The Extraordinary Sidecar

Sidecars were always good for a laugh, and some of the best sitcoms and comedy films contained therein, it often becomes separated from the motorcycle, but there's more to this unique mode of transportation than it seems. Some will be surprised to learn that Jaguar Cars began their life as a trailer manufacturing company.

They first appeared on the scene at the beginning of the twentieth century, beginning with wicker model looks more like a cradle than a bona fide mode of transportation of passengers, but development has moved on quickly as a car body builders moved into the sector. Wicker was out, replaced by open and covered with models of varying quality. In 1912, T.F. Watson in Birmingham, England, invented a folding trailer that would allow access through the passage of the row of houses. Today, the company Watsonian Squire is still in the business of manufacturing sidecars. AJS introduced the 'D' model of motorcycle and sidecar in 1913, with coach-built trailer is manufactured by CWHayward. These fully-rounded love sidecars were built and equipped with leather upholstery. time peak came as an extra protection for two passengers, which is strange because it is May seem by today's thinking, sat shoulder to shoulder. travel to the nearest bike will steer the trailer with the tiller.

Although the popularity of riding 'suit' (motorcycle and sidecar), has fluctuated over time, there is no doubt that the heyday was before the mid-fifties. During tough economic times, the thirties, the suit is a viable alternative to motor vehicles, and numerous companies, including aviation is concerned, became involved in the manufacture of sidecars. Also, in the thirties, Uralmoto Department of Russia produced the model in collaboration with BMW, which is still bounded in Versailles.

In the war years, sidecars are to play an important role in the military. One of the most versatile machines ever made ​​by BMW R75, which featured a driven sidecar wheel, locking diff, select a low range gearbox and reverse gear, which in combination gave an impressive off-road capability. R75 design was also adopted by the Russians to produce their Ural and Dnepr model. Between 1940 and 1944, produced by Zündapp KS750, which was often accompanied with a trailer. Although the machine was fast, maneuverable, reliable and much loved by its users, it is also expensive. trailer often used gunner operating a machine gun mounted. However, before all these deals, Clyne came in Wolverhampton, England, built with a trailer carrying a machine gun for use in World War II. Sidecars were and still are, used by police forces around the world.

We've all seen the dramatic footage from the trailer runners hanging over the track to balance the machine properly Besides being an exciting sport to participate, it's also pretty fun from the viewer's perspective, this is the reason why the trailer races are still as popular as ever . As well as track and road, also sidecars compete in Motocross, Enduro and Grasstrack events worldwide.

Although the interest in sidecars has waned since the fifties, there are still many enthusiasts who attend the club meetings dedicated to the outfits.