Motorcycle specifications AvintonSide car GL 2016 Bespoke haute couture

Here is a one-of-a-kind model built for a client who lost the use of his legs following a motorcycle accident. The goal wasn’t simply to start with an existing model and modify it, but rather to design a completely new machine from scratch. So the team got to work. The end result? This superb sidecar, as beautiful as it is efficient.

Still powered by the famous 1647 cc S&S square-bore engine producing 145 hp and 18.35 mkg of torque, it retains the fuel tank and top-mounted intake cowls characteristic of Avinton. The overall silhouette is preserved, but the comparison with other models ends there.

In fact, the frame has been completely redesigned to create a platform capable of accommodating the sidecar and a sidecar-specific fork. Specially designed and tuned for this purpose, the chassis is there to give the whole bike exceptional rigidity and handling. The geometry has been thoroughly reworked to achieve the best possible result.

The controls have also been arranged to allow for footless operation. In fact, the handlebars feature brake levers (acting on the front and rear brakes), a manual gearshift system, a clutch lever, as well as a brake control that activates an additional caliper located in the front wheel.

Speaking of the braking system, the front wheel has two opposing calipers. The front caliper serves as the main brake (coupled with the rear brake). Thanks to an adjustment mechanism, it is possible to modify the front/rear balance according to the desired feel. The second front caliper, meanwhile, serves as a parking brake but can also be operated independently of the rest via a lever added to the control panel. A fully modular braking system of the finest craftsmanship that speaks volumes about the quality of the work!

The team also redesigned the gearshift system with an electro-pneumatic control that acts directly on the selector via buttons on the control panel. The result? It’s not some sort of automatic transmission but a full-fledged manual gearbox that can be operated by hand. The playful handling and the joy of shifting up or down are fully preserved. Here too, a remarkable technical feat!

Two handles have been added to allow the future owner to hoist themselves aboard. Once seated, the wheelchair will be secured on the luggage rack of the basket, which was specially designed for this purpose.

To facilitate maneuvering, an ingenious reverse system has been devised: it consists of a telescopic lever that, once extended, rests on the ground and allows for manual reversing. A simple yet brilliant idea!

A model entirely designed to replicate the feel of a classic two-wheeler as closely as possible. When you stand next to such a machine, you can’t help but admire the team’s work at every level. So yes, the result is stunning, yes, the finishes are top-notch, yes, this motorcycle is exceptional. But, ultimately, when you see this machine before your eyes, one thing becomes clear: even though this customer lost his legs, Avinton gave him back his wheels. That is undoubtedly the greatest victory of all!