Watsonian Squire

Watsonian sidecars centenary rally

2012-02-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 18-19th Aug 2012

Watsonian sidecars celebrate their centenary this year and to mark the occasion the British manufacturer is throwing a party at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929 (and numerous economic recessions that followed) and a devastating factory fire in 1930. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe. Visitors from around the world are expected - Watsonian's Japanese distributor, Corofi, will be riding a couple of outfits to the rally.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999. Watsonian is keen to hear from owners of interesting or unusual outfits and three-wheelers, whether Watsonian or other makes, who would like to show their vehicles at the event.

Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance; day tickets will only be available on the Sunday and can be purchased at the gate for £5.

For more information on the Centenary Rally and the full range of sidecars, trailers and motorcycles available from Watsonian-Squire call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com.

Watsonian centenary rally August 2012

2012-01-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, 18-19th Aug 2012

Join Watsonian sidecars at Stoneleigh Park (formerly the National Agricultural Centre) for a rally to celebrate their 100th birthday.

Founded by TF Watson in 1912, Watsonian has survived two world wars, economic boom and bust and a devastating factory fire. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe. Ironically, Japan is their biggest overseas market and Corofi, Watsonian's Japanese distributor, will be riding a couple of outfits to the rally.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally include a display of historic sidecars along with the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show, celebrity guests, trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999. (Please bring your license & riding gear).

On Saturday evening there will be entertainment with a live band and bar.

Tickets for the weekend cost £10 per person in advance. Camping and self catering accommodation is available on site, as is the Stoneleigh Park Lodge guest house. Book your accommodation direct with Stoneleigh Park on 02476 690123 quoting event number 10348.

Wizard Wheels exhibition 10Jan-11 March

2012-01-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

"Wizard Wheels: the Watsonian sidecar" is an exhibition at the Court Barn museum in Chipping Campden,one of the most pictureque villages in the Cotswoldsand just a couple of miles from the Watsonian factory.

The museum celebrates the talented artists, designers and craftspeople who worked in and around Chipping Campden and the north Cotswolds since the time of the Arts and Crafts movement in the early 20th century.

“This is slightly different to our usual displays, but as the museum celebrates craft and design in the north Cotswold we thought it was an opportunity not to miss; celebrating something which is built only a few miles from the Museum" explains curator Sarah McCormick Healy. "There is also a connection with Michael Cardew, who founded Winchcombe potteries and is one of the nine lives we celebrate at the Museum. In the 1920s the potter Bernard Leach brought Michael Cardew to Broadway to meet Gordon Russell, the furniture designer. This visit led Michael Cardew to restart the potteries at Winchcombe. They travelled up from St Ives on a motorbike and sidecar”.

The exhibition runs from Tues 10 January – Sun 11 March 2012; For information on admission charges, Group Visits, location, parking and contact details go to http://www.courtbarn.org.uk/visitors

Watsonian's historic support for rugged ladies

2012-01-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

Seventy five years ago two British women rode a Panther/Watsonian sidecar outfit (pulling a Watsonian trailer) across the Sahara, through equatorial Africa and South to the Cape, a feat that no man had dared to even attempt. Here’s the AMA’s account of their story, and the incredible account of Theresa Wallach’s lifetime on two wheels. No wonder she was inducted into their Motorcycle Hall of Fame. There's some brilliant archive movie to watch too ...

Aviator gets centenary off to flying start

2011-11-21T14:25:00.001-08:00

Watsonian sidecars celebrate their centenary in 2012 and to mark the occasion the British manufacturer has produced a special edition of its popular GP Manx.

Named the Aviator, in honour of RAF Moreton-in-Marsh which is located close to the factory, it is shown paired with a 500cc Royal Enfield Battlegreen motorcycle. The distinctive octagonal nose shape, dating from the 1920's, is reminiscent of the nose cone seen on fighter aircraft so Watsonian removed the traditional aluminium beading featured on other models in the GP range and added the 'shark mouth' logo that was made famous by 112 Squadron RAF ("The Shark Squadron").

