STRANGER BLOG

Friday, 17 February 2012

FRIDAY CAFÉ

EL DIABLO FROM CHANG JIANG DESIGN

When Thomas Köhle got to Beijing China in 2007 he realized all those vintage looking sidecars driving around the streets which most resembled those WW2 BMWs, but turned out to be Chang Jiangs: "Right at the beginning of WW2 Hitler and Stalin where allies. As a gift Hitler forwarded the Beemer-drawings to Stalin which produced URAL, DNEPRS based on the technical specs. In the 1960ies the Commies forwarded the drawings to China which produced those sidecars until the 1990ies and used them in their Army.

Chang Jiangs are available with 24 hp SV flathead engine or 32 hp OHV engine. I usually keep fingers of the OHV-engines and only recommend the small version. The OHV’s ain’t that reliable to me" says Thomas

For the future he works on a project with Jim Bryant (he owns a CJ shop converting the Chinese rides with original Bimmer-engines) with stretched rake, springer fork (already did one together Jim) and a hardtailed version.

Currently in the works is a sidecar rig for himself and a repro mil-sidecar for a fellow in

France

So far he has already sent bikes to

New Zealand

France

and

Germany

Parts have already been sent to (16inch wheelset) to

Brunei

and

Germany

There are many shops in

China

claim they do custom-rides – but except changing colours and play around with chromed parts they do not have any other ideas.

'I claim myself to be the first “real” customizer on the Chinese Chang Jiangs here in

China'

. says Thomas

check out his website for more great stuff: http://www.4444-chang-jiang-design.com/

HONDA C70 CUSTOM FROM A.P.E. MOTORCYCLE

This was sent to us by Yuza Fumi of A.P.E Custom Motorcycles from Cirebon, Indonesia. Worked out to the last detail a C70 with a Honda Win 97cc motor.

Friday, 10 February 2012

6 OVER TEASER

Monday, 6 February 2012

IRONHEAD KNEELER RACING BIKE

Richard Pouwels and Kim van Loon from the Netherlands form a fascinating Historic Sidecar Racing Team. They have two Classic Ironhead Sidecar Racing Bikes, a "seater" and a "kneeler", both powered by Harley Sportster Ironhead Engines.

Richard and Kim's current "kneeler" Ironhead racing bike, which went through quite a bit of development over the years. The frame was built by Kobus Bouwman. This type of frame is called a "kneeler": to reduce drag the driver actually rides the bike sitting on his knees.

Front wheel: 16 inch / tire: Dunlop sidecar race
Rear wheel: 12 inches / tire: Yokohama racing
Sidecar wheel: 10 inches / tire: Yokohama racing