Side-Car BMW R1100R Dedôme test

Intro: FULL OF CHARM!

Side-cars have caught many an eye... These 3-4 seater, three-wheeled motorcycles built around a roadster or sports bike are an art in their own right.. Pierre Jean Dedôme is a man who specialises in couplings for BMW. He took his time in developing the BMW R1100R. There have been no major changes to the bike itself: the "télélever" front rod has been adapted to riding with a side-car and the rear wheel is larger. The panier design is strongly reminiscent of the marque's four-wheel models, particularly the Z3. With its looks and attractive personality, the Dedôme is worth a closer look...

Esthetique: HIGH-TECH

The chassis uses tubular wire mesh with steel tubesproviding the coupling with the motorcycle via a shoe under the engine - a necessary solution due to the absence of a frame on the R1100R. Silent blocks are used on the link between the chassis and the side-car. Adjustable connecting rods and triangular brackets adjust the coupling and the panier is so user-friendly that it can be attached by one person alone. The side-car door is slightly off-centre to give the handlebars clearance and the hinge pivots on a jack and gas cushion system. Inside, there is room for one adult or two children. The finishing is high-quality and the boot has a capacity of 180 litres. Leather finishing is an option .

On the road: MANOEUVRABLE

The side-car is quite well behaved. The suppleness and power of the two-cylinder engine give scope for high manoeuvrability and stability on bends. The 380kg don't seem to take their toll on fuel consumption. In terms of performance, the Dedôme offers a respectable 160kph flat out. The brake distribution is very well balanced. Three years of hard work have paid off with a result close to perfection.