Its aeronautical appearance is further enhanced by the addition of the short screen, originally fitted to the modified Manx sidecars supplied for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

At 85kg the fibreglass-bodied Aviator is one of the lightest sidecars in the GP range; it has a black steel perimeter frame, with a traditional 16” spoked wheel and leading link suspension. Offering 1.35 metres of legroom and at 46 cm wide the cockpit will comfortably accommodate and adult and the seat tilts forward to reveal a 370 x 400 x 400 mm boot space.

Prices for the Watsonian Aviator Manx start at £3995 (in plain black without decals) and a full factory fitting service, with tuition for novice drivers, is also available.

Watsonian is planning a major event to mark its 100th birthday on the weekend of 18th - 19th August 2012. For more information on this and the full range of sidecars contact Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com.

Sidecar stories - Dennis and his Monza

2011-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

We recently received some fabulous photos from Dennis, showing his BSA Shooting Star with Monza, taken in 1968. This is the story behind the picture;

"My then girlfriend and I had a disagreement and she went back home to Newcastle County Down. Eventually I found out where she had gone, then headed off in the combo to Liverpool to catch the Belfast ferry. Got there too late for the crane to lift the bike on, so I dis-assembled it drove the bike up the gang-plank and paid five shillings (a lot of money in 1964) to a 'wharfie' to help me carry the sidecar on board. Then I re-bolted it together and fastened it solidly to the deck. Went and got myself a drink and a roll, then climbed into the sidecar pulled a blanket over my head and slept the whole way. Then I and the other half went touring.

I think I was the first person to ever have a fairly fat tyre on the rear end of a road going combo. I had tuned the Shooting Star and fitted spitfire cams and I needed a wider tyre to do a bit of drifting around the country bends of Staffordshire. Later in London I was around a friend's place who had a scrap yard and I helped him dismantle an old Austin Ruby. Then I noticed that the wheels were the same size and that the 420 tire would fit the Beeza and it did. Made a distinct change from the 325 normally fitted. The girl loved the sidecar and was always leaning out of it when we went around left-handers. Magic.

88 mph flat out down the new M1. Not bad for a 500cc."

Manx to the Manx

2011-09-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Product testing for British sidecar manufacturer Watsonian Squire is a family affair. Sales Director Ben Matthews has just returned from the Isle of Man, where he spent several days riding the company's latest GP Manx demonstrator outfit around the island's roads accompanied by his son Troy (12) in the chair.

Their trip coincided with the Manx Grand Prix, after which the sidecar is named; painted in distinctive light blue “Wizard” colour scheme, created to celebrate the appearance of Watsonian sidecars in the blockbuster movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the outfit attracted considerable attention wherever it went.

"I've been nagging my dad for the last few years to take me to the Isle of Man, so when he told me we were going to the Manx GP I was so excited!" comments Troy.

“Testing the outfits is certainly a fun part of the job” Ben admits. “But there's also a serious side to it, because a significant proportion of our customers are motorcyclists who want to include their family in their hobby. So it's important to test the outfits from the passenger's view.”

Troy certainly enjoyed the experience; "I love riding in the sidecar - it's so much fun, and it's a great way to explore the Isle of Man. I can't wait to go back next year".

Styled to replicate the traditional octagonal nose shape dating from the 1920's, the fibreglass Manx retains the aluminium beading originally used to hold the wooden body panels together. Prices for the Watsonian GP Manx start at £3995 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.

Wizard time with Avon Tyres at Castle Combe

2011-09-12T15:39:00.000-07:00

Watsonian sidecars were delighted to be supporting fellow British manufacturer Avon Tyres when they attended a unique Castle Combe race event held on September 3rd to honour the Wiltshire track’s 60th anniversary. Avon borrowed a Watsonian Manx sidecar and Royal Enfield classic combination in the Wizard colour scheme produced to celebrate the company's products featuring in Harry Potter and the Deatly Hallows.

The circuit was originally opened in the summer of 1950, making it one of the oldest and established circuits in the UK, and held its first dedicated motorcycle race in 1951. To honour this 60th anniversary the circuit hosted a very special race meeting – the Fowlers Pro-Bike National. This 60th anniversary coincides with Avon Tyres’ own 100th anniversary of manufacturing motorcycle tyres and located just 12 miles away from Avon Tyres in Melksham, both companies have a long and close relationship. Castle Combe has been used constantly in the development of Avon Tyres over the last 60 years and recently Avon Tyres unearthed rare film footage of the firm testing Geoff Duke’s Manx Norton racer on Avon tyres.

