Can You Identify These Motorcycles with Sidecars?

By: Robin Tyler
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Identify These Motorcycles with Sidecars?
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!

1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
Youtube via MrClassicMotorcycle
A very early motorcycle and sidecar combination. Do you know the make?
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Indian Model 34B with sidecar
Norton Big 4 with sidecar
GG Duetto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Norton Big 4
Wiki Commons via AlfvanBeem
The motorcycle in this image is of British origin. What is it?
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Indian Model 34B with sidecar
Norton Big 4 with sidecar
GG Duetto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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GG Duetto
Wiki Commons via Knetknewt
A more modern motorcycle and sidecar combo, this was a standalone unit. What is its name?
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Indian Model 34B with sidecar
Norton Big 4 with sidecar
GG Duetto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Triumph model h motorcycle w sidecar
Wiki Commons via Arpingstone
Used in the British Army from 1914, can you identify this motorcycle with sidecar?
Indian Model 34B with sidecar
GG Duetto
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Triumph Model H with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural cT
Youtube via Otomotif News
Name this motorcycle/sidecar model, please.
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Ural cT
Triumph Model H with sidecar
Norton Big 4 with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Honda Goldwing with GTL sidecar
Youtube via Yukon Motorcycle Technology YMT
This sidecar was purposely built for this motorcycle. Can you name this combo?
Ural cT
Triumph Model H with sidecar
Honda Goldwing with GTL sidecar
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Wiki Commons via Lothar Spurzem
This motorcycle/sidecar combination could reach 75 mph! Any ideas as to what it is called?
Honda Goldwing with GTL sidecar
DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Ural cT
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Ural Scrambler sidecar
Youtube via MotorcyclesDreams
With off-road tires, this motorcycle/sidecar combo can go just about anywhere. Name it, please.
Norton Big 4 with sidecar
GG Duetto
DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Ural Scrambler
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
Youtube via MrClassicMotorcycle
Another old motorcycle and sidecar combo. Do you know what it is?
Ural Scrambler
1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
Indian Model 34B with sidecar
Honda Goldwing with GTL sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Sokół 1000
Wiki Commons via Polish National Digital Archive
Name this motorcycle and sidecar combo, please.
Sokol 1000
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
Ural cT
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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BSA G14
Wiki Commons via Alf van Beem
It was used by British forces during World War II. Can you name this motorcycle with sidecar?
Royal Enfield
BSA G14
Triumph Model H with sidecar
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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BMW 75
Wiki Commons via Jacek79
It was used by German forces during World War II. Can you name this motorcycle and sidecar combination?
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Zenith JAP-8 with Graisley TT sidecar
BMW 75
Sokol 1000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Chang Jiang CJ750 M1M
Wiki Commons via Herbert Stalp
This motorcycle has an interesting history. Can you identify it?
Chang Jiang CJ750 M1M
GG Duetto
Zenith JAP-8
BMW 75
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Brough Superior Austin Four
Wiki Commons via Klaus Nahr
The motorcycle and sidecar in this image is the ______?
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Chang Jiang CJ750 M1M
Brough Superior Austin Four
Indian Model 34B
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Brough Superior Austin Four
Wiki Commons via Klaus Nahr
Are you able to tell us the name of this motorcycle and sidecar combo?
Cezeta 502 with Druzeta sidecar
Brough Superior Austin Four
Indian Model 34B
BSA G14
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Ural T TWD
Youtube via Royal Enfield Pays Basque Euskal Herria
This is a modern, entry-level motorcycle and sidecar combo. Can you name it?
Cezeta 502 with Druzeta sidecar
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Ural T TWD
Sokol 1000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Vespa Scooter Volkswagen Bus sidecar
Youtube via nmauto exports
Can you name the vehicle with sidecar in this image, please?
Vespa Scooter
DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Royal Enfield
Ural T TWD
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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!

