Watsonian Meteor Sidecar back in production
Watsonian re-launched their Meteor sidecar at this Year's Motorcycle Live show, more than sixty years after production of the original version ceased.
Only 601 of the initial Meteor were built by Watsonian, between 1946-'49, using a batch of RAF Mosquito bomber reserve fuel tanks that they had bought from the Air Ministry shortly after the end of the Second World War. Made from stretched and spun plywood, the tanks were were light and aerodynamic, so Watsonian adapted them to use as sidecar bodies.
The body shell of the modern Meteor is produced from glass fibre, using a mould taken from one of the original plywood bodies. It sits on a tubular steel chassis, manufactured in Watsonian's Cotswold factory, which is uprated from the 1940's design with addition of a shock-absorber and 16″ wheel. Measuring 2100mm x 1000mm, the Meteor has a 390mm wide seat. A fold-down screen is mounted on a cast aluminium bar in front of the cockpit and the seat tilts forward to provide access to storage space behind.
Priced at £3995 including VAT, the Meteor is available in a range of gel coat colours. With more than 100 years experience, Watsonian offer fittings for a wide range of both modern and classic motorcycles and can provide a factory fitting service.
For more information call 01386 700907, visit www.watsonian-squire.com.
PHOTO – Watsonian Meteor + Moto Guzzi V7 Racer in front of de Havilland Mosquito TT35 at RAF Musuem, Cosford.
Only 601 of the initial Meteor were built by Watsonian, between 1946-'49, using a batch of RAF Mosquito bomber reserve fuel tanks that they had bought from the Air Ministry shortly after the end of the Second World War. Made from stretched and spun plywood, the tanks were were light and aerodynamic, so Watsonian adapted them to use as sidecar bodies.
The body shell of the modern Meteor is produced from glass fibre, using a mould taken from one of the original plywood bodies. It sits on a tubular steel chassis, manufactured in Watsonian's Cotswold factory, which is uprated from the 1940's design with addition of a shock-absorber and 16″ wheel. Measuring 2100mm x 1000mm, the Meteor has a 390mm wide seat. A fold-down screen is mounted on a cast aluminium bar in front of the cockpit and the seat tilts forward to provide access to storage space behind.
Priced at £3995 including VAT, the Meteor is available in a range of gel coat colours. With more than 100 years experience, Watsonian offer fittings for a wide range of both modern and classic motorcycles and can provide a factory fitting service.
For more information call 01386 700907, visit www.watsonian-squire.com.
PHOTO – Watsonian Meteor + Moto Guzzi V7 Racer in front of de Havilland Mosquito TT35 at RAF Musuem, Cosford.