Interested in Sidecar Racing?

Sidecar Racing is a unique and exciting class of motorcycle racing. In W.A. there is a long & proud history of the category being well supported, and producing some exceptionally talented riders and passengers who have tasted success at both state and national level.

The sidecar teams here in the pits are a friendly, helpful group of people. We suggest talking to the riders, passengers and team members ask them questions, look at their bikes, you will be amazed at the subtle differences between each machine.

An Introduction to Passengers

  • Passengers need to have moderate fitness and strength.
  • The passengers job is to assist with stability/braking/steering/traction.
  • This is done by placing weight
    • over/to the front of the back wheel during braking and to aid with steering
    • over/to rear of the back wheel when traction is required (coming out of a right hand corner)
    • over the chair wheel as stability is required (through a left hand corner)

Competition Licence for Sidecar Drivers and Passengers

You will need:

Passenger

  • Suitable riding attire (ie full or two piece leathers/ helmet/ gloves) Sidecar driver and passengers may wear ankle length boots.
    • Protective equipment may be hired from the club pending availability and sizing $50 for the day.

Licence Testing

Licence Processing

To process your Licence go to Ridernet

  • Select “Purchase a Licence”
  • Senior National Licence or Junior National Licence
  • Follow the the prompts to register for your race licence and club membership
    • You are required to be a member of the club to obtain a valid MA Competition Licence.
    • NOTE: If you are under 18 years of age – parent or guardian signature is required.

Sidecars Classes

 Formula 1 – Long Bikes

Any Formula 1 machine has a four-stroke engine up to 1000cc. Most long bikes have centre-hub front steering (similar to an F1 racing car), which allows the front tyre to stay flat on the racetrack as the handlebars are turned. Some long bikes have “conventional leading-link ” type front steering, where the tyre contact patch moves from the centre to the sides as the handlebars are turned. All F1 long bikes have the engine positioned behind the rider, in front of the rear (drive) wheel. A Formula 1 chassis may be either monocoque, or tubular steel construction.

 Formula 1 – Short Bikes

Centre Hub Front EndMonocoque Long Bike ChassisLeading Link Front End

All short bikes have the engine located behind the front wheel, underneath the rider. Most F1 short bikes are constructed of a tubular steel chassis, with leading-link steering.

 Formula 2 – Short Bikes
All F2 machines have a four-stroke engine, up to 600cc for 4cylinders, and up to 1000cc for 2 cylinder engines.The chassis will be constructed of tubular steel. All F2’s have leading link steering.

Historic – Period 3 (1946-62), Period 4 (1963-72), Period 5 (1973-80)
All historic sidecars have a four-stroke engine capacity limit of 1300cc.

Buying or Building a Sidecar
A race-ready sidecar can be purchased for as little as $5000. For any potential sidecar racer who is considering constructing their own machine, Motorcycling Australia produce a rule book, the “Manual of Motorcycle Sport”, which states all the various requirements for any road-racing sidecar, see also Motorcycling Australia Rules.

For any further information on getting into sidecar racing, please contact the Club