These remarkable sidecar motorcycles prove the classic three-wheeled format still has plenty of style, character, and practical appeal.
There are plenty of powerful and stylish motorcycles on the market, but sidecar-equipped bikes have largely fallen out of the spotlight in recent years. That's unfortunate because enthusiasts know these three-wheelers offer a unique blend of practicality, personality, and capability that conventional motorcycles simply can't match. Here are five fascinating sidecar motorcycles that show why the format still deserves attention.
At first glance, it's difficult to tell exactly what you're looking at. The Snaefell is a one-off custom machine that combines an Italian Laverda 1000 motorcycle with a hand-built sidecar unlike anything else on the road.
Constructed from fiberglass, the sidecar is surprisingly well equipped. It features an analog clock, a radio, a cigarette lighter, and even adjustable air vents, making it as comfortable as it is unconventional.
This understated-looking motorcycle carries a price tag of more than $17,000, and there's a good reason for that. The Sahara is a heavily modified Ural, a brand that has developed a loyal following in the United States even as its popularity has faded in many parts of the former Soviet Union.
The bike can be fitted with a wide range of accessories, including an available winch, making it especially appealing for riders who venture far beyond paved roads.
This exceptionally rare military motorcycle is one of the most unusual sidecar machines ever built. Manufactured in the United Kingdom during World War I, it carried a Vickers machine gun mounted on the sidecar and was produced under contract for the Russian Empire.
Only about 250 examples were completed before the Russian Revolution brought the project to an abrupt end. Today, surviving motorcycles are highly sought after by collectors, and one early example was recently sold into private ownership.
Some custom sidecars borrow inspiration from unexpected places. This one clearly takes its styling cues from the iconic Volkswagen Microbus, creating a playful retro appearance that turns heads wherever it goes.
Despite its unusual size and shape, the sidecar is light enough to be paired with a Piaggio scooter. Inside, passengers are treated to an impressively comfortable seat that makes the ride far more enjoyable than its quirky appearance might suggest.
Built by custom shop Abnormal Cycles, this striking motorcycle started life as a Harley-Davidson Model U before receiving a complete Art Deco-inspired transformation.
The redesign went well beyond cosmetic changes. Because the custom bodywork significantly increased the motorcycle's weight, the builders also upgraded the mechanical components to match its new proportions. The result is an unmistakable custom machine that combines vintage Harley-Davidson engineering with dramatic, handcrafted styling.