Today, Avon Tyres is the only UK-based manufacturer of road-going motorcycle tyres and their latest range of road tyres covers every category of motorcycles from adventure sport to power cruisers and sports bikes. Over the last century, famous motorcycling names such as Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood and Barry Sheene have raced and won on Avon Tyres.

Joining Avon Tyres at the event were be a host of bike race stars including Carl Fogarty, Michael Rutter and his father Tony, Martin Jessop and Mike Hailwood’s son David Hailwood, all taking part in a one-off ‘star parade’ on the circuit after which they will be on hand to sign autographs for fans. Four-time World Superbike champion Fogarty knows the circuit well, having taken the first 100mph average lap of the circuit back in 1989.

Avon’s Global Motorcycle Sales Manager Graham Matcham said, “We had a very busy day and the Watsonian Wizard was no doubt a star attraction within the collection of bikes we assembled. Hanging on for dear life in the sidecar is my close colleague Pete McNally Product designer and manager for the Avon motorcycle range. He is absolutely delighted that his product Roadrider features on such an iconic motorcycle sidecar".

The Gus Bus sidecar

2011-08-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

This is the Gus Bus - a Suzuki Bandit paired with a Watsonian GP DL sidecar.

It's named after Gus, the Rotweiler puppy who loves to ride in the chair.

Owners John and Sandy take the outfit to bike meetings to raise funds for Help 4 Heroes. On the back is a picture of OB, the original Afghan Hero mascot.

Sidecars are natural choice for BBC Springwatch

2011-06-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

When BBC Springwatch presenter Martin Hughes-Games invited his colleague Chris Pakham to explore the Isle of Man, he turned to Britain's longest-established sidecar manufacturer to provide them with appropriate transport.

A self-proclaimed "obesessive motorcyclist" Martin had visited the Isle of Man on many occasions to watch the TT races and wanted to reveal the island's varied wildlife to a wider audience. So he approached Watsonian Squire, who have been manufacturing sidecars in the Heart of England since 1912, to borrow a motorcycle and sidecar combination and provide him with instruction in the art of 'driving' and outfit.

Watsonian provided Martin with its demonstrator outfit, a classically styled Manx GP sidecar paired with a brand new Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle, which the company also distributes. It featured prominently in three episodes of Springwatch, which regularly attracts more than 2 million viewers on weekday evenings, making it one of the UK’s favourite natural history programmes.

For more information on Watsonian Squire sidecars and Royal Enfield motorcycles call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com

BBC Spring Watch in a sidecar

2011-06-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

BBC Spring Watch presenters Martin Hughes-Games and Chris Packham put on leathers, got on a motorbike and behaved badly... as Martin took Chris on his ideal wild weekend across the sea to the Isle of Man. (It's probably just a coincidence that bike-mad Martin chose the home of the TT races.)

Hagrid's Motorbike

2011-04-16T14:43:00.000-07:00

Way Down with Watsonian sidecars

2011-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

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).

Sing something single

2011-03-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Some people buy a motorcycle to move themselves from A to B, but when singer Songwriter Gray Hawke bought a Royal Enfield it moved him to write a song. Here's his story;

"I got a wonderful motorcycle earlier this year - a Royal Enfield Bullet 500efi DL. As with most truly life-changing experiences, it had to have a song. I'd written a lyric, found what I think is a really catchy chorus and got a rhythm and feel for the song nailed about a month ago, but I was really struggling to find a tune and structure for the verses".

"Anyway, I decided to give it another bash yesterday (27th May) and finally got something that worked. A bit quirky and asymetrical - also quite difficult to remember! As I was already planning to go to Commonfolk yesterday, I gave the new song a run out in front of an audience - the first time I've ever finished and performed a song on the same day".

"It went pretty well - a few very positive comments from audience members afterwards, even though it was obviously a bit rough. Definitely one to polish up".

