Sidecars have been fitted to motorcycles since the early twentieth century and enjoyed a boom in the 1950s. Since then sidecars are still available and are enjoyed by motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. Sidecars can be fitted to a variety of new and classic bikes and are a great way to add a bit of character to your motorcycle.

Riding with a sidecar looks relatively easy with an extra wheel added for stability. However many people have found the change from a motorcycle to a sidecar combination takes a little time to get used. The following tips should help you to get to grips with riding with a sidecar attached.

• It may sound simple but one of the factors that many people new to sidecars overlook is the change in Size of your vehicle. As the width will have increased considerably it will probably take a little time to get used to taking different routes and getting used to your new road presence. You may also find that some shortcuts that worked on your original bike are no longer viable so it is recommended to go for a few test runs after fitting your sidecar to adjust to the difference.
• One of the first notable differences is the Cornering when compared to a motorcycle without a sidecar. Different techniques need to be learned in order to take corners safely. In order to master each turning technique there are a few different factors to take into consideration. In films and TV programmes we commonly see motorcycles fitted with sidecars performing manoeuvres which hoist the sidecar into the air whilst cornering. These techniques can be learned but if you are going to attempt to recreate a scene from a film make sure to pay attention to which side of the vehicle the sidecar is attached to.

The Federation of Sidecar Clubs is an international organisation dedicated to sidecar enthusiasts. The federation was founded in 1958 as an international organisation which is one of the principles of the federation that is continued to be celebrated today.

The Federation prides itself on its strong links with fellow clubs across the world. The Federation organises events where people from all over the world are invited to admire each others sidecars and generally have a good time. Events and competitions are scheduled for people to take part in and enjoy as well as meeting representatives from other sidecar clubs.

The federation has a broad membership including individual enthusiasts and sidecar clubs alike. Members receive the federation’s publication Outlook twice a month which contains information about forthcoming events and other articles of interest.