Wow,that brought back memories for me.Back in the 1960's my Father rode a BSA Spitfire 650,He had a 2 person sidecar fitted.We used to go for family holidays in it.My mum used to sit on the back of the bike,and my Sister and I used to sit in the sidecar.Great video thanks!

A quote I once read described riding a motorcycle and sidecar as “The art of doing the impossible with the unrideable.” Tongue in cheek, of course.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds about right!

When I was an apprentice back in the seventies in Greet, Birmingham, Watsonian were next door. Always cool looking set ups about. Good to see they're still going.

Thanks for bringing back memories of my BMW R80RT with Watsonian sidecar. This was our main vehicle up to the early 1990s and was used for everything from supermarket shopping to touring all over England. It’s amazing how much you can carry. Fitting leading link forks makes steering so much easier. Sadly, deteriorating bodies, poor circulation and severe northern winters made it necessary for me to learn to drive a car, relatively late in life. Fortunately, fun on 2 wheels continues in fair weather.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Nice one - and interesting what you say about the forks….

I waited until I got old to get into sidecars because I was dropping my 2 wheel bike too often. I should have done it decades ago! It's so much fun. Currently I have a Dnepr mt-11 sidecar rig I restored. In the UK they were sold as Cossack Motorcycles. BTW I'm in Alabama, USA so the sidecar is on the right side of the bike. Anyway a couple of months ago a Velorex 562 sidecar came up for sale cheap so I purchased it. I restored it because it sat in a barn for many years. I put it on my Honda Shadow and really enjoy it as well. I had to build a sub-frame to adapt the sidecar to the bike.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cool!

Ref the Jaffa cakes… biscuits go soft when they’re stale, cakes go hard so that’s one way of deciding what they are. Cracking vid and stunning scenery. Fun day out was had by the look of it. Cheers 👍👍👍

@RichO1701e

2 жыл бұрын

Was just about to comment the same thing! I learned that from Qi on bbc2.

@davidmcgee30

2 жыл бұрын

The “cake” or “biscuit” debate is a tax question!!! VAT is charged on “luxury” items (cakes) but no “essential” (biscuits) … companies like McVities would try and say ingredients were for biscuits to NOT pay VAT!!

@bmwgsblackgus7636

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant this is such a depth of knowledge 👏👌

Over the 46 years I’ve been riding on the road I’ve owned three sidecar rigs. (Insanity runs in the family 🤪.) As you found out it neither handles like a bike nor a car 😉. They can be a lot of fun, but if you are going to hustle one down a twisty road it takes a good bit of upper body strength, and by the end of the day you know you’ve had a workout 😆🏍👍!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I was surprised at how physical an endeavour it is!

The mix of content on your channel is superb, Andy. I absolutely love it. I notice the permanent patch of blue sky is evident!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Very kind of you to say so! Thanks very much - and yes blue sky has been very rare this year in Blighty!!

When i started riding in the early 70s sidecars were common, it was a way of getting past the 250 limit if you were a learner.

So many wonderful things in this video! The ones I loved the most: those towns! So beautiful, especially if you're not used to the architecture and landscaping; Dan's factory tour! I adore seeing those small industries where people actually build stuff, with their hands! And those machines?! On the rigs: would love to try my luck with one; would never, ever, under any circumstances, get in the car! At least, not with one of my friends riding. Come to think of it, they wouldn't want to get in the car with me riding, either! :) Thanks Andy. I really enjoyed this one.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant to hear Paulo, glad you enjoyed it!

After watching Americans review big Indian bobbers on desert highways, I really appreciated this video of three Englishmen reviewing Cornish pasties and mucking around on country lanes in a sidecar. This highlights the ideological difference between American 'spirited' and English 'fair-weather' riding. Bloody lovely, jolly good.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Just reminds me of "On The Busses" when Arthur's bike and Olive's side car parted ways....

I passed my test on a BMW 60/6 and Squire ST2, but not before I drove through a brick wall on day one of course. Loved it. Cousin Tom, Perth, Oz, built and dirt-raced the V8 combo used in 1st Mad Max, he's still got it if you want to pop over, I must.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love too!

