Monday 4 April 2011

Way Down with Watsonian sidecars

Watsonian Squire have produced a special low profile version of their popular GP Manx sidecar to match Harley Davidson's new 883 SuperLow motorcycle.

With 18” front and 17” rear wheels the SuperLow sits closer to the the tarmac than previous Sportster models, which presented certain challenges to the experienced engineering team at Watsonian. A smaller diameter wheel was specified for the Manx chair so that it did not sit too high above the motorcycle and then the perimeter frame had to be redesigned, in order to give the belly of the glass fibre body shell sufficient ground clearance when paired with the big V-twin.

Styled to replicate the traditional octagonal nose shape dating from the 1920's, the Manx retains the aluminium beading originally used to hold the wooden body panels together. Normally fitted with 16” spoke wheels, the low rider version of the Manx has a 10” cast alloy wheel with distinctive deep sided DL mudguard.

Completing the package is a 6" acrylic screen, originally developed for the sidecars supplied for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Harley's Evolution engine is well suited to sidecar work and copes easily with the relatively light single-seater Manx (85kg).

Prices for the Watsonian GP Manx start at £3695 and a full factory fitting service, with tuition for novice drivers, is also available. For more information on sidecars contact Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 (www.watsonian-squire.com).