Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Was it a sidecar? A luggage carrier? Or just a death trap on a hinge? This week, we’re diving into the strange history of the Sidewinder. Built by Freewheel UK to exploit a glorious 1983 legal loophole, it was the £199.95 mail-order solution that bounced its way into motorcycle history. We explore why it existed, why we laughed at it, and how you can still find them on eBay today.
Support 3Phils:
Subscribe for more classic bike history: youtube.com/@3Phils
Join our Channel Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCZwqIv_kZu7FoKb_wqePPdw/join
Super Thanks: If you enjoyed the video, look for the 'Thanks' button under the player!
Send me a tip via Buy Me A Coffee:
buymeacoffee.com/3Phils
3Phils Beard Balm: Grab a pocket-sized tin here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1856690170/sandalwood-scented-beard-balm-handmade?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_3&logging_key=08357274ecafbf6dba49d988f524754db4162d39%3A1856690170
Let's Connect:
What was the weirdest bike you saw back in the day? Let us know in the comments!
Credits and links:
Yamaha rd250lc - John Hay
youtube.com/watch?v=trWWj7p-YdE
Suzuki GT250 X7 - Vintage-Motorcycles
youtube.com/watch?v=vtbCvlf9o9U
Loz + Sidewinder Oct 1985 - MrRobRing
youtube.com/watch?v=d8dnxwgHHFI
SUZUKI GSX 1100 E1981 MUSCLE BIKE - oliver streetmachine
youtube.com/watch?v=VxyRvppE32M
30 March 2024 - Jim Cadogan
youtube.com/watch?v=vwiJyjsEGgM
Chapters:
0:00 The 1983 Learner Crisis
0:48 The Sidecar Loophole Explained
1:29 What was the Sidewinder?
2:03 The Genius of Freewheel UK
2:54 Riding the 'Tilting Tea Tray'
3:57 How the Law Caught Up
4:37 The Sidewinder Legacy & eBay Finds
4:54 Final Thoughts & 3Phils Sign-off
#SidewinderSidecar #FreewheelUK #LearnerLegal #MotorcycleHistory #125ccLoophole #BikingMemories #OddballEngineering #BritishBiking #ClassicMotorcycles #TiltingSidecar #80sBiking #MotorcycleLoopholes #3Phils #BikeInventions
Was it a sidecar? A luggage carrier? Or just a death trap on a hinge? This week, we’re diving into the strange history of the Sidewinder. Built by Freewheel UK to exploit a glorious 1983 legal loophole, it was the £199.95 mail-order solution that bounced its way into motorcycle history. We explore why it existed, why we laughed at it, and how you can still find them on eBay today.
Support 3Phils:
Subscribe for more classic bike history: youtube.com/@3Phils
Join our Channel Membership: youtube.com/channel/UCZwqIv_kZu7FoKb_wqePPdw/join
Super Thanks: If you enjoyed the video, look for the 'Thanks' button under the player!
Send me a tip via Buy Me A Coffee:
buymeacoffee.com/3Phils
3Phils Beard Balm: Grab a pocket-sized tin here: etsy.com/uk/listing/1856690170/sandalwood-scented-beard-balm-handmade?sr_prefetch=1&pf_from=shop_home&ref=shop_home_active_3&logging_key=08357274ecafbf6dba49d988f524754db4162d39%3A1856690170
Let's Connect:
What was the weirdest bike you saw back in the day? Let us know in the comments!
Credits and links:
Yamaha rd250lc - John Hay
youtube.com/watch?v=trWWj7p-YdE
Suzuki GT250 X7 - Vintage-Motorcycles
youtube.com/watch?v=vtbCvlf9o9U
Loz + Sidewinder Oct 1985 - MrRobRing
youtube.com/watch?v=d8dnxwgHHFI
SUZUKI GSX 1100 E1981 MUSCLE BIKE - oliver streetmachine
youtube.com/watch?v=VxyRvppE32M
30 March 2024 - Jim Cadogan
youtube.com/watch?v=vwiJyjsEGgM
Chapters:
0:00 The 1983 Learner Crisis
0:48 The Sidecar Loophole Explained
1:29 What was the Sidewinder?
2:03 The Genius of Freewheel UK
2:54 Riding the 'Tilting Tea Tray'
3:57 How the Law Caught Up
4:37 The Sidewinder Legacy & eBay Finds
4:54 Final Thoughts & 3Phils Sign-off
#SidewinderSidecar #FreewheelUK #LearnerLegal #MotorcycleHistory #125ccLoophole #BikingMemories #OddballEngineering #BritishBiking #ClassicMotorcycles #TiltingSidecar #80sBiking #MotorcycleLoopholes #3Phils #BikeInventions
