I am looking for any information on two sidcars. A little backstory, I work a motorcycle shop and a customer gave me two sidecars off of a 1980 goldwing 1100 that he is converting back to a 2 wheeler. He was given the Goldwing but had no interest in the sidecars. The Goldwing has a strange aftermarket fork setup which I am sure is setup specifically for sidecars.
One is a Wastonian Cambridge. This is the bigger of the two and is really cool looking. It is made out of fiberglass(I think), it is much bigger than the other one, could almost fit two people in it.
The second sidecar is a smaller metal one, it looks like a Ural sidecar. The tires say they are made in the Ukraine. I am working on getting more detailed pictures of both but the metal one had no really noticeable manufacturer markings. It does have a drum braking system and has offroadish tires on it.
Metal sidecar is Dnepr made in city Kiev - capital of Ukraine. Tires standard for Dnepr on/off road.
The Watsonian was imported by SideStrider, Inc. in Van Nuys, CA by Doug Bingham.
That shop is now closed but Doug may still be the importing agent for their products.
His phone # is 818-903-1157.
The Dnepr interchanges (mountwise) with the URAL and Chang Jiang sidecars. DMC furnishes mounts for either one.
If you use the Dnepr, which is a good solid sidecar, replace the wheels. They are rarely (if ever) round and will give an evil ride.
With slow speeds and deep mud and snow round, true wheels weren't required for the military in the Ukraine.
Lonnie
those forks are as you suspect , for use with a sidecar. they are not recommended for use with a solo bike , be careful.
Put the forks on ebay they'll pay for a correct set of Honda forks. Very iffy to ride solo with them.
Sid
Some LL forks have two shock and axle positions.
One for solo riding and one for sidecar usage.
Lonnie
If they fitted an '89 GL1500 I'd buy them off you, though the shipping might hurt.
Sid
sidcar , i doubt if they would fit an 89 wing, the forks have brake mounting lugs that would line up with brakes on an 1100 wing, would 89 brakes fit? inside diameter of frame clamps or center distance from one fork leg to the other may or may not fit, the frames are several generations apart, i have no idea what effect this will have on the trail, these forks look like unit forks which are custom made for specific models, they were sold by heddingham sidecars, don't know if they are still in business, however you would save on shipping charges.
I have EZ-Steer triple trees at the moment which are very good but I wouldn't mind being able to fit a car wheel and tyre.
My sidecar is an Oxford the three sister version of your Cambridge.
Sid
The Watsonian is for sale on Ebay if anyone is interested, I will probably put the other one up for sale soon also. I would personally love to keep one of them but do not have the space.
I am watching Ebay.... waiting for a tax return ;).... If you are like me check this: http://www.haulbikes.com/ship_bike_sidecar.html
