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. 

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. 

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.

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

Watsonian sidecar stars in the Gadget Show

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.

New sidecar brochure

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