A sample of Gray's song can be heard on his Myspace site.

Charity CD "A Place to Live" is now finished and available for sale at £7 inc £2 p&p / admin. The CD includes the track "Bullet". To obtain a copy people should email Gray at grayhawke619@gmail.com with their name and dispatch address details. He'll then send their copy of the CD by first class post with instructions for making payment.

Watsonian sidecar stars in the Gadget Show

2011-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Our trusty Royal Enfield + Manx sidecar demonstrator was called into service by Channel 5's Gadget Show to assist them in the final part of the Smartphones challenge. Presenters Jon and Pollyanna had to race across Birmingham using apps on their respective Smartphone’s – the first to arrive at Aston Hall would be provided with a special banquet! Jon chose the sidecar outfit, leaving Pollyanna to travel in a horse and carriage.

Click here to view the Royal Enfield/Watsonian Manx sidecar outfit in action in the Gadget Show.

Police, Himalayas, Action

2011-02-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

We recently received the following letter from Dave McBirney and Grant Goodings of the Thames Valley Police Driving School. It wasn't a speeding ticket.

"Last summeryou very kindly spent a morning introducing Grant and I to the 'mysteries' of riding a sidecar. This was to help us prepare for a ride which would take us across three Himalayan passesand support Robert Lawrence MC (of 'Tumbledown' fame) as he trialled and promoted Global Adventure Plus, a motivational concept to help injured and troubled servicemen. Our ride proved to be one of the most testing things either of us had ever done, physically arduous and not without one or two mishaps ... It would not have been possible without the knowledge and advice you gave us in preparation."

It was a pleasure! Now watch the video;

From show business to snow business

2010-12-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

British sidecar manufacturer Watsonian Squire has been experiencing increased interest since one of their distinctive Manx outfits featured in the latest Harry Potter blockbuster, so the team at the Cotswold factory wasn’t going to let a little bit of cold weather stop the production line.

In the attached photos General Manager Rob Jones can be seen checking that it is possible to walk across the car park without freezing one’s assets and also that all icicles are neatly arranged.

New sidecar brochure

2010-12-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

See the full range of Watsonian and Squire sidecars in the brand new 2011 brochure. Learn how to spot the difference between a Manx, Monaco and Monza, the PV1 and Palma or the ST3 and RX4. With such a comprehensive range of modern and classic designs it's easy to understand why Watsonian Squire is the longest surviving sidecar brand in the world.

Download your free copy at
http://www.watsonian-squire.com/WATSONIAN%202011.PDF
or call Watsonian Squire on 01386 700907 to request a print version by post.

Watsonian sidecars at Motorcycle Live

2010-12-02T01:30:00.001-08:00

Sidecars on show at Motorcycle Live

2010-11-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

Watsonian Squire have been making great British sidecars in the Heart of England since 1912 and remain Europe’s biggest volume manufacturer.

Originally sidecar bodywork was either wicker or aluminium, mounted on an ash wood frame; today all Watsonian sidecars are manufactured from glass fibre, with a steel frame. The GP Manx is single-seater sports sidecar that retains the traditional octagonal nose shape dating from the 1920's and has a large 16” spoke wheel. It is the most compact and lightest model in the GP range, making it well-suited, both practically and aesthetically, for the new generation of traditional British bikes.

Two versions are on display, featuring a choice of single and twin cylinder machines. Watsonian have teamed up with Norman Hyde (www.normanhyde.co.uk), Triumph performance specialist and sidecar speed record holder*, to create a sporty outfit that combines a Manx sidecar with a twin cylinder 865cc fuel-injected Bonneville equipped with a host of performance accessories from Norman Hyde.

The Manx has a shorter chassis than other models in the GP range and is thus lighter and more compact. Meanwhile the Bonneville is fitted with a Power Commander, bell-mouth air intake and
sport silencers, for extra go, with an AP Lockheed front brake disc and calliper for additional stopping power.

