SIDE-CAR OUTFITS

Hawera Star, Volume L, 26 July 1930, Page 15

SIDE-CAR OUTFITS

For a quarter of a century, in fact, ever since it was introduced, the sidecar, according to wise-acres, lias been doomed. Yet. last year there were wed over 200,tXX) "side-ctir outfits licensed in England. To say the least, the side-car is an unconscionable time a-dying. Unmechanical it may be, but it is in. expensive and highly satisfactory, and, surprising as the fact may seem, a sicle-car outfit is almost entirely free from bug-bear of skidding, more .so, indeed, than any other vehicle. Popular as the figures prove it to be to-day, the side-car is not receiving a fair chance at the hands of manufacturers. There has been practically no development in side-car design during the last ten years. Some side-cars are now smarter in appearance, but in springing and general comfort there seems to be .stagnation. Will manufacturers allow this market gradually to slip beyond their grasp, or will they, in their wisdom, make an effort to retain and extend it? That it may be extended is certain, but tlie difficulty with which the industry is faced is not that- it cannot improve the side-oar, but that of producing better side-cars at the price motor-cyclists are prepared to pay. Admittedly, the problem is difficult, but if is one that, if tackled energetically, is capable of solution.