Can You Identify These Motorcycles with Sidecars?

Robin Tyler

Image: Wiki Commons via Lothar Spurzem

About This Quiz

Just after the motorcycle was invented, someone wanted to find a way to bring along more people for the ride, so to say. And the sidecar was invented. 

In all seriousness, did you know its invention is thanks to a cartoon? In 1903, a cartoon by George Moore showed a motorcycle with a sidecar. A few weeks later, that design had been patented by WJ Graham who then took the concept into production in partnership with Jonathan Khan in Middlesex, England.

And that's how the sidecar was born.

It became all the rage in the early part of the 20th Century and had uses beyond recreation. In fact, dispatch riders during World War I were sometimes given motorcycles with sidecars so a passenger and a machine gun could add some protection to their dangerous journey. The motorcycle and sidecar became even more valuable in World War II where both the Allied and Axis powers designed motorcycle and sidecars for a number of duties.

And then they faded away...

Luckily for us, sidecars are making a comeback, particularly in tourism, and are a great way to get out and about.  So let's see if you can identify the motorcycles attached to sidecars or specific motorcycles with sidecar models on their own. 

Good luck!

A very early motorcycle and sidecar combination. Do you know the make?

One of the earliest motorcycle and sidecar combinations, the Thor Twin is a true antique. In fact, Thor was responsible for producing the first sidecars in America from 1912 onward.

The motorcycle in this image is of British origin. What is it?

The Norton Big 4 was used by Allied military forces during World War II and could carry up to three men. It was made well before the war, however, and found favor from civilian customers as well.

A more modern motorcycle and sidecar combo, this was a standalone unit. What is its name?

Built in the mid-1990s, the GG Duetto is a high-performance motorcycle and sidecar combo. Around 30 units were built over a five-year period.

Used in the British Army from 1914, can you identify this motorcycle with sidecar?

Designed in 1914, the Triumph H was used by the British Army during World War I. It often had a sidecar attached as well, thus adding space for a passenger.

Name this motorcycle/sidecar model, please.

Classic bike and sidecar producer Ural has a range of models for a new generation of sidecar fans. The cT is the perfect machine to get into the sidecar game, easy to ride and customizable as well. It comes in three assorted colors.

This sidecar was purposely built for this motorcycle. Can you name this combo?

One of the world’s great touring bikes, the Honda Goldwing can add another passenger with a sidecar. One such option is a sidecar made by GTL.

This motorcycle/sidecar combination could reach 75 mph! Any ideas as to what it is called?

A German motorcycle, the DKW-RT-350 was often paired with a Binder sidecar. This combination could reach 75 mph.

With off-road tires, this motorcycle/sidecar combo can go just about anywhere. Name it, please.

Introduced in 2015, the Scrambler has off-road tires for off-road adventuring. It looks like it was made for the beaten path.

Another old motorcycle and sidecar combo. Do you know what it is?

Another brilliant example of an early motorcycle model with a sidecar. The Excelsior Twin was powered by a 1000cc engine.

Name this motorcycle and sidecar combo, please.

This pre-war Polish motorcycle was designed with a sidecar. Around 3,400 were built between 1934 and 1939.

It was used by British forces during World War II. Can you name this motorcycle with sidecar?

This 986 cc V-Twin motorcycle was available to British forces during World War II as a standalone model or with a sidecar.

It was used by German forces during World War II. Can you name this motorcycle and sidecar combination?

This motorcycle and sidecar combination was produced in Germany during World War II. It was built specifically at the Germany army’s request.

This motorcycle has an interesting history. Can you identify it?

A motorcycle based on a Russian model, which, in turn, was based on a German model. Yes, that’s the story of the Chang Jiang CJ750. Most of these have sidecars and are called BMW replicas, which they are not.

The motorcycle and sidecar in this image is the ______?

The Brough Superior Austin Four was very different. Marketed in the 1930s, it was deemed a luxury motorcycle and, in fact, had two rear wheels. This motorcycle was specifically developed to be used with a sidecar.

Are you able to tell us the name of this motorcycle and sidecar combo?

Cezeta scooters were manufactured in Czechoslovakia between 1957 and 1964. These unique-looking scooters, which were noted for their length, often included Druzeta sidecars.

This is a modern, entry-level motorcycle and sidecar combo. Can you name it?

Of the new range of motorcycle and sidecar models, this is the entry-level machine from Ural. It is very basic, with just the necessary parts equipped. Nothing fancy here at all but that helps keep the price down.