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Suzuki GSXF-1000
Youtube via JEY30340JEY
This is not a motorcycle you would associate with a sidecar but it has been done. Name it, please.
Zenith JAP-8
Vespa Scooter
Suzuki GSXF-1000
Triumph Model H with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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IMZ Ural
Wiki Commons via Thunk
A Russian motorcycle and sidecar maker that began in 1941 made this model, its first motorcycle. Can you name it?
Suzuki GSXF-1000
Sokol 1000
GG Duetto
IMZ-Ural
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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BW 73
Wiki Commons via Nightflyer
This motorcycle/sidecar combo was used by German forces during World War II. Any idea what it is called?
IMZ-Ural
BW-73
Chang Jiang CJ750 M1M
GG Duetto
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Dnepr N-72
Wiki Commons via joergens.mi
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?
Dnepr N-72
BW-73
Norton Big 4
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Ural Tourist
Youtube via Autohaus of Naples
Identify this motorcycle/sidecar combination.
1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
BW-73
Dnepr N-72
Ural Tourist
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Honda Silverwing
Youtube via Bober062
It's not a motorcycle but a scooter/sidecar combination. Yes, it has been done.
BSA G14
Ural Tourist
Honda Silverwing
Royal Enfield
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Rikuo Type 97
Youtube via Oto Motorcycle
This Japanese motorcycle and sidecar saw service during World War II. Name it, please.
Honda Silverwing
Triumph Model H with sidecar
Rikuo Type 97
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural Sportsman
Wiki Commons via Heindl Engineering Motorcycle
A three-wheel-drive motorcycle/sidecar combination. Yes, at the mere flick of a switch. Can you name the model type?
Honda Goldwing with GTL sidecar
Royal Enfield
Rikuo Type 97
Ural Sportsman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural_Cross TWD sidecar
Wiki Commons via Schorle
A 745 cc Boxster engine provides the power for this motorcycle/sidecar combo. Can you name it?
Ural Cross TWD
GG Duetto
1913 Thor Twin with sidecar
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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BSA Sloper
Wiki Commons via Lars-Göran Lindgren Sweden
This popular British motorcycle was often paired with a sidecar in the 1930s. It is a _________.
BSA Sloper
Ural Sportsman
Suzuki GSXF-1000
DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Zündapp_KS_750'
Wiki Commons via Stefan Kühn
This German motorcycle/sidecar combo saw action during World War II. Name it, please.
BSA Sloper
Zündapp KS 750
Ural Sportsman
DKW-RT-350 with Binder sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural Ranger
Wiki Commons via BikeReview.com.au
Name the motorcycle/sidecar combo in the image, please
Zündapp KS 750
Vespa Scooter
Royal Enfield
Ural Ranger
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Gilet Herstal 720
Wiki Commons via OBZWAR - Opas Fotoalbum
Name this French military motorcycle/sidecar combo, please.
Ural Ranger
Gilet Herstal 720
Brough Superior Austin Four
Harley-Davidson FHA 8-Valve V-Twin racer with Scrambler sidecar
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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PMZ-A-750
Wiki Commons via Brattarb
Another military machine, this time Russian. Name it, if you can!
Gilet Herstal 720
Zenith JAP-8
PMZ-A-750
Sokol 1000
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Dnipro with sidecar
Wiki Commons via Maptishous
It's a Ukrainian motorcycle/sidecar maker. Can you name its machine?
PMZ-A-750
Dnipro with sidecar
Chang Jiang CJ750 M1M
BMW-73
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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

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Krauser Domani
Wiki Commons via Corpse Reviver
The motorcycle/sidecar shown here is a ________.
Dnipro with sidecar
1913 Excelsior Twin with sidecar
Brough Superior Austin Four
Krauser Domini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural Cross
Youtube via Linas Gr
Name the motorcycle/sidecar in this image, please.
BSA Sloper
Ural Cross
Krauser Domini
Zenith JAP-8
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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.

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Ural Retro Sidecar
Wiki Commons via Jeff Dean
A well-kitted motorcycle/sidecar - it even has a steel luggage rack. Can you name this model?
Gilet Herstal 720
Rikuo Type 97
Royal Enfield
Ural Retro
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

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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You Got:
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Wiki Commons via Lothar Spurzem