A steering damper and up-rated Ikon shocks beef up suspension to handle the extra weight of the car and Hyde has also specified a Givi screen for touring comfort. Also on display is a GP Manx paired with a Royal Enfield single cylinder 500cc Classic, which may seem familiar to anyone who has seen the latest instalment of the Harry Potter film series (The Deathly Hallows, released on 19th November 2010). Watsonian Squire supplied several sidecar combinations to the film-makers for use in the spectacular chase sequence in which the hero (Harry Potter) flees from the Death Eaters in a sidecar outfit driven by Hagrid.

Prices for Watsonian GP Manx sidecars start at £3695 and a full factory fitting service, with tuition for novice drivers, is available. See these outfits at Motorcycle Live Birmingham NEC, 27 Nov - 5 Dec 2010,

* Norman Hyde captured the World Sidecar Land Speed Record in September 1972 on the Concorde runway at Fairford, Gloucestershire. Using a supercharged 850cc Triumph Trident powered, home built sidecar outfit (Road Runner 3) Norman averaged 161.8 mph (260.8kph).

Rev up for Christmas with Malaguti Grizzly

2010-11-20T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's a well-worn cliché that every child asks Santa for a new bike for Christmas, and what could be more thrilling for good little boys and girls than one with an engine?

New for 2010, the Grizzly RXC12 is a 50cc motorcycle designed specifically for children. Manufactured in Italy by Malaguti, a family-owned company that has specialised in this area for decades, the Grizzly offers parents the reassurance of a fully developed and robust product that meets current European standards for machine safety and carries the CE mark to prove it.

Suitable for children aged from 7-12, the Grizzly RCX12, is supplied in a soft state of tuning, with twist-and-go transmission, making it easy for youngsters to build their riding skills and confidence.

With upside down front forks, hydraulic rear mono shock and 90mm steel drum brakes front and rear, only genuine automotive quality components are used, assuring owners of many years service as well as a buoyant second hand market.

Harglo has imported Malaguti fun bikes from Italy for over 20 years, so full spares and technical support is readily available. Retailing for £1175- including VAT and covered by a 1-year parts warranty, the Grizzly RCX12 is ideal for anyone with a large garden or access to private land (e.g. a field or paddock). For more information contact 01386 701162 or visit www.harglo-performance.com

Watsonian sidecar shines with the stars in Harry Potter and the Deatly Hallows

2010-11-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

ONE of the “stars” of the latest, much-anticipated Harry Potter blockbuster due to be released nationwide next week hails from the north Cotswolds. The pale blue Royal Enfield motorcyle and Watsonian Manx sidecar which features in the seventh Harry Potter movie- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 -have been supplied by Blockley-based company Watsonian Squire.

Read the full article in The Cotswold Journal.

Ride on the side for Harry Potter in the Deathly Hallows

2010-11-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

British built Watsonian sidecars help Harry Potter get off a to flying start in the latest movie – Deathly Hallows – which is due for UK release on 19th November 2010. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is rescued from his relatives’ house by Hagrid (played by Robbie Coltrane) riding a Royal Enfield Bullet Classic, paired with a Watsonian Manx sidecar. Watsonian Squire supplied a number of sidecar outfits to be used in the dramatic chase sequence, filmed on location in and around London. The Blackwall Tunnel has never looked so exciting! Visit the official movie website at http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/harrypotterandthedeathlyhallows/mainsite/index.html

Harry Potter gets a ride on the side with Watsonian sidecars

2010-10-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Watch out for the Royal Enfield/Watsonian sidecar outfit in the latest Harry Potter movie. Deathly Hallows premieres in UK cinermas on 19th November and we're expecting some spectacular sidecar stunts.

In case you're wondering why the young wizard is travelling by sidecar, he's being rescued from his home by Hagrid.

You can see a clip in the latest trailer at http://www.facebook.com/#!/HarryPotterUK

Now that's magic!

Sporty side to British cafe racers

2010-09-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

British cafe racer styled motorcycles are enjoying a revival, with Triumph, Royal Enfield and Norton all offering examples in their current model line-up.

Now Watsonian sidecars have teamed up with Norman Hyde, Triumph performance specialist and sidecar speed record holder*, to create a sporty three-wheeler.