Since this year i also had a Sidecar mounted to my Harley - I love driving

Brought back memories of a metal box sidecar hooked to my '53 Cushman scooter. Excellent video and content choice!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so! Thank you….

Fantastic video Andy this channel gets better and better really interesting the cotswolds is my favourite play ground and on a sunny day I love it keep up,the good work your friends have a wealth of knowledge 😎👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

I like to associate myself with people that know more about stuff than me - that way I’m always learning. Thanks for the kind comments - much appreciated!

As a sidecar owner I thoroughly recommend the absurd joy of three wheels.

Well, who would have thought you could get 'spray-on-naise'!! You learn something new everyday 😂

Great video! Not only did you get to ride on & in a combo, you got to experience some of the great Cotswold roads too. An ex workmate had to deliver a Bonneville to Watsonian for them to do their thing and he came back just blown away by the place and people there! Those pasties looked very tempting. Have also noted the cafe for a future ride out.

10/10 for having a go! I did challenge a big Scottish man to come ride my sidecar but he chickened 🐔🐥🍗🐣🐤🐓out!! Your steering was heavy because you didn't have a leading link fork setup! Well done! 👍

Brilliant , enjoyed watching that - Thanks 👍🏻🌞

Wishing Watsonian would bring back the Oxford. Such a great sidecar. I enjoyed the vid. Thanks 👍

What a fantastic video,gotta be one of the best I’ve seen,Dan’s tour was very informative and interesting. Really enjoyed that.👍🏻

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Barry - thabnks for watching!

Good to see that sidecars are still going strong and good video TMF

Lots of fun! As a Ural rider, i remember my first month or so... Exciting :)

What a timing! I was looking at sidecars today so our dog(s) could go with me

Three men and a sidecar. Carry on with marvellous trips. I’m really enjoying them.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Trevor - glad to hear it!

Firstly, that was absolutely brilliant! I never gave sidecars a second thought, but after seeing the Watsonian tour and demonstration, (you looked way out of your comfort zone) i am now quite interested in them. I was impressed by the very substantial looking tubular frame and also how well the Enfield seemed to handle the extra weight. I assume that any bike can be fitted with one, which would solve the problems we shorter leg types have with tall bikes.

Brilliant video. Really interesting to see how the handling changes with the sidecar attached and that Royal Enfield looks really good with that sidecar.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes great match aren’t they…

I had a Watsonian GP fitted to a Triumph Scrambler when my daughter was 1 and she rode in it until she was 8! The guys at the factory are real enthusiasts and looked after us really well! You have to ‘re-learn’ how to ride - but great fun and a real magnet whenever we were out and about!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes and I bet….a lot of fun and a very different experience!

Great vid Andy .such a wide range of motorcycling that you cover. Keep them coming 👍👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Phillip!

Loved the shop tour! Brilliant.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Martin!

Sunshine, bikes, beer good food and friends what more could you ask for in summer. Cheers great video.

Great episode mate, and nice perspective on the hack!

Well done TMF nice change to see the sidecars buddy. And a real great couple of guys is Geoff and Dan how lucky you are to have mates like that. Great work as usual buddy thanks for the entertainment

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Our pleasure red leader! Was a fun day out on a rare sunny day!

I love the Cotswolds. Beautiful part of the world. Liking the scran series.

Brilliant video Andy....one of your best. Big thank you to Dan and Geoff . 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Had a BMW80/7 with a Watsonian Palma child adult outfit when my two lads were little ( couldn’t afford two cars and I like my bikes) we went everywhere in/on it. At Primary school they were the coolest kids arriving in the outfit. Happy days thanks for the video brought back some great memories

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

Buying a Ural combination last year has redefined my definition of normal. Huge fun.

Yet another entralling watch!! I started my riding life after passing my test, twice round the copshop and courthouse in Watford while the examiner waited to jump out in front of me!!, on a Matchless 500cc Twin with sidecar attached. Hand painted it bright orange and covered the runs with Dunlop Groundhog stickers, then used it for college and weekend fun! Don't remember it seeming difficult although I did have a few hairy moments turning left with the wife to be in the chair!!

One of the most interesting “flyer” videos of the many I have viewed! Thanks for giving me the introduction to sidecar riding! It makes me want to know more as I have spent many hours in “taildraggers” myself!

