I have alot of old motorcycle literature passed down through family. From thumbing through the 20's and 30's it seems like about 1 in 3 harleys were hacked. Seemed to have really died down after WW2 although have seen some pics of sidecars here and there in harley mags. I have a hack and think its a freaking blast. So much more practical for hauling **** on long trips too. Just wondering what you think killed off the popular "hack" in todays motorcycle world?

 

I might as well through my guess in here since I started the thread. My guess is price, cost of a new harley hack itself is half what I paid for my whole setup.

 

Trikes.

 

I think sidecar rigs are really cool. My wife swears she'll never ride in one though

 

It was the small car of the day. The cars where freaking huge for the most part. Just my guess.

 

Trikes are more popular. Also, hacks have no lean angle when cornering. The lean is one of the things that make riding fun. Take it away and you might as well drive a cage.

 

Motorcycles now are mostly luxuries and side cars a lot more expensive. There just is no demand anymore for them.

 

Same with my wife. She also said she would never let the kids ride in one. Saw a guy yesterday at the gas station on a beautiful Heritage. He had a rusty piece of **** side 'something' mounted to his bike. Looked like something a middle school shop class threw together for someone to carry a big cooler on. We were talking and I asked him (politely, not in an ******* way) what was it supposed to be. He said it was for his dad's wheelchair. His dad (who built the rig himself) had just passed away and he hadn't gotten around to taking it off yet. Said every time he tried he broke down, and just couldn't do it. Man, I really felt like an *** for my "what is this idiot thinking" thoughts I was having before talking with him. Gave him my contact info and told him if he wanted to leave it on, to bring it by and we'd drink a few beers and paint it. (the metal was still just the red-oxide factory primer)

 

My OL has said she would like to have one but just can't afford one right now.

 

sidecars were available up to a certain point i just cant remember when. it had alot to do with emission standards that couldnt be passed with with that heavy side car attached.... but that is probably one in the many things that cuased sidecars to be taken from production harleys.