Watsonian sidecar kit for Triumph Rocket 3 riders

Sidecar pioneer Watsonian has unveiled a new fitting kit for the 2020-on Triumph Rocket 3, offering Batman and Robin-like vibes. 

The Rocket 3, first launched in 2004, has proven to be a popular motorcycle of choice for customers with an appetite for sidecars in the UK. That’s according to Watsonian, which now offers a stealthy GP700 model to go with Triumph’s 2,458cc inline-three-cylinder beast. 

Watsonian says the new kit is “designed to cope with up to 163lb ft of torque”, going on to say that the kit “features a tailor-made subframe, which creates mounting points for the lower attachment arms from the sidecar”. 

These must be positioned in a precise triangulation when connecting the sidecar to the motorcycle, in order to ensure it stays in place and that the machine handles as it should.

The subframe lets the fitters set up the sidecar to the recommended amount of axle lead, in other words, the distance that the sidecar wheel spindle is positioned in front of the motorcycle's rear wheel axle.

The new kit has been manufactured by Watsonian at the company’s Cotswold factory, where the tubular steel subframe has been powder-coated for improved durability.

It is also supplied with bespoke heavy-duty clamps and fixings. Watsonian says the new kit comes with an RRP of £2,250, which includes VAT. It’s suitable for various sidecars that use the brand’s perimeter frame chassis.

The Rocket 3 shown in the pictures above features a Watsonian GP700 with a wide-looking sidecar, which is priced at £7,995. This is the British company’s Stealth option, and it includes a “bobber mudguard, ultra-low profile tinted screen, black sidecar trim, nose badge, rims and hub cap”.

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