@TheMissendenFlyer

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful! Makes tail-dragging seems easy believe me!!!

Really good interesting video, my first and only experience of riding with a sidecar was when working as an apprentice in the early 80,s and having to collect a Suzuki GT750 with a double Adult sidecar for service, had no experience whatsoever one of the scariest trips I’ve ever made. For some strange reason I now feel I need to get a sidecar. Top stuff TMF.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Ian! Harder than it looks eh?

What a beautiful area! We will hit 40 Degrees in the DC area today, so enjoy the nice weather. Great content!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly that weather only lasted a day or two - back to cloudy and grim again now :0(

I used to have a BSA A65 with a Watsonian CA (child/adult) sidecar complete with a sidecar brake. It was initially a little tricky to get the hang of, but great fun once you got used to it. The party trick was to turn the bars sharp left, and bring the sidecar up into the air, and then hold it there.

Was in the cotswolds on holiday in June visited Bibury & went for a brew at the flag n whistle very nice the Royal Enfield club was in for a brew to. Jaffa cakes go hard so it's a cake great love Jeff n Dan.🏍

👍 Many thanks for another enjoyable video, great to see a traditional British company exporting their products around the world. Massive fan of steam trains they were built in the days when men were men and Britain ruled the world. You should try and get a ride on a steam engine foot plate shovelling coal Into the firebox whilst whilst the train thunders through the country side, it's an amazing experience.

It makes me smile.... all those bikes in your garage but you're still going there on your GS. Just like my GS. Great channel. Cheers.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

It's a great machine for this sort of mission....

Just when you thought that TMF couldn't get any more enjoyable - absolutely marvelous way to start a Sunday!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! So glad you liked it!

Great video, I had a laugh out loud, as your laughter seemed more of a frightened laugh than enjoyment. But looks like great fun. 👍👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Frightened? Me? The very thought of it…..

Fantastic wee video, I really enjoyed it, I hope it becomes a regular. Dan is a real character and he is so enthusiastic it infectious. Thanks Andy. Perhaps a mini series Andy, Dan and Geoff Do Stuff might be an idea.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Biker Scran is a regular feature!

Remember the scenes of the A40 as we headed from Richmond via the M40 then the A40 in 2015 heading to Cheltenham and the Racecourse railway Station for a ride on a small steam train. Lovely seeing the same countryside via your videos - thanks!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like ‘em - thanks for watching!

Some funny quotes: "More spinach required!", and "plus, I'm a bit frightened.." Good one! I'd be a bit frightened too.

Absolutely brilliant Mr Flyer.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Enjoyed that one looked like you were in a bobsleigh 😂 not my thing but looked like you had fun. Oh and I love Jaffa cakes 😀

Wow, that brought some memories flooding back. I used to live in Burford before packing my bags and moving out to Botswana over 15 yrs ago. Great video..... 🖒

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Wow - glad to trigger some memories for you, Botswana quite different to Burford I imagine???

@wildlifeinclose-up1960

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheMissendenFlyer I'd say - lot hotter for a start, and more bush to explore...... 🏍🏍🤘

I wonder why I spend more time enjoying your blogs than Netflix ! . I’ve been watching your videos for a few years and log on hoping you have released another one . It’s often brought up in conversation “ have you seen the latest TMF” u tube. Keep them coming Andy and Mrs Flyer . Time to get the triumph out ! 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Wow really?! That’s great - so glad you like my efforts!!

lovely, I love sidecars. Completely different sort of fun

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Sure is!

Would be Nice with a slow pace documentary on the sidecar production and design - really epic stuff😀

Awesome…Great video 👍❤️🎥

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank your Peter!

Lovely stuff. Living between Stow and Chipping Norton, it’s a nice local haunt.

@TheMissendenFlyer

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Wow fascinating skill set . Turns out Wallace of Gromit fame and George of Mildred fame were very talented riders ! Peace and love brother 👍🏻☮❤

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes they were! Who knew!!!

That was very interesting 🙂 thank you. Always wondered how that might feel in a sidecar. Feel like I know now lol. Cheers

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it Ian - cheers!

What’s lot of laughs that looked like! Glad,you all had a fab day!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes the sunshine came out so we couldn’t fail to have a good time (it’s been raining since it seems!!)….

