Watsonian concocts a tasty side dish
Yes, we know that the BMW R18 Classic cruiser is a new and very modern machine and, as such, shouldn’t really be sullying the pages of OBM ,but we really like this concept sidecar that Watsonian has built and which we think makes the big Beemer look much better!
The R18, with its 1800cc boxer twin is an ideal sidecar hauler, but Watsonian decided not simply to build a chair, but to ensure that it reflected the heritage of the Bayerische Motoren Werke. Thus this concept sidecar has been designed to echo the lines of the modern bike but with a nod to BMW sports car styling of the 1930s.
The body shell sits on a specially designed platform chassis, with independent suspension, and an R18 front wheel for balance, both physical and aesthetic. In order to mount the sidecar as close to the motorcycle as possible, a section of the nose was removed and a heat shield fitted, to accommodate the large cylinder protruding from the engine block.
Every Watsonian sidecar is built to order in the Cotswold factory, so customers can specify features to suit their own motorcycle. In this case, non-standard items fitted to the sidecar included a R18 front wheel and mudguard, a hand-beaten aluminium heat shield, pinstriping on the nose in the shape of the radiator grilles on 1930s BMWs and more hand-painting pinstriping on the rear. The final effect is both striking and elegant and we are rather taken with it. For information on the range of Watsonian sidecars call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsonian-squire.com