It's Friday: Oddball sidecar outfits redefine the word 'hybrid'
Vespa-based sidecar - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's more than one way to attach a sidecar to a motorcycle. Proving that point are the three oddball machines you see here. We're a bit partial to the Vespa you see above for the absolute potential of zero-emissions motoring provided by the pedal-powered two-wheeled sidecar, though there are other way to attack the problem of compromised passenger-carrying capabilities on a motorcycle.
François Knorreck of Italy spent some 10,000 hours of work over a ten-year period and 15,000 euros into a unique sidecar motorcycle called the Snaefell – likely named after the tallest peak on the famed Isle of Man (above left). Half the machine is based on the guts of a Laverda motorcycle, while the other half uses bits from a Volkswagen GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia.
Equally as interesting is the sidecar outfit seen above right, which combines what appears to be an older British motorcycle with a cut-down Citroen 2CV sidecar. It seems both machines are in fully working order with the older 2CV still sporting what we assume is an inoperative a steering wheel. Check out all three machines in the gallery below.
Gallery: Oddball sidecar outfits
[Source: Bikes in the Fast Lane, The New Cafe Racer Society]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DasBoese 5:03PM (6/26/2009)
lol @2cv sidecar.
At bike meets, I've seen some crazyass creations including coffins, beer barrels (this is Germany after all) and hollowed-out bombs.
A guy I know who collects motorcycles has built a motorcycle transport sidecar which looks quite hilarious when in use.
Take heed, you RUBs out there: The only legitimate way to trailer a morcycle... is with ANOTHER motorcycle! ;)
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Nikki Bloomfield 5:44PM (6/26/2009)
Actually, the Motorcycle Sidecar with the 2CV is actually the 'skeleton rider'. It's driven from the sidecar, using rack and pinion steering.
It was built by John Lewis, of Joval and Son, an MOT testing station in the Mendips, UK.
Here's a link to a magazine article which mentions it. http://tinyurl.com/mz9gd8
Trust us brits to make some crazy whacky creation. I think I've seen it around Bristol.
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DasBoese 5:48AM (6/27/2009)
Then it's even more hilarious :D
Thanks for the link & info!
stevezilla 6:00PM (6/26/2009)
Ha. I kinda like these. Crazy.
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srue 7:47PM (6/26/2009)
I'm pretty sure the definition of 'hybrid' already includes this meaning.
That said, I love these vehicles. They look like a lot of fun.
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