Fascinating vid👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great video as usual. I really like the guy that comes to The Bike Shed in London. Sidecar with great dane wearing pilot glasses 🤓🤣🤣🤣

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cool!

I love those biker scran videos. :D

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear - thanks for watching!

Come for the motorcycle content, stay for the lighthearted and thoroughly entertaining banter. LOL. A++ would recommend.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you as ever Scott!

Great encouragement to bring out and ride the '54 Velocette MSS and Watsonian Palma as the weather has improved. Still in a bit of a shutdown in Auckland NZ.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

I hope you get out of it soon Michael - I'm not sorry to see the back of those....we've had out fill too!

Fantastic. Nothing has changed since I visited with GoldWing Owners Club of GB possibly twenty or more years ago, and probably not changed much prior to that visit either. Definitely looks tempting. Don’t think the Himalayan would be powerful enough to take one.

That’s got to be the most sedate run up Fish Hill anyone’s every videoed 😀😀😀

Great video as always. I’m going to buy a T100 and have a sidecar built for it in a couple of years.

@jimmieporter3282

2 жыл бұрын

I can recommend the T120 over the T100 based on my personal experience of owning a operating the T100.

I remember landing in Normandy on one then riding to Berlin one sunny June

Growing up 'the life of Rielly' was the wonderful life one could aspire to but I never heard a mention of motorcycles or aeroplanes with that reference so now I've realised it's actually 'the life of Andy' 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

He he - you only see the good bits….

Takes me back, my first experience of motorcycles was as a nine year old in my brothers Tiger 110 with an enormous Watsonian double adult sidecar - I was terrified! Quite rightly as it happens, he ended up driving it through an advertising hoarding at the bottom of our street....

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Whoops! Easily done I imagine….

Howdoo TMF Loved the vid, especially the sidecar bit. We are looking at that as an option for my wife because of medical reasons she can't ride herself anymore but with a sidecar it should be fine, plus then the kids can go with :)

Such fun… great video. As a Ural rider, I can appreciate the quirks you found!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Must try one of those some day - powered sidecar wheel is intriguing!

@alanottley

2 жыл бұрын

I really hope you get a chance to, Andy. If you do, take it green laning… it is awesome that they don’t fall over!

I have the RST sabre airbag jacket which I find is great. Tried the tether jackets and just seemed to much of a faff was constantly worried about stepping off the bike and setting the airbag off. Love the great vids as always!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks - much appreciated!

Awesome chap's 👌🏻

Good video,interesting that.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it Gerry!

I have a Ural, they are a blast to drive

14:55 .. The Lygon arms ! Book a room and make sure you get a dinner table in the barrel shaped dining room. Utterly lovely.

Great vid

Great vid😎🇨🇦

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Back in the olden days my uncle had a motorcycle outfit .This was a old Brit Panther 600 thumper ,with a mahoosive sidecar the size of half a bus attached .I used to love calling in to visit as he welcomed any excuse to take it out for a spin & always offered to give me a lift .He used to tour all over North Wales & Snowdonia in the Summer with my ant & cousins aboard .It was riding pillion on that old Panther together with the sound of the exhaust & whiff of proper oil & leaded juice that developed my life long interest in motorcycling .I have often thought about looking out an old Enfield Bullet & side car to take Monty our little French Bulldog out with me Wallace & Gromit style .Great video something a bit different and very interesting ,nice one Mr Flyer very entertaining 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed it…

@Trevor_Austin

2 жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you are talking about and especially the huge sidecars that some people had; a cross between a garden shed and a greenhouse and probably less aerodynamic. They also appeared to have similar springs to prams. They were often occupied by Mum and the younger kids with the eldest on the pillion. The oil smell you mention is also in my memory. Modern oils just don’t smell the same.

@maskedavenger2578

2 жыл бұрын

@@Trevor_Austin A lot of ordinary people back then were just being able to afford a small family car ,& the motorcycle outfit was quite common .it was used just like the modern family car for work shopping & touring / holidays .I must admit the large sidecars looked a right monstrosities even worse when stacked up front & back with suitcases as well .I remember riders making homemade windshields out of huge pieces of Perspex that they nicked from work full of pop rivets ,The head gear was old leather flying helmets & goggles worn with old RAF greatcoats & big gauntlets.,non of that fancy Revvit or Tourtech swag .When I first started motorcycling on road in 1971 it was a pleasure to ride the whiff from that old oil & old leaded juice up your nostrils was brilliant ,it’s not the same anymore.with this awful unleaded Ethanol stuff & cats .