Can you name the vehicle with sidecar in this image, please?

It’s a beautiful thing when a wacky idea comes to fruition, like the Vespa scooter and a sidecar made to look like a Volkswagen bus. Genius!

This is not a motorcycle you would associate with a sidecar but it has been done. Name it, please.

A Japanese sports bike with a sidecar. Yes, it has been done.

A Russian motorcycle and sidecar maker that began in 1941 made this model, its first motorcycle. Can you name it?

Formed in 1941, the first machine made by Ural was the IMZ-Ural. It was based on the BMW R-71. Ural continues to this day, making a host of motorcycles with sidecars.

This motorcycle/sidecar combo was used by German forces during World War II. Any idea what it is called?

This was essentially a hybrid BMW 73 and Zündapp KS 750 configuration where the BMW sidecar could be bolted to the Zundapp KS 750 motorcycle. This was done at the request of the German army as parts for each started to become scarce.

It's a Russian bike based on a BMW. This model was used Russian forces during World War II. Are you able to name it?

A product of the Soviet Union, the Dnepr N-72 was based on the BMW R71. Most were produced with a sidecar.

Identify this motorcycle/sidecar combination.

Great for long roads, the tourist has an electric start, leading link forks for a smoother ride and even a trunk to pack a picnic lunch. This is a great motorcycle and sidecar option to explore those back roads.

It's not a motorcycle but a scooter/sidecar combination. Yes, it has been done.

A 600cc scooter, the Silverwing from Honda is a popular bike. Add a sidecar, and you can add another passenger!

This Japanese motorcycle and sidecar saw service during World War II. Name it, please.

This Japanese sidecar combination was used extensively throughout World War II and could transport three soldiers. Despite the fact that more than 16,000 were built, finding one today is very difficult.

A three-wheel-drive motorcycle/sidecar combination. Yes, at the mere flick of a switch. Can you name the model type?

A unique design, the Ural Sportsman not only provides drive to one wheel but with the mere flick of a switch, the wheel on the sidecar will receive drive from the engine as well. That means the Sportsman can climb hills with ease, no matter the load. In fact, it can go just about anywhere.

A 745 cc Boxster engine provides the power for this motorcycle/sidecar combo. Can you name it?

The Ural Cross TWD is a higher specification of the regular Cross model. It is powered by a 745cc 2-cylinder Boxster engine.

This popular British motorcycle was often paired with a sidecar in the 1930s. It is a _________.

A BSA model from the 1930's, the Sloper, powered by a 595 cc engine, was often coupled with a sidecar.

This German motorcycle/sidecar combo saw action during World War II. Name it, please.

Another German produced motorcycle/sidecar combo from World War II, the Zundapp KS 750 was powered by a 751 cc four-stroke motor that produced 26 brake horsepower. More than 18,000 were made until 1944. They were discontinued because they were too expensive to produce.

Name the motorcycle/sidecar combo in the image, please

A flat twin 750 is the power behind the Ural Ranger. This is effectively a "go anywhere" motorcycle and sidecar combination. It even comes with tools, a shovel, air pump and other accessories for your adventures.

Name this French military motorcycle/sidecar combo, please.

More than 700 Gilet Herstal 720s served with the French army at the outbreak of World War II. More had been ordered but because one of its components was produced by Bosch (a German company) and Germany had declared war on France, they stopped supplying it. The 720 was powered by a 728cc engine.

Another military machine, this time Russian. Name it, if you can!

A Russian motorcycle often with a sidecar combination, the PMZ-A-750 was produced before World War II. Around 4,600 were built.

It's a Ukrainian motorcycle/sidecar maker. Can you name its machine?

Dnipro motorcycles have been produced in Kiev, Ukraine, since 1967. Many models come with sidecar options.

The motorcycle/sidecar shown here is a ________.

A three-wheeler, in essence, the Krauser Domini is sold in Europe and Japan and the sidecar portion is part of the structure of the overall machine. It is powered by a BMW engine.

Name the motorcycle/sidecar in this image, please.

Aimed at the outdoorsman, the Ural Cross is the perfect motorcycle and sidecar for an outdoor adventure. Accessories include a fuel can to increase range, a first aid box and a shovel.

A well-kitted motorcycle/sidecar - it even has a steel luggage rack. Can you name this model?

Considered the best of the Ural range by sidecar enthusiasts, the Retro was first introduced in 2003. It comes with a stainless steel luggage rack, a sidecar windshield and a jerry can.

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