The BSA Motorcycle Sidecar Combination for the 21st Century
Drone Defence
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Military, Government and NGO Logistic Support
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Humanitarian, Commercial and Civilian Logistic Support
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BSA Thunderbolt Motorcycle 350cc
- 334cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine
- 29 bhp for reliable, everyday performance
- 6-speed gearbox with assist clutch for smooth load handling
- Euro 5+ compliant – futureproof for emissions and fleet use
- Strong double-cradle steel frame suited to mounting subframes
- Long-travel suspension (200mm front / 180mm rear) for rough terrain stability
- 21” / 17” spoked wheels – proven format for load-carrying and off-road sidecar outfits
- Manageable 185 kg weight (solo motorcycle configuration)
- 3-mode ABS (Road / Rain / Off-road) enhances braking control with asymmetric loads
- Front radial brake setup for stronger stopping performance
- Traction control improves grip under load and in poor conditions
- 15.5L fuel tank delivering approx. 200-mile range potential (solo configuration)
- Upright ergonomics and low 815mm seat height – accessible for a wide rider base
- Standard equipment:
- Adjustable windscreen
- Rear carrier (ideal for sidecar integration logistics)
- Bash plate & handguards for durability
- Sidecar mounted winch option
- Ground anchor option
- Searchlight option
- TFT display with Bluetooth navigation
- USB charging for devices, radios, or drone kit
- Simple single-cylinder liquid cooled engine for easy global maintenance
- Choice of robust, UK built Cargo chassis.
Visit the official website for BSA Motorcycles
Watsonian Mule
Designed and Made in Britain, the Mule sidecar has a substantial trunk that provides approximately 300 litres of carrying capacity. Built from strong and durable galvanised steel and finished in a tough powder coating, it measures 1370 mm x 480 mm x 480 mm, it and is secured by an integrated dual locking mechanism.
Watsonian developed a new box section chassis for the Mule, featuring Flexitor suspension and a 10” steel wheel. It is fitted with a Classic mudguard, made in GRP, and is supplied complete with lights, indicators and a wiring loom, prepared for connection to a motorcycle’s 12V system.
A spare wheel is mounted to the back of the trunk and, because all sidecars are built to order in Watsonian’s UK factory, various accessories can be added, including luggage racks, spotlights and jerry cans.
Watsonian developed a new box section chassis for the Mule, featuring Flexitor suspension and a 10” steel wheel. It is fitted with a Classic mudguard, made in GRP, and is supplied complete with lights, indicators and a wiring loom, prepared for connection to a motorcycle’s 12V system.
A spare wheel is mounted to the back of the trunk and, because all sidecars are built to order in Watsonian’s UK factory, various accessories can be added, including luggage racks, spotlights and jerry cans.
F2 Cargo Chassis
A robust Cargo sidecar by F2 Motorcycles in Cambridgeshire.
Chassis, wheel, mudguard, and pre wired lights.
Universal 5 point fitting kit SCV/KIT EX purchased with a sidecar:
Hagon Shock Absorber.
Braked wheel kit, all parts required to fit brake to wheel including a long cable.
Maximum recommended load to be carried: 120 kg
Universal 5 point fitting kit SCV/KIT EX purchased with a sidecar:
Hagon Shock Absorber.
Braked wheel kit, all parts required to fit brake to wheel including a long cable.
Maximum recommended load to be carried: 120 kg
Watsonian Cargo Chassis Platform
Adaptable cargo carrier. Versatile base can handle anything from a toolbox to a bicycle, or even another motorcycle. For passengers, simply attach a sidecar body using the convenient 4-point mounting system. When the journey changes, convert it back to a luggage platform.
- Strong foundation: The platform sits on a powder-coated tubular steel frame for strength and longevity.
- Smooth ride: Hydraulic suspension ensures a comfortable ride for you and your cargo.
- Reliable handling: 16-inch wheel with stainless steel spokes and a machined Watsonian hub provides excellent handling (10-inch alloy wheel option available)
Standard equipment includes GRP mudguard, lights, indicators, wiring, and a checker plate base for secure cargo placement.
The Platform Chassis is designed for carrying loads. When running unladen, a 25kg ballast is required for safe operation.
The maximum load is 120 kg (265 pounds), which should be distributed evenly.
Overall length: 1020mm / 40”
Overall width: 900mm / 35"
Platform size: 1020 x 450mm / 40” x 18”
Weight (approx): 45kg
Overall width: 900mm / 35"
Platform size: 1020 x 450mm / 40” x 18”
Weight (approx): 45kg
About Operation HAYWARD
The Motorcycle and Sidecar Outfit for a Challenging 21st Century World
John Hayward, Juno Beach, Normandy, June 6th 2004
Why ?
In April 2026, Managing Director Douglas John "Jack" Hayward decided to retire, at the age of 102.
Jack joined the REME in 1943, and landed in an advance party on Mike sector, Juno beach, at dawn on D-Day, ahead of the DD floating tanks of the first wave. He fought across Normandy, Holland, Belgium and Germany with the 147th Field Regiment RHA (Essex Yeomanry), a spearhead unit of 30 Corps.
As co-driver/mechanic in the commanding officer's tank, he looked after Sexton self propelled guns, Sherman tanks, personnel carriers, jeeps, motorcycles of the Essex Yeomany - and wireless radio equipment made by Pye of Cambridge. Shortly after D-Day, his REME LAD recovered a German sidecar outfit from a ditch, which Brigadier Phayre adopted and used to review the rows of vehicles lined up in fields for inspection. The combination was deployed almost every day for light errands, shuttling the wounded to field hospitals, collecting Calvados and eggs from local farms, occasionally transporting the Brigadier, in style, to Montgomery's headquarters briefings.
In memory of his beloved sidecar, and in recognition of the hardworking NHS Carers currently looking after him, we have teamed up with BSA Motorcycles, Watsonian Squire, F2 Motorcycles, and individuals from the UKMoD to offer a selection of cost effective 1WD (one-wheel drive) machines, ready for action.
Powered by the BSA/Yezdi 350 motorcycle, the Hayward's motorcycle sidecar comes in two specific variants, for drone defence and logistic applications.
Powered by the BSA/Yezdi 350 motorcycle, the Hayward's motorcycle sidecar comes in two specific variants, for drone defence and logistic applications.
Further reading:
Op_HAYWARD Home
Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the final product.
