Now obsolete, sidecars (three-wheeled machines carrying a passenger) were indeed part of a racing weekend. The championship was therefore, in the same way as the 500CC, included in the motorcycle Grands Prix. A look back at these years of glory and engineering.
Present on the calendar since the first edition of the Grands Prix in 1949, she remained there until 1996. The drivers and monkeys (the passengers) are then enormously respected as the speeds of passing curves are crazy, et all the time at the limit.
It is also a real team effort, which is complicated to implement and requires work, again and again. A real chemistry must develop. Since 1949, different brands have taken part, but BMW in particular stood out.
Indeed, there is what we can call a dynasty. At the beginning of the 1950s, Norton gave way to the Bavarian firm, then technologically advanced. The flat twin, while not very effective in motorcycle racing, was a delight for sidecar platforms, because it was easy to hitch and balance. Let's summarize: to win, you need a two-legged BMW, and a basket that you attach.
Max Deubel and Emil Hörner at Assen in 1963. Photo: Jack de Nijs / Anefo
As simple as that. But over time, aerodynamics and the question of the center of gravity play an increasingly important role and bother mechanics and engineers. But the Germans do not flinch: BMW was involved in world titles from 1954 to 1974.
This outrageous domination is embodied by legends, also mainly from across the Rhine. From the talented duo Wilhelm Noll / Fritz Cron to the legendary duo composed of Klaus Enders and Ralf Engelhardt (five world champion titles).
But the category took another turn in the 1970s. Having become archaic, the Bavarian machine was no longer relevant. We move on to the motorcycle + basket formula with a prototype, no more, no less.
Already, engine level. We move from more or less basic machines to outboard motors, to gain agility and weight. From there, the point of no return had passed. To support the sometimes excessive torque and power of the König flat-four cylinders, it was necessary to reinvent the gearboxes in order to obtain the best efficiency.
But regarding the chassis, there was still room. And one country in particular has specialized in this area: Switzerland. In addition to chocolate, Helvetia offered us mechanical wizards, having produced unprecedented monsters, with Louis Christen from LCR and Eric Vuagnaz (Seymaz) in the lead.
And that's when we realize that the category is missing. The latter was very open to technology and allowed modern-day engineer-magicians freedom. Between sidecars with two directional wheels and chassis directly inspired by F1, it was a treat to see these incredibly noisy machines hitting the circuits. It was different. But so impressive. The machines were not similar either. Over a weekend, we could see LCR, Seymaz, Windle, TTM, BEO, Busch chassis… with sometimes flashy decorations.
Many stars competed at the same time: here Rolf Biland and his monkey Kurt Waltisperg (n°1), followed by the Dutch Egbert Streuer and Bernard Schnieders at the TT Assen 1984. Photo Marcel Antonisse / Anefo
Engine-wise, we had evolved: The Yamaha TZ500 mills were favored and monopolized the highest steps of the podiums. Switzerland had taken the lead even in the pilot classification. Legend Rolf Biland and his friend Kurt Waltisperg win seven titles, over three different decades. A few strong drivers shared the championships, but the clashes were always worth it. The stars are German, Swiss, Dutch, and even… French.
Indeed, in 1990, Alain Michel and his monkey Simon Birchall (a British) prevailed and won the crown on a magnificent LCR, powered by Krauser. At the end of a spectacular year and fierce duels against Steve Webster (ten titles) and Egbert Streuer, the Drômois is still today the only French world champion pilot in the discipline.
But at present, the category has fallen by the wayside a bit. After its ouster from the Grand Prix world at the end of 1996, the championship has continued to evolve and move, and has not yet found its final form. Very little publicized, only one race still highlights these warriors: The Tourist Trophy. Sidecars have remained popular on the Isle of Man, remaining the highlight of a specialist's year and still running at truly absurd speeds.
It's almost a shame that this part of the history of motorcycle sports is almost forgotten today, because the diversity that was offered, the colorful decorations, the legendary duels, as well as the singing sounds always occupy a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts.
Cover photo: Stu Newby
