Sidecar installation and operating question

[FLH_Rider]

Due to various body problems, I've been thinking about picking up a sidecar, I would pick up an evo dresser to mount it on,
Is there a specific HD  triple tree to use and is there different gearing as far as primary and final drive, eventually I will most likely pick up an S&S motor to put in it,
Just wondering what others have done,,,

[harpwrench]

My advice would be to pick up a 103-powered pre-2014 twincam instead of the evo idea (2014 up can be fitted with one but it's a lot more complicated and takes some skills)

I've had sidecars on both, the S&S V111 powered Evo had plenty of power but brakes aren't great. Plus all the other issues that go with old bikes. The older bike is lighter than the 09 up and the sidecar pulls on it harder (trees do help though).

The newer bike (mine was 2010) was a lot better match for the weight, 6th gear was nice on the interstate (stock gearing) and the stock 103 had plenty of power. My wife also much appreciated the quieter engine.

As far as trees you can make triglide stuff work, or I used liberty sidecar trees. If the Evo bike is older than I believe 1997 you will run into complications with fitting the ignition lock, there aren't any direct kits that I know of for the older style switch mount

[fleetmechanic]

We have many sidecar rigs from 1996 to 2012 on police bikes.  The 103" 6 speeds handle the sidecar a lot better than the evos or the 88" twincams and if you use the steering damper that attaches to the bottom of the stock triple trees that's good enough for cutting down on the wander.

[FLH_Rider]

Thanks for the info, I am going look at a 1989 model sidecar, then see about putting it on my 2000 FLHTC and pick up a newer bike later on,
Anything to look out for when I look at the sidecar,,, they are asking $4,500 for it,,

[truck]

Make sure you can find mounting brackets that fit your bike. They aren't too common anymore.

[kd]

Make sure you can find mounting brackets that fit your bike. They aren't too common anymore.

I have been running "Harley" sidecars in several variations since 1980.  As said, there are several versions / combinations of mounting brackets and rear brake master cylinder components etc.  For example the 98 vintage rear master cylinder with the remote reservoir above the regulator works well.  You need the clearance for the lower front mount.   Many of the components are available on ebay if you know what you are looking for.  Search "Harley sidecar side car" for a start.  Spell sidecar both ways as some use 2 words. Getting a sidecar manual of that vintage is doable on ebay and will help immensely. Your factory service manual will also have a few tidbits you may not have noticed before.

The steering dampener fleetmechanic mentions will work well for you. The 1989 rig is the later version which without getting into too much detail should fit the mounting hardware you will need for your 2000 FLHTC.   Look at a cam change to a school bus version focused on left side torque.  It will make your 88" engine work well in the rpm you will most use.

One thing not yet mentioned is adjustment.  It will make or break your pleasure factor.  It is easily done if you are patient and your body will thank you for making it easy to ride at all speeds.

[FLH_Rider]

Just for reference, my 2000 is a 95 inch, with SE heads and TC2G cam, with mikuni, might need a different cam but it's around 90-95 ft lbs torque if I remember right,
Will put a different cam in it if I keep the sidecar on it,

[kd]

You'll have it made in the shade no matter which way you go with the added cubic inches.  The 50 degree intake closing will make it a little lazy at the bottom.  The only reason I mentioned the cam is because most sidecar riders do more easy riding than on 2 wheels.  If your power comes on late just use that RPM band.  My 80" evos use SE3 (36 intake close) cams that have a 3000 - 3500 RPM power range hit.  On the highway, a rig is like a billboard in the wind and it is best to be in the sweet spot start earlier at 2200 -3500 RPM.  Throw in a head wind and passenger with your luggage it will be noticeable on the slab.

[FLH_Rider]

One thing I just found out, it is a CLE sidecar, it was removed from a. 1989,,,
If it has all the mounting brackets wold it be the same to attach to my 2000,,
Thanks for all the information,,,,

[fleetmechanic]

The bracket kits from 1984-2006 will all fit your 2000.  If you strike out PM me. W have several sets that we have taken off retired escort rigs.