SidecarJohn

"Jay Leno's Garage" Sidecar Feature
US tak show host, Jay Leno is famous for his passion for all sorts of motor vehicles. When he's not involved with his popular "The Tonight Show" and appearing on stage he's likely to be found amongst his vast collection of vehicles. Amongst these are some very special motorcycles.
The whole collection can be viewed on Leno's dedicated website and features motorcycles at http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/at-the-garage/motorcycles/
Recently, Jay has had a sidecar attached to a 1931 Henderson by Doug Bingham, well known for his involvement with all aspects of sidecarring in the USA. Doug runs the Sidestrider business, supplying and fitting sidecars; is a founder member of the Sidecar Industry Council; provides sidecar related services to film and television companies; as well as organising the annual Griffith Park Sidecar Rally in Los Angeles.
The Henderson project features at http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/restoration-blog-1931-henderson-kj-sidecar/1382874

EU Directives and Sidecars
Over the years bureaucrats connected to the UK government and latterly the European Union have targetted motorcycles with all manner of legislation. Some have been dferred, or disappeared, whilst others have been implemented. Notable changes to rider testing has completely changed the situation, so, for example, it's no longer possible to be tested to ride a sidecar outfit, unless the rider is disabled.
The consequences for motorcycling have been marked, and it could be argued, legislation has had a negative effect on UK sidecarring, both manufacturing and use.
The most recent legislative threat relates to amendments made to motorcycles, which in itself could have a massive effect on many aspects of the bike activity, but especially for the aftermarket industry. Significantly, such legislation could cause serious headaches for sidecar enthusiasts.
Will legislation permit the installation of special suspension such as leading link forks, subframes to permit the fitting of a sidecar, plus wheel and tyre combinations that enhance the sidecar experience ? Another nail in the proverbial coffin ?

Japanese Motorcycle Production
The days when Japanese manufacturers produced 1.7 million motorcycles in a year (2006) are not so long ago. Now, the figures are significantly lower with 2011 showing a total of 638, 937. This trend can be put down to a number of factors, although the disasterous earthquake and tsunami early in 2011 have not had quite impact once thought. 2010 totals were only a little higher.
The value of Japanese currency is a factor with bike prices having risen sharply, particularly in Europe. However, perhaps of more concern for Yamaha is that they had a near 12% one year decline in production as opposed to rivals Honda (-0.3%), Kawasaki (0%), and Suzuki (+ 2.7%).
Of course, the increased sales of European manufacturers, notably BMW and Triumph, are factors.

McGregor on Sidecar Trip ?
Since he acquired a sidecar outfit some months back, there have been thoughts about Ewan McGregor, he of Long Way Round, and the follow up Long Way Down, possibly undertaking another lengthy ride for television. In a recent interview a hint was dropped that something might be on the cards, this time involving South America.
So, is the sidecar world ready for the possible aftermath ? Just as the original documentaries did a power of good for BMW GS models in sales terms, just maybe there's an opportunity for sidecars to become the next big thing in motorcycling. Long shot of course, but you never know.

A Sidecar Original
Something of a cherished memory this one for SidecarPat. You see she has a longer history than most in the sidecar game, much longer than the guy who has only travelled with her since the late 60s.
Her father George soon progressed to motorised sidecar outfits a short while after this family photo from the summer of 1951, Norton and BSA bikes being the chosen tugs. The sidecar alongside the tandem bicycle is a Watsonian.
Sidecar outfits continued to be family transport up the young lady's mid teen years.
In due course, sidecars once again became family transport when raising her own family after a few years of solo motorcycling with her other half.
Sidecars remain very much part of her life.

European Sidecar Rally (EGT) 2011
The EGT returned to its German location in Reddighausen for 2011. Only our second experience of probably the largest gathering of sidecar outfits in the world, but well worthwhile. A measure of the event's popularity is that there were around 400 outfits on site before the event's official Friday start.
The eventual announced turnout was 1260, although we reckoned that with day visitors and those who might have "got under the wire" as it were, the total number was nearer 1500. By any measure a big number.
The weekend saw varied weather, just as in the rest of northern Europe in what has been a weather variable summer, including a short, but memorable typhoon. Exciting, but thankfully no serious damage. However, the EGT is held in a beautiful area of Germany, so a return could be on the cards.

Browse images of EGT 2011

Watsonian Sidecar Book Download

Watsonian Sidecars will be 100 years old in 2012. To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the company, I put together a little historical account with the backing of the company owners at the time. If you would like to download a copy, then click on the link below. The download requires that you have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/

Watsonian at 75 years