Skip to main content
English French German Italian Spanish

Big 4 sidecar

Forums

Well the Minnesota beast is on the road. I have a 54 big 4 with a watsonian palma on the left side. After about 75 miles of learning(never drove a sidecar) I am getting more comfortable. I have not been above 50mph as it seems to be about the top end. 35 to 45 seems to be a comfort top speed for the bike. Am I correct on this. It does gave factory sidecar gearing. I have no issues with the speeds just wondering if I am correct on my thoughts. The beast!!

Permalink

"The Motor Cycle" published a test report in 1950 on a Big Four with sidecar.  They wrote "the machine would maintain its 50-53 mph all day long, apparently without effort".  They quote a maximum of 55.

Permalink

I had a Big 4 with D/A sidecar as my first bike 55 years ago - that thing would do 45mph everywhere - uphill as well (including the hills in Wales!), think I saw 50mph once but probably due to speedo “bounce”

Bruce

Permalink

.. was a 1948  16H with a Watsonian Avon. It would do 55-ish but became quite terrifying if I pushed it, probably also due to my incompetence at piloting a combination.

Permalink

Hi David, great looking outfit!

Not sure if they ever crossed the pond, but for your entertainment, you could search for images of "Wallace and Gromit motorcycle"- might give you a few ideas if you want to change the paint scheme!

 


Norton Owners Club Website by White-Hot Design