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[longlast]

I.ve been knocking the thought about for some time as to go for this unit. As my age is getting up there at times the old girl feels heaver then other times. The odd time I will admit I've almost lost it at a stand still "no no no aaaaa hohoho that was close" you know my meaning.

So any one got one? how do you like it? what do you guys think of them?

[backroad Mike]

One of our friends in Texas recently received one from friends as a gift to keep him riding.  His age and muscle fitness would not permit him to continue riding his Ultra safely anymore.  Since they installed the hack, he's been riding everywhere.  It's been 3 months, and he is still getting use to the change in riding style and capabilities.  I believe they added a 100 lb steel plate in the bottom of the hack as he usually rides solo, and the extra weight helps with keeping it on the ground during right hand turns, but not always.  They also set up the hack with it's own brake and separate brake peddle to slow that side of the bike and make turning right easier. 

Others were test riding it and the majority were in favor of a hack over a trike.

[OBB]

I actually considered one just to carry extra stuff when we travel (dog kennel and her supplies) vs a tag along trailer. Wasn't sure what would happen to the warranty or the ESP once the stock warranty runs out. I wouldn't be as hesitant to travel in wet weather with an extra wheel on the ground. Ended up buying a trailer to put the bike on instead.

[King Glide]

We had one in my hog group. Everyone hated riding behind the guy because it just wouldn't handle well in the turns and the rider couldn't keep up with the group, the rider insisted on getting in the front of line because he didn't want to be left behind.
Based on what I saw with that and several trikes that ride with the group regularly, I would say that trikes are way ahead when it comes to handling.

[FLSTFI Dave]

It takes a special skill to ride a side-hack.  They do handle differently.  Right hand curves can be especially difficult as its easy to fly the side car. 

Fly Side car = bring the side car wheel into the air.  Many add a 50 pound or more weight to the side car axel near the wheel to help keep it from flying to easy.

I have a friend who has one.  I have both ridden in the side car, and have road the bike with the side car both with a passenger in the car and the car empty.

It is fun.  If I can find an original factory side car rig at a fair price I will get one.  It would be for local use, for taking my dog for rides and because I like them.  It will not run the curves like a bike, but most trikes will not either. 

[GregKhougaz]

Have you thought of The Leg Up System?

[Dr.D]

I think I'd go with a trike. I like being in the center of the vehicle.

[Trapperdog]

Amongst our stable we have a Ural, a Russian hack. The little woman uses it mostly to run errands with the dog, etc..  Although there are companies that will hack any ride, the Ural comes that way and ours has two wheel drive capability for off roading. 
There is a certain romance about traveling in a sidecar, especially with a dog. However, if one is used to two wheels, the addition of a hack can make the ride cumbersome and slow through twisties although lifting and lowering the hack off the ground can be challenging. Acceleration tends to pull the bike one direction while braking pulls it the other. Driving a hack becomes much more of an upper body workout. 
There are many that travel worldwide on a hack which can become more appealing as we age. Unless you've relinquished yourself to a slower paced, stop and smell the roses type of riding, a hack my not be for you. We have talked of the eventuality of a trike, but meanwhile have begun adding lighter bikes to the stable. Compared to the SEUC, at about 250lbs lighter,  moving our BMW R1200RT around is a pleasure.
Melanie and our Aussie Ruthie

[JCZ]

Knowing Melanie and her fashion......I'll bet the dog has different colored doggles to go with each of Mel's tops? 

By the way, I only see the big dog....where's the little guy?

Did you sell your Wags dog trailer or do you still have it?

[MrSurly]

Having been involved in the Hack project mentioned by Mike above and adding on to what Trapper said, I'll follow up a bit.
We restored an Oooooold velorex sidehack and adapted it to his 2007 Ultra. Our friend Jim, for whom we built the hack, has relayed his thoughts after having it a while.
Importantly, his biggest response has been that it has been the most liberating feeling, being able to keep riding and never having to dread falling when stopping. He has been riding over fifty years and riding is huge part of his existence and his connection to his circle of friends. He is 70 years old, a small fellow and fairly frail, with some health issues. After a parking lot drop in May and breaking ribs, he had to cope with the fact that he would have to hang it up. The hack has been his salvation (his words) so, yes, if it's either three wheels or four, three wheels is awesome!
He has put over 3000 miles on it since he got it July 4. He said the only issue he has is with the upper-body strength that is required. With all these miles, obviously, he's been gaining on it! On group rides (recently to the Texas hill country) he knows fully that he is slower in the curves so he and the trikes (older riders also) will ride "sweep" and we all catch up at a fuel stop.
Consider that there are special triple-trees available to alter the steering geometry and reduce the need for muscle; these are pricey, though and also make the bike a dedicated three-wheeler. Don't install if you might ever take the hack off.
The factory triglides already have the setup, I think. If considering shopping for a sidehack, I would offer these suggestions;