@Trevor_Austin

2 жыл бұрын

@@maskedavenger2578 I’m right with you. When we moved to a new house in 1963 a neighbour, Mr. Edwards, had the motorcycle and sidecar I described. He also had the ex-military rubberised overcoat and huge gauntlets. I also remember our chimney sweep had a sidecar as did the plumber, his tools jingling around in the sidecar. The sweep also had a small dog. You have really jogged my memory.

@maskedavenger2578

2 жыл бұрын

@@Trevor_Austin I was reading one of those old bike news papers they give out free with motorcycle mags & in some bike dealers a couple of years back .It showed a full centre page black & white photo of Rhyl in North Wales sea front in the late 1950 ‘s or early 1960’s ,the place was full of motorcycles & motorcycle combinations ..Now if you saw one it would be a very rare sight .When I started riding no body had a full face helmet & we only wore an open face if it was cold or raining ,I reckon I have even jogged my own memory too lol 👍

We bought one of the barefoot caravans a few years ago. Bloody brilliant fun and very unique. 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I hate to say it but they did look very cool - I even took pictures of the interiors to show Mrs Flyer…

@Steven-Brooks

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheMissendenFlyer I sense the Missenden Caravaner incoming!! 😀

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

If only you knew…..

I had a GS 1000 and a GS 850 shift drive Suzuki early 1980s with the above mentioned sidecar , when my first child came along so I didn't have to give up the bikes ,

Andy doing his on the buses routine of Harold and Olive motorcycle and sidecar 🤣🤣🤣🤣

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Before my time!

Cotswolds not far from me as you say it is a lovely area to ride That RE goes well with a chair sounds good to, cheers Andy 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

Funny things.. only yesterday musing on the idea of getting and old eastern block outfit.. having never ridden one.. and here we are.. 😁

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

I aim to please!

Nice to see the cast of 'last of the summer wine' out and about!! Or is it wallace & grommit (+1)!!!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cheeky!

I agree all the gear all the time gets tempting here downunda onthe Gold Coast to go shirt and shorts as it gets a bit warm here. riding with a side car looked hard

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

It was!

Great video. How about a follow-up with an outfit sporting leading link forks? I've heard that they are easier to handle. Cafe noted for future day trips👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Yes a few have mentioned that!

Superb TMF. Trying yo get Mrs Traveller interested. Think it would be great for a long tour. Especially as climbing onto the thumper is getting harder work for her. It's tall. Increased comfort, luggage capacity and weather protection haven't swayed her yet. Still working on it. Thank you Happy travels 😁👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Persistence is the key!

Remarkably, this video was completed in under one hour! The previous one took even longer. A really fascinating series.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching and for stopping by…

Great to see a good ole fashioned Workshop. Not a robot in sight. Halcyon days of manufacturing. One of your better vlogs TMF 👍

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers!

A bit tardy, but I always enjoy these, Andy. The spin about in a sidecar was an added treat! Superb!

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

A bit tardy? How come??? What am I late for??

@stitch3163

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheMissendenFlyer not you, Andy. My view of the video and my comment was a week behind… hence I was tardy.

@TheMissendenFlyer

2 жыл бұрын

Oh OK - you are excused then! :0)

you should bring Geoff and Dan on tour some time, i think it would be hilarious 😂

Had to laugh at Ur sidecar antics . Had an original 1976 squire attached to yamaha 500 twin 8 valve .only 1 serious mod respoked with grasstrack spokes ( a friend) ..honestly worse the weather better the fun . Throw it at right handers and open the throttle even at Arc du Triomphe . Love an outfit . Loved the V Strom - my current ride

Very interesting reportage, I would love to add a basket on a Z900RS !

@TheMissendenFlyer

5 ай бұрын

I know these guys have made one for the z900rs since we filmed this….

Just getting used to my Triumph Bonneville and Watsonian side car 👍