Modern Hinckley-built Bonnevilles have proved a popular choice for sidecar customers across the world as the bike's smooth power delivery and torquey engine suit sidecar driving, while Watsonian's Grand Prix sidecars, which retain the traditional octagonal nose shape dating from the 1920's, complement the Bonneville's classic styling.

This sports outfit combines a Manx sidecar, which has a shorter chassis than other models in the GP range and is thus lighter and more compact, with an 865cc fuel-injected Bonneville equipped with a host of performance accessories from Norman Hyde. These include a Power Commander and bellmouth air intake, sport silencers, rearset footrests and M bars, providing a sporty riding position to match the bike's enhanced performance. Additional stopping power is delivered by an AP Lockheed front brake disc and calliper; a steering damper and up-rated Ikon shocks beef up suspension to handle the extra weight of the car and Hyde has also specified a Givi screen for touring comfort.

Prices for the Watsonian GP Manx sidecars similar to the one pictured start at £3495 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) and for details of Norman Hyde accessories go to www.normanhyde.co.uk or call 01926 832345.

ENDS

* Norman Hyde captured the World Sidecar Land Speed Record in September 1972 on the Concorde runway at Fairford, Gloucestershire. Using a supercharged 850cc Triumph Trident powered, home built sidecar outfit (Road Runner 3) Norman averaged 161.8 mph (260.8kph) for the two way run over 1 kilometre.

TF Watson produced his first sidecar in 1912 and the company has been manufacturing sidecars in the Heart of England ever since. Following a merger with the dynamic young Squire company in 1984 Watsonian Squire became the Europe's biggest manufacturer of sidecars.

Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2010

2010-05-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to receive this photo of the Tokyo Motorcycle Show from our Japanese distributor. As you can see, Corofi have embraced retro styling with a really eye catching stand and some interesting sidecar combinations.

Freewheeling with Squire Trailers

2010-03-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service is taking a Squire motorcycle trailer to the streets, to help raise awareness and funds for the operation. Run entirely by volunteers, Freewheelers provides a free out-of-hours emergency courier service for the NHS, using specially adapted motorcycles to deliver blood, test samples, patient notes, X-rays and other essential medical supplies to hospitals in the south west of England.
Relying entirely on public donations and sponsorship, Freewheelers commissioned the Squire team to adapt a D18 motorcycle trailer for use at events across the UK to help raise the profile of the organisation and collect donations. The trailer – which will be towed by one of Freewheelers’ Honda ST1300s – has a custom built lid, which can be used as display board for promotional material and offers ample storage for banners, leaflets and fund-raising packs. Squire has also added a special floor section on which to mount an electricity generator. Freewheelers Vice Chairman, Mike Belch, said: “The Squire trailer will really boost our fund-raising efforts, as we will be able to carry everything we need. It will also be a great talking point when we visit schools, or attend shows and fetes to publicise our work.” Squire motorcycle luggage trailers are growing in popularity in Europe, and as far afield as Japan, as an alternative to bike-mounted luggage. A well-engineered modern motorcycle trailer will not significantly affect the handling or performance of a machine, yet the volume of luggage they can transport is huge – up to 595 litres. Squire has performed several feats over recent years to demonstrate how easily modern high performance motorcycles can pull a properly designed trailer and in 2002 the Company set a world record, towing a Squire D21 trailer behind a Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 motorcycle at an average speed of 139.5 mph. Prices for motorcycle luggage trailers start at around £1000 and tow bar kits are available for a large range of motorcycles and scooters. Contact Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 www.watsonian-squire.com
Editor’s notes: Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service is a registered charity and winner of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Freewheelers EVS has a coverage area that includes Somerset, Bristol, Bath and West Wiltshire and is funded entirely by public donation and sponsorship. For further info about the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service and to make a donation, visit http://www.freewheelers.org.uk/

Margate to Land's End by Vespa and Sidecar

2010-03-12T11:58:00.000-08:00

Watsonian Squire, Britain’s longest established sidecar manufacturer, is delighted to be supporting Paul King, who will be riding his Vespa T5 scooter outfit from Margate to Lands End to raise money for Help For Heroes. Setting out on 10th April 2010, Paul will be accompanied by wife, Jules, and daughter Sophie, along with members of Modern Vespa, who will all be riding from Margate in Kent along the coast until they reach Lands End the following day – a journey of 466 miles. Riders wishing to join the group for all or part of the journey are asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £50.00 per rider; more details can be found at http://helpforheroessouthcoastvesparide.blogspot.com/. Help for Heroes raises money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. Find out more about Watsonian-Squire's range of sidecars for motorcycles and scooters at http://www.watsonian-squire.com/