• Craigslist is a likely source
• avoid fabrication projects, either get an HD sidecar or
• get a sidecar that already has the PROPER mounts for YOUR bike
• Buying a complete bike and hack is likely a better deal than a hack alone, (then sell the bike)
• The factory hacks are easy to spot as the hack wheel has no suspension, but the BODY of the hack is mounted on leaf springs.

[longlast]

                         Thanks for every ones input, suggestions, and advice it's given me food for thought.

I had a close call today when I was out for a ride. I made a right hand U turn and as I came to a stop I put out my gimpy knee right peg but I had not completely straightened out my leg to hold the weight (after my knee is in a bend position I've got to have it straight before it will take any weight even my owe not to mention the bike that incudes getting up from a chair before I can think about taking a step) but I was quick enough to wench the wheel to the left and lean so I managed to save it.
 
In the past year I've gone over 3 times at a standstill in slow motion since my knee problem no bike damage just pride and embarrassment. Once the wife was on the back and it happened in the drive as we were about to set off.
This is why I'm looking on making the transition. Did I mention this is a pain in the joint.
 

[longlast]

Amongst our stable we have a Ural, a Russian hack. The little woman uses it mostly to run errands with the dog, etc..  Although there are companies that will hack any ride, the Ural comes that way and ours has two wheel drive capability for off roading. 
There is a certain romance about traveling in a sidecar, especially with a dog. However, if one is used to two wheels, the addition of a hack can make the ride cumbersome and slow through twisties although lifting and lowering the hack off the ground can be challenging. Acceleration tends to pull the bike one direction while braking pulls it the other. Driving a hack becomes much more of an upper body workout. 
There are many that travel worldwide on a hack which can become more appealing as we age. Unless you've relinquished yourself to a slower paced, stop and smell the roses type of riding, a hack my not be for you. We have talked of the eventuality of a trike, but meanwhile have begun adding lighter bikes to the stable. Compared to the SEUC, at about 250lbs lighter,  moving our BMW R1200RT around is a pleasure.
Melanie and our Aussie Ruthie

That's a sweet unit I can see why she has a smile rolling around on that.
Yup you mite say that, now a days it's gone from full throttle to quarter throttle  the wife and I when we set out are in no hurry to get there before we leave 

[cambo]

Not exactly what you are asking, but I saw this system in Sturgis and it's the solution for me when I need to do something about the bike feeling heavier than I'm comfortable with:



The description says it all:
This Street Glide has 2 front tires..
And hydraulics to have them lean with the bike in turns and locks straight up and down when stopped.

According to the vendor it costs 10K for the front wheel system that still allows for the bike to lean like a two wheeled bike and an additional 2k for it to lock automatically when stopped to keep the bike balanced without the rider holding it up. This way the ride characteristic is identical to a regular bike and when stopped it's just like a trike, because it is!



Tilting Motor Work - I'm not in any way affiliated BTW.

Cam

[Trapperdog]

Not exactly what you are asking, but I saw this system in Sturgis and it's the solution for me when I need to do something about the bike feeling heavier than I'm comfortable with:



The description says it all:
This Street Glide has 2 front tires..
And hydraulics to have them lean with the bike in turns and locks straight up and down when stopped.

According to the vendor it costs 10K for the front wheel system that still allows for the bike to lean like a two wheeled bike and an additional 2k for it to lock automatically when stopped to keep the bike balanced without the rider holding it up. This way the ride characteristic is identical to a regular bike and when stopped it's just like a trike, because it is!



Tilting Motor Work - I'm not in any way affiliated BTW.

Cam

Now that may be fugly but it's pretty cool!  I'd love to ride one.

Yes JC, we still have the little dog but she's to squirmy to be in the hack without someone holding her. We also still have the Wags trailer but Melanie won't ride my Ultra due to the weight so she likes to take the hack out alone with Ruthie. Having a reverse gear for her is a big plus.

[dayne66]

Good yo see more and more options....for when I get decrepitter.