For those with a thirst for exploration and a desire to venture off the beaten path, the allure of a remote destination is undeniable. Like many, I’ve been captivated by images of far-flung Australian landscapes, sparking a longing to experience their grandeur firsthand. However, the idea of a bulky, expensive 4WD and all the associated gear never quite resonated with me, especially living in a compact city apartment. That’s why when my friend Phil in Canberra shared a picture of his latest motorcycle acquisition – a unique Bike With Sidecar – my interest was immediately piqued. I knew instantly that if he ever decided to part with it, I wanted to be first in line. Phil, known for naming his bikes, had christened this BMW the “Beast,” a moniker that perfectly captures its essence.
The BMW Beast during its initial adventurous outing.
Unveiling the BMW Beast: A Unique Motorcycle Rig
The heart of the Beast is a 2003 BMW GS1150 motorcycle, boasting a relatively low 58,000 km on the odometer when I took ownership. But what truly sets it apart is the substantial addition to its side – a meticulously crafted sidecar. This bike with sidecar configuration, often referred to as a “rig” in sidecar circles, is precisely what drew me to it.
This particular bike with sidecar was expertly designed and constructed in Victoria by an ex-Qantas airframe engineer, now considered a leading sidecar specialist in Australia. His craftsmanship is evident, not only in the rig’s functionality but also in its ability to spark conversations. Wherever the Beast and I travel, we invariably become a focal point, initiating discussions with curious onlookers about this unique machine.
The Practicality of a Bike with Sidecar: Beyond the “Why?”
The inevitable question, often posed with a hint of skepticism, “Why on earth do you need THAT?” usually comes from those closest to you. In my case, it was my wife, struggling to grasp the appeal of a bike with sidecar. With patience, I explained that while the GS1150 is an excellent motorcycle in its own right, it’s the custom-built sidecar that elevates the entire rig to something truly essential for my adventurous aspirations. I envision the BMW Beast as my personal platform for exploring Australia extensively, all while keeping costs significantly lower than a comparable 4WD setup.
The BMW Beast confidently navigating off-piste terrain.
Acquiring the BMW Beast in 2018, while still heavily committed to work and travel, meant it spent two years patiently waiting in a rented garage. During this time, the occasional “I told you so” might have been uttered. Then, as the global pandemic disrupted travel plans in 2020, it seemed like the perfect moment to finally unleash the Beast and discover its capabilities as travel restrictions began to ease.
Initially hesitant, my wife’s perspective shifted as she witnessed the Beast in action during shorter preparatory journeys. She began to understand the rationale behind my bike with sidecar fascination, recognizing its unique blend of practicality and adventure.
The Foundation: The BMW GS1150 Motorcycle
The GS1150 platform is renowned as a modern classic and a pioneer in the adventure motorcycling category. Its iconic status was further cemented by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s epic journey on them in “Long Way Round.” However, beyond celebrity endorsements, the GS1150’s inherent design excellence and robust reliability are what truly solidified its legendary reputation.
Having previously owned Harleys and a Vespa, my foray into BMW motorcycles at this stage in life was a revelation. Bayerische Motoren Werke indeed crafts exceptional machines. With diligent servicing and maintenance as per manufacturer guidelines, these bikes are built to endure and perform. I’ve become a true convert – BMW undeniably produces outstanding motorcycles.
Having clocked approximately 5,000 km on the BMW Beast, I can attest to the GS1150’s remarkable capabilities. It’s powerful, dependable, and executes its intended purpose flawlessly. The fact that it achieves this while towing a substantial sidecar, and all the possibilities that entails, is truly impressive.
The Ingenious Sidecar: Functionality Redefined
The sidecar itself is a marvel of engineering, featuring a spacious aluminum box divided into three compartments, mounted on a sturdy steel-tubing space frame. Crucially, it’s supported by a third wheel equipped with a vital disc brake, enhancing safety and control. Furthermore, both the sidecar wheel and the GS1150’s rear wheel are custom-made, interchangeable aluminum units. A spare wheel is cleverly integrated into the sidecar structure, positioned where a passenger’s left leg would typically rest.
