Ironhead Sidecar Racing - "Kneeler"
Richard Pouwels and Kim van Loon from the Netherlands form a fascinating Historic Sidecar Racing Team. They have two Classic Ironhead Sidecar Racing Bikes, a "seater" and a "kneeler", both powered by Harley Sportster Ironhead Engines.
Click HERE to view the webpage we dedicated to Richard and Kim's Ironhead sidecar "seater". On this page we show you the pictures they made available of their Ironhead sidecar "kneeler".
The Harley Ironhead Sidecar "Kneeler" Frame
Richard and Kim's current "kneeler" Ironhead racing bike, which went through quite a bit of development over the years. The frame was built by Kobus Bouwman.
This type of frame is called a "kneeler": to reduce drag the driver actually rides the bike sitting on his knees.
- Front wheel: 16 inch / tire: Dunlop sidecar race
- Rear wheel: 12 inches / tire: Yokohama racing
- Sidecar wheel: 10 inches / tire: Yokohama racing
The Harley Ironhead Engines
Richard and Kim's sidecar racing team has a total of four Harley Davidson 1000cc Ironhead engines available to power their sidecar racing bikes.
The oldest was made in 1972, the youngest came out of a 1984 Sportster.
HD specialist Daan Smallenburg helps the team by tuning these ironhead motors.
Dutch Ironhead Sidecar Racing Team "Kneeler" in Action
Richard and Kim race their Ironhead sidecar bikes in historic bike races in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the UK.
I like this picture, it not only shows us how incredibly low the "kneeler" bike sits to the ground,
it also shows the tension before the start...
And look at them go!
Watch this movie showing Richard and Kim racing their sleek kneeler-type Ironhead Sidecar Bike over country road circuits:
Many of the historic bike races are held on ordinary street circuits, like here in Barneveld, the Netherlands.
Relief !!!
And victory !!!
Richard Pouwels and Kim van Loon - Dutch Ironhead Sidecar Racing Team.
June 2008
For more information on this Dutch Ironhead Sidecar Racing Team go to:
Weblog of the Dutch Classic Sidecar Racing Team(In Dutch, with great pictures!)
MORE Ironhead Classic Sportsters Photo Albums:
Clymer Service and Repair Manuals
Even if you have no intent to get your hands dirty - these books are a joy for every Harley Davidson fan!
