Yup, it looks like Honda is working to bring back the sidecar. Fetch your jacket and goggles, please.
In a patent application published at the end of August (and let's be frank, the picture doesn’t give much away), the sidecar would have (at least) one electric motor of its own, and load sensors to monitor yaw torque. That’s important because in the past, sidecars have just been bolted onto the side of a bike, creating issues around balance, handling, and performance.
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In this instance, Honda’s novel pillion idea means the sidecar is independently powered, and will have its own electronic controller, too. Adjusting the sidecar’s wheel to the force being put on it by the drive of the bike means there should be more ride stability. It’ll also improve the steering capability of the bike, the engineers believe. And, er, comfort levels, you’d hope.
The application says the setup wouldn’t require a specific bike, either. Two bars would enable the sidecar to fix to an existing bike—whether that’s an electric or a conventionally powered two-wheeler. The application states it could even be attached to a scooter. Fun times.
The patent sets out a broad church of how the sidecar’s powertrain could be configured, but finer details aside, we’d just really like a go in one. What say you?
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