MP taken for a ride

2010-03-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

During a visit to Watsonian-Squire, a leading manufacturer and exporter of motorcycle sidecars since 1912 taht is based in his Cotswold constituency, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP had an opportunity to take a ride in one of the company’s sidecars and also to hear of the experience of the firm in surviving the recession (one of many in its 98-year history!)
The visit was of particular interest to Mr Clifton-Brown through his work as the Shadow Minister for International Trade and Development, with responsibility for supporting British Exporters; the company produces approximately 300 sidecars per year, exporting over 50%, with Japan - the country widely credited with destroying the power of the British motorcycle industry - being their biggest export market.
One of the key themes discussed at the meeting was the burden of legislation imposed upon businesses - the managment team at Watsonian-Squire explained that keeping pace with a constant stream of new laws and directives absorbs huge amounts of time that should be spent on growing the business.
Speaking after the visit Mr Clifton-Brown said “Everything I have seen today has greatly impressed me, from the management side of the business to the craftsmanship and pride the staff take in manufacturing such an excellent product”

Dress to the side with Boden

2010-01-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

BODEN. "Well made, individual clothing for men, women and children too". Discerning people know what to wear ... and how to transport themselves.

Squire ST3 sport sidecar and Yamaha XJR1300 outfit

2009-11-27T02:39:00.000-08:00

Squire has paired one of their ST3 sport sidecars with Yamaha’s muscular XJR 1300cc for the 2009 Motorcycle Show. This British company pioneered modern sports sidecars, developing their first model in 1973 for use with multi-cylinder Japanese superbikes of the time, such as Honda’s 750-4.

With an exceptionally strong perimeter frame, single-piece glass fibre body and 13” polished alloy wheels, the single-seat ST3 sports sidecar is particularly suitable for high performance sports motorcycles, where precise high speed handling is essential. Tipping the scales at 91KG, the ST3 measures 218cm long x 86cm wide, with 114cm of legroom for comfort and a generous boot for extra carrying capacity.

Squire merged with Watsonian sidecars in 1989 and the company still manufactures sidecars in the Heart of England, all hand built by British craftsmen.

Powered by a muscular 96 horsepower 4-cylinder engine with quality Öhlins suspension, the torquey Yamaha XJR is well suited to sidecar work and its a traditional tubular steel frame is both strong and practical for attaching sidecar fittings.

Prices for Squire ST3 sidecars similar to the one shown start at £3495 (colour matched paintwork is an optional extra). A full factory fitting service, with tuition for novice drivers, is also available.

Contact Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 or at http://www.watsonian-squire.com/

Vespa gets an Ed start with a PV1 sidecar

2009-10-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Our customers often send us photos of their outfts and this recent example caught our attention. It's a classic Vespa PX200e with a PV1 sidecar. The lightweight PV1 was specifically designed for scooters.
"Got my bits and pieces from you all a while back, very helpful people!" comments proud owner Ed.
For more information on the PV1 range click HERE.

Take control from a sidecar

2009-10-03T07:56:00.000-07:00

Watsonian Squire has been helping Warwickshire's road safety tema in their campaign urging riders to take control. We supplied a Royal Enfield Classic motorcycle and Watsonian Manx sidecar outfit to transport a cameraman, filming riders for a new road safety DVD. We hope he enjoyed his ride - the man driving the outfit is an ex-British Sperbike racer! For more details on road safety in Warwickhire click here.

Belstaff Bonneville outfit feedback

2009-08-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Just completed a three day ride from Lymington to St.Paul, near Nice. 1200 km, motorway, national roads, mountain roads, sun, electric storms and running out of petrol! Just wanted to thank you all for providing a wonderful “outfit”, much admired and great fun to drive.

All the best,

John