Demand for sidecars is increasing apparently. Watsonian, who have been making sidecars in the Heart of England since 1912, report that sales rose by 30% in the six months from March to August this year, compared to the same period in 2012. They say that demand is coming from a wide range of customers; recent fitments include a 1950’s BSA Golden Flash, Harley Davidson Sportster, Triumph Bonneville and Thunderbird and Suzuki Burgman maxi scooter.
But now they have the new SBW model (pictured left, at NEC last year) , maybe more overlanders will be choosing 3 wheels instead of 2. Ian Patterson and other travellers have flown the 3-wheeled flag for ages and although you’ll sit in traffic, think of the fun to be had on a snowy pass in India, or the stability you’d be granted in the Sahara sand. And you can carry a shovel!
It seems however that the sales of retro ‘chairs’ is what’s leading the resurgence; “We’ve recently experienced a resurgence of interest in our Monza sidecar” says Watsonian sales director Ben Matthews. “It’s been in continuous production since the 1950’s, when it was considered very modern, and seems to have come back into vogue”.
Watsonian will be unveiling a new sidecar model alongside updates to current lines on their large stand at Motorcycle Live this November, maybe it’s worth having a look!
For more information visit www.watsonian-squire.com.
Richard and Mopsa English famously used a Watsonian-Squire sidecar back in the 1980s for their global adventure. Their machine is now in the London Motorcycle Museum.