A glimpse into the sidecar’s rear compartment, housing the auxiliary fuel tank and battery.
The rear compartment houses a 40-liter auxiliary fuel tank, a high-capacity 12V battery, and the necessary wiring to seamlessly integrate these components with the GS1150. Combined with the main 22-liter fuel tank, the Beast boasts a total fuel capacity of approximately 62 liters (around 16 gallons). With a fuel consumption of about 45 mpg, this translates to a remarkable range of roughly 550 km (over 340 miles) between refueling stops. Refilling the main tank from the auxiliary tank while riding is possible, although I haven’t yet attempted it. The readily available extra fuel provides significant peace of mind during long-distance journeys.
The front compartment offers relatively clean and dry storage, ideal for safeguarding sensitive equipment. It has proven excellent for transporting my camera gear on previous trips, aligning perfectly with my photographic pursuits. While both the front and rear compartments are highly functional, it was the middle compartment that truly sealed the deal for me when Phil first described the Beast.
This central compartment houses a 12V fridge, originally intended for food storage by Phil during his camping expeditions. While camping isn’t my style, and cooking is certainly not my forte, I instantly recognized the immense value of onboard cold storage. The prospect of enjoying a cold beverage, anytime and anywhere, during my planned adventures was simply irresistible.
Let me clarify, I am a responsible individual and always adhere to the law and ethical conduct. However, the thought of a cold beer after capturing a breathtaking sunset in a remote location is undeniably appealing!
Mastering the Beast: The Art of Riding a Bike with Sidecar
“Riding” a bike with sidecar is, in reality, a misnomer. As I’ve learned, maneuvering a sidecar rig is distinct from riding a conventional two-wheeled motorcycle. Leaning into corners is minimal. Instead, steering is achieved by directly turning the handlebars in the desired direction. Left-hand turns require smooth, progressive throttle application mid-corner, while right-hand turns necessitate easing off the throttle as you reach the apex.
Having never ridden a sidecar prior to acquiring the Beast, the learning curve was steep, to say the least. Adding to the challenge is the sheer width of the Beast – lane splitting and squeezing through tight gaps, common practice on a motorcycle, become virtually impossible.
My maiden voyage from Canberra to Sydney, navigating afternoon rush hour traffic, felt like an eternity. However, I survived, and subsequent rides became progressively easier. It was during my first extended trip along the NSW south coast that I finally began to feel truly confident and comfortable handling the bike with sidecar.
The author preparing for the inaugural journey from Canberra to Sydney on the BMW Beast.
The Grand Objective: Uluru and the Australian Outback
The fundamental purpose behind acquiring the Beast was to access and photograph remote, iconic Australian locations. And few places are as remote and iconic as Uluru (Ayers Rock). My wife and I had previously visited Uluru for our anniversary, and I’ve long yearned to return and capture the images that eluded me during that initial trip. Uluru truly is an awe-inspiring destination.
Uluru majestically rising in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.
While riding to Australia’s Red Centre is no longer the extreme adventure it once was, it’s still a significant undertaking. The route is entirely paved, yet it entails a 2840km journey each way, traversing through some formidable landscapes. Rather than immediately embarking on this epic ride, I progressively built up to it with shorter trips down the south coast.
These were followed by a 10-day, 3500km round trip into northern Victoria to photograph Lake Tyrrell at Sea Lake, and then onwards to Broken Hill and Silverton in outback NSW. These journeys served as excellent shake-down runs for the Beast, which performed admirably throughout.
The Beast conquering the dramatic terrains of the NSW Outback.
Everything was meticulously planned and organized for the grand Uluru expedition in July when the Delta variant of C-19 struck Sydney, plunging us into a strict lockdown. As I write this, we are in our 14th week of lockdown. However, stay tuned – the Uluru adventure on my bike with sidecar will happen!
