Honda, one of the leading brands in the automotive sector, is developing an innovative project that could solve some of the most common problems associated with motorcycle sidecars. The new concept is based on a sidecar with electric assistance, aimed at improving maneuverability and stability, eliminating the main challenges that drivers face when using this type of equipment.
The History of Sidecars
Originally created for bicycles, sidecars became popular in the early 20th century, allowing motorcycles to carry more passengers and cargo. However, with the advent of affordable cars such as the Ford Model T, the popularity of sidecars began to decline. Although they were widely used until World War II, the arrival of cheaper mass-produced cars in the 1950s virtually eliminated the need for sidecars.
Nowadays, sidecars are rarely seen on the roads, and few motorcyclists have experience with them. However, the handling problems they present are well-known. The imbalance caused by the sidecar leads to asymmetric driving. When accelerating, traction occurs only on one side wheel, creating a displacement effect that the driver has to compensate for. During braking, the situation becomes even more complicated, especially if the sidecar wheel is not equipped with a braking system, which can cause the motorcycle to veer to one side. Additionally, in turns, the vehicle’s behavior changes drastically due to the uneven weight distribution and the inability to lean the motorcycle, which is one of the essential elements for safe and effective riding.
Honda’s Electric Solution
Honda’s new proposal, presented through a patent, aims to precisely mitigate or eliminate many of these problems by using a sidecar with electric assistance. The idea is similar to existing projects for electric vehicle and bicycle trailers, where the wheels have their own propulsion and braking systems, adjusting to the load and movement needs.
In the case of the sidecar, Honda proposes the installation of load sensors on the two supports connecting the sidecar to the motorcycle. These sensors send information to a control unit within the sidecar itself, which activates an electric motor responsible for driving the side wheel. Thus, when the motorcycle accelerates and the sensor detects a deviation, the sidecar motor is activated to balance the forces. Similarly, when braking, the system detects the opposite deviation and adjusts the braking of the sidecar wheel to maintain stability.
Improvement in Curves
In curves, the system also intervenes automatically. In a right turn, the sensors detect the deviation and brake the sidecar wheel to help pull the motorcycle through the curve. In left turns, the process is reversed, with the sidecar wheel accelerating to compensate for the motorcycle’s lean. Although this system does not allow the motorcycle to lean like in normal riding, it promises a much more stable ride compared to traditional sidecars.
The Future of Sidecars
Although Honda’s innovation is still in the patent phase and there are no guarantees that it will reach the market, the development of this concept demonstrates the brand’s commitment to seeking solutions for old engineering challenges. The question that arises is whether there is a sufficiently large market to justify the mass production of electric-assisted sidecars. However, for motorcycle enthusiasts and those looking for a more versatile transportation solution, this could be a proposal that brings new winds to the two-wheeled industry.