Canterbury Belle Sidecar Boat

Tom Roderick
by Tom Roderick

I totally dig Ural sidecars, especially of the 2WD variety, but I’ve found an even more novel sidehack rig – the amphibious Canterbury Belle sidecar boat. Constructed circa 1960, both bike and boat measured about eight feet in length, and could carry two people making the combined capacity four people!

2014 Ural Gear-Up Review

In the bow of the boat resides an 80cc, two-stroke JAP engine producing 1.9 bhp at 3,750 rpm, good for a reported top speed of 11 knots. The 168-pound boat slides into slots in the sidecar frame and is secured by way of four quick-release bolts, making it easily removable. The boat’s rudder is operated by a joystick: forward to go right, back to go left.

2011 Ural Gear-Up Sidecar Review

Deemed too expensive for mass production only five examples were built. Maybe Ural will pick up the torch?

Tom Roderick
Tom Roderick

A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.

More by Tom Roderick

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  • Vrooom Vrooom on Apr 28, 2016

    168 lbs, that woman in the add is stronger than she looks!

  • Starmag Starmag on May 03, 2016

    LOL. I hate sidecars because of the handling, but this is awesome. Great find. Launching seems like a lower back destroyer.

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