Watsonian Centenary Gifts

Watsonian Sidecars have produced a range of accessories to celebrate the company's 100 years in business.

Enamel lapel badge.  Measures 25mm x 17mm. £3.50

Ceramic mug. £8.50

Polo shirt is in poly/cotton mix, emroidered with the Watsonian sidecars logo. £14.95

Fleece blanket measuring 140 x 175 cm and embroidered with watsonian logo. £24.95

For details visit www.royal-enfield.com/shop/clothing-a-gifts

Sidecar mobility

Squire sidecar owner Nick from Peterborough has fitted a towbar and added a wheelchair carrier. It clamps onto the ball with a scissor like action and is locked by the ‘black’ bar across the middle. To stop it turning or leaning on the ball, there is a semi-circular cut out in the bottom of the two halves of the clamp, which grip the base of the ball. "It is VERY secure when fitted" Nick reports. The wheelchair is held on by bungee cords. Should anyone be interested in one of these then Nick would be happy to answer any questions and provide details of the supplier, who he believes is Mobility accredited. The price for the carrier is around £150.  Thanks Nick.

Watsonian Sidecars Centenary Rally Report

Watsonian sidecars' centenary rally attracted hundreds of visitors to Stoneleigh Park over the weekend of 18-19th August, with some riding their outfits from Belgium and Germany.  However, in terms of distance travelled, Watsonian's Japanese distributor, Corofi, beat them all.  Leaving Japan on 1st July, they drove their Yamaha Dragstar outfit from the eastern coast of Russia to Cabo da Roca in Portugal, the westernmost tip of Europe, finally arriving in Britain on 9th August. 

The Stareton exhibition hall at Stoneleigh housed a display of photographs, technical drawings, brochures and documents from the Watsonian archive, including the original patent for Thomas Watson's collapsible sidecar from 1912.  There were also historic sidecars including the 1933 Brough outfit that starred in the hit 1970′s sitcoms George and Mildred and Dad’s army, kindly loaned by the London motorcycle Museum, and a 1937 Rudge/Watsonian Sports combination from Coventry Transport museum.  There were even examples of Watsonian's bicycle sidecars.

By Sunday the Warwick hall was packed with an incredible array of outfits entered into the Concours, with Sunday's Best in Show awarded to the Royal Enfield Bullet 350/Watsonian outfit originally ridden by Frank Carey in the 1953 ISDT. 

There was entertainment of Saturday night, with a question and answer session starring 16-times Isle of Man TT champion Dave Molyneux, 9-times winner Mick Boddice, 1960's TT veteran Norman Hanks and Stan Dibben, who won the 1953 World Championship with Eric Oliver.  Guests could quench their thirst with a pint of Mr Watson's Bit on the Side, specially brewed for the event by the Pot Belly Brewery and The Bad Boys Band kept things rocking.     

Among the many other attractions was a sidecar driving skills test, devised by Watsonian's technical director, and an opportunity to test ride a Royal Enfield, distributed by Watsonian since 1999.

For more information on Watsonian sidecars call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

BARBOUR TEAMS UP WITH WATSONIAN FOR CENTENARY CELEBRATION

Barbour has joined forces with two of the oldest names in UK motorcycling, Watsonian Squire and Royal Enfield, to produce a one off sidecar outfit to celebrate Watsonian’s centenary year.

The combination consists of a gloss black Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle and  Watsonian GP Manx sidecar.  Both have taken Barbour’s iconic International Original A7 motorcycling jacket, famously worn by actor Steve McQueen in the 1964 International Six Day Trials, as their design inspiration.  The design incorporates the signature black and gold of the Barbour International logo, Barbour’s Modern tartan, grey cord and zip pulls from the original A7 jacket.  The outfit also sports a new tank badge, which includes both the Barbour and Royal Enfield logos, designed by the fashion photographer and film maker Nick Clements.

Founded by T.F.Watson in 1912, Watsonian sidecars provided an economical mode of transport for families throughout the UK.  The brand experienced considerable growth in the ensuing years, culminating in the height of its success in the 1950s. With the introduction of affordable family cars in the 60s, the company experienced an inevitable downturn in demand.   More recently interest in sidecars has increased again with demand growing year on year since the early 1990s.

