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sidecar tech

The Superside America Sidecar - Inside And Out

The Superside America Sidecar is very different from traditional and vintage sidecars. They are either Formula 1 (F1) or Formula (F2) racing machines. F1 Sidecars are normally longer, and have a larger displacement engine than the F2 Sidecars. Both race at the same time.

Body

The Body is streamlined and ultra-lightweight, made from Carbon Fiber, Kevlar and Fiberglass. It often consists of several sections to make maintenance, repairs and transport easier. There are several air intakes for the engine intake and cooling and brake cooling. At the back is a platform and several handles for the Passenger.

Chassis

Under the Body is a tube or monocoque chassis. A tube chassis is built from 4130 chromemoly steel tubing welded together, while the monocoque chassis is made from aircraft grade aluminum, cut, folded and then glued and riveted together. On the right you can see a monocoque chassis section.

Engine

Sidecar engines are all-out racing motorcycle engines, many producing over 200 horsepower. Some common sidecar engines are Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha. Shown in the picture is a Suzuki GSX-R 1000cc engine, mounted in front of the rear wheel. The exhaust headers face front, with the black air intake box on top of the engine.

Front Wheel

The front wheel connects to the chassis with two 4130 steel a-arms. A link steering system connects the handlebars to the wheel. In the picture, the front wheel is connected to the chassis with the upper and lower a-arms with the handlebars above. In front is the square air intake used to cool the brakes.

Rear Wheel

The rear wheel is also connected to the chassis with 4130 chromemoly steel link rods, called a multi-link suspension. Every aspect is adjustable for the best track grip. The rear wheel is the only drive wheel, powered by the chain directly from the engine. Changing the rear sprocket size changes the gearing. In the picture are several link rods, and the chain and sprocket.

Sidecar Wheel

The sidecar wheel is mounted solid to the chassis. The wheel angle can be adjusted, for the best grip, and also to help ‘steer’ into right corners. For left corners, the sidecar wheel is normally in the air!