Abstract
The majority of sidecars are rigidly mounted to the accompanying motorcycle. While such a design is simple, handling of the motorcycle is affected as the rider is unable to lean left and right. Hence, the rider is unable to balance the motorcycle in the conventional manner, which is by leaning. This becomes most apparent when negotiating a corner.On a conventional motorcycle, the rider leans into the direction of turn. This is to counteract the centrifugal force that pushes the rider in the opposite direction. On a motorcycle which is rigidly mounted to a sidecar, the rider counteracts the centrifugal force by standing up and leaning his/her body in the direction of turn. This method of balancing is dangerous and fails to function at higher speeds as there is a limit to the amount of force a rider can produce by leaning while standing. A solution to this is a flexible connection between the sidecar and motorcycle. This type of assembly is generally referred to as a ‘leaner’. While more complex to manufacture, a ‘leaner’ allows the rider to lean and balance, akin to a motorcycle on its own. Being able to lean allows the rider to negotiate turns at much higher speeds, as he/she will be able to lean into the corner to counteract the centrifugal force. In this thesis, I explore a possible sidecar design that incorporates such a flexible connection, while adhering to the prevailing sidecar regulations in Singapore