Barbour, whose International motorcycle clothing was worn by almost every British team from the late 1930s until the 70s has a long association with Royal Enfield.  The great British trials rider Johnny Brittain, successfully rode Royal Enfield motorcycles in his Barbour International jacket throughout the 1950s and 60s.

The Barbour sidecar outfit will be on show at Watsonian's centenary rally on August 18th-19th and on the Royal Enfield stand at the Goodwood Revival from 14–16th September. For more information call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com. 

Watsonian Centenary Rally

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 a devastating factory fire in 1930. Today the company still makes Great British sidecars in the Heart of England, exporting across the globe.

Attractions at the Centenary Rally will be displayed in two exhibition halls and historic sidecars like Eric Oliver's world championship winning Norton, the Brough outfit that starred in hit 1970's sitcoms George and Mildred and Dad's army and a one-off Watsonian 1000cc v-twin motorcycle combination from 1950. Star guests include multiple TT champions Dave Molyneux and Mick Boddice, 1953 world sidecar champion Stan Dibben and sidecar speed record holder Norman Hyde (on Sunday). 

Among the many other attractions are the company archives, driving skills test, prizes for Best in Show (whatever the make), trade stands and an opportunity to test ride Royal Enfield motorcycles, which have been distributed by Watsonian since 1999.

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 selling a special celebration ale.

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.  Children under 16 go free and parking is also free  For more information on the Centenary Rally call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

MP joins Ride to Work Day to promote British exports

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, MP for The Cotswolds, travelled to work at the House of Commons in a sidecar on Monday 18th June as part of the Ride to Work Day celebrations.  Ride To Work Day is an international opportunity for motorcycle and scooter riders around the world to share the enjoyment of their daily commute and Geoffrey was invited to participate by Watsonian sidecars, Britain's only remaining major manufacturer of sidecars, who are located in the MP's constituency in the Heart of England.

“Not only is Geoffrey Clifton-Brown our MP, he's also a champion of British manufacturers like us, who export their products, so this is a great opportunity to raise the profile of Great British sidecars” explains Watsonian sales director Ben Matthews, who drove the outfit.

“Watsonian celebrates its centenary this year and not many companies in the British motorcycle industry can make that claim” he continues.  “We've survived two world wars, the Great Depression of 1929  and a devastating fire that destroyed our factory in 1930.  Today exports account for half of our production, with strong sales to Japan, Germany and France, so it's vital that the Government does all it can to support British manufacturing.”

The sidecar in which Geoffrey rode is a Watsonian Wizard, powered by a Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycle, based on the combinations that the factory supplied for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which appeared in the spectacular chase sequence in which Harry Potter flees from the Death Eaters in a sidecar outfit driven by Hagrid. 

“Ever since I first visited Watsonian Squire a number of years ago and discovered what an effective exporting company they were I have been a great supporter of theirs” says Geoffrey Clifton-Brown. 

“We had about a 3/4 of an hour trip in from Putney” explains Geoffrey. “It's been a wonderful experience.  You see things that you wouldn't normally see in a car.  I think this is a great way to travel.”

Watsonian will be hosting a centenary celebration rally at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18th-19th August 2012.  For more information on this and Watsonian's current range of sidecars and details of the centenary rally call 01386 700907 or visit watsonian-squire.com. 

Sidecar Saturday at the Ace Cafe

Watsonian sidecars will be at London's famous Ace Cafe on Sidecar Saturday (31st March 2012) as part of the British manufacturer's centenary celebrations.

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 to the Ace Cafe's Sidecar Saturday will have an opportunity to see the Watsonian Wizard outfit, based on the combinations that the factory supplied for the filming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Watsonian supplied several sidecar Royal Enfield Bullet/GP Manx combinations to the film-makers for use in the spectacular chase sequence in which Harry Potter flees from the Death Eaters in a sidecar outfit driven by Hagrid.

Watsonian will also be promoting their centenary rally, which they are hostnig at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry on 18-19th Aug 2012.  Attractions 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.      

For more information on Watsonian's current range of sidecars and details of the centenary rally call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com.

Watsonian sidecars centenary rally

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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).