HARLEY-DAVIDSON

1000cc & FLXI Sidecar - 1922

The astounding flexible sidecar

At the beginning of the 1920s, the sidecar class was so popular in dirt-track racing in the US that it was the main attraction at many events run on local horse-race mile circuits.

Acrobatic Feats

If the speeds of the outfits were less than those attained by the solo machines, the acrobatics performed by riders and passengers power-sliding around the bends were often quite spectacular.

Dangerous Technique

The bikes used in these races included Harley-Davidsons, Indians, Excelsiors, Hendersons and Aces – but there was only one make of sidecar for the true believers. Built by Flxible Sidecars of Loudonville, Ohio, the FLXI racing sidecar was articulated so that it could be banked over on bends just like a solo motorcycle. There were two hinged points of attachment between the sidecar and the bike, while the rear attachment point was also linked to the sidecar wheel so that it leaned over with the bike. Riders had a special technique for dealing with left-hand bends – as the outfit went into the bend, the rider leaned the bike as far as he could into the curve while pushing against the sidecar body with his right leg and opening the throttle wide. The result was a thrilling slide around the bend, a daring and dangerous manoeuver that caused many accidents in the 1920s.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 997cc (84x90 mm) air-cooled V-twin four-stroke; magneto ignition

Power Rating: 30 hp @ 3500 rpm

Valves: "pocket valve" F-head (overhead intake, side exhaust)

Fuel System: Schebler carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed, chain primary and final drives

Suspension: Harley-Davidson leading-link forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (rear)

Wheels: 2.50x28 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 350 lb with sidecar

Maximum Speed: 85 mph with sidecar

This racing 1000cc Harley "pocket valve" is coupled to a FLXI sidecar with its amazing banking wheel, which worked like an automobile steering gear.