:40:45 PM

Awesome look, love the fact you still have the bags on the side also, have you tried this with a tourpak?

No. The trunk has 10 cu. ft. So don't have to have it. And the Wife said...."I think the box thingy looks funny....don't get one".... If I was 2 up....I'd have one for sure.

Glock · « **Reply #50 on:** July 21, 2013, 08:10:38 PM »

Wow Dan!!!!
This is absolutely beautiful...

PierceEye · « **Reply #51 on:** July 24, 2013, 09:45:22 PM »

Quote from: Sidecar Dan on July 20, 2013, 02:21:28 PM

Yes...it is rigid. There is only a few "leaner" sidecar set ups. But the they are rare, the last company I saw that made them went Bankrupt several years ago. Almost all Sidecars you will see do not lean.

True back in the early 80's while I was at a hmmm Honda dealership we put one on a wing that leaned was expensive like 4 or 5k back then

Author Topic: 12' Skunk w/Sidecar (Read 12490 times)