Operation Sidecar

The edited version of this story first appeared in Motorcycle Mojo Magazine

July/August 2007

 

operation n medical procedure in which the body is worked on to repair a damaged part
adapt v alter for new use or new conditions

I remember once seeing a three legged cat. As I watched it go about its cat's life business, I marvelled at its ability to navigate, despite it's handicap. Where there's a need, there's a way.

I knew it wasn't good when two doctors and a female psyche nurse led me to a small, dimly lit room at the end of the hospital corridor. I don't remember much of the conversation after the word amputation, other than the word chemotherapy. I do however remember tears and fears about missing this year's riding season – my 25th – my silver anniversary. Habitually operating (pardon the pun) at
100 miles/hour in my daily activities of life, the removal of a bone tumour found in my left tibia found me suddenly at Mile 0 – and using a combination of wheelchair, walkers and my butt to accomplish tasks that were once simple, and simply, taken for granted.

After 3 ½ months of solitary confinement, the arrival of Spring, and ultimately riding season, found me searching for a method by which I could descend the series of stairs outside my place of domicile – unattended – to reach my bike. A wheelie, if you will, on the back two legs of my four-footed walker, combined with a carefully balanced hop on one leg brought me to Old Girl – my beloved Superglide.

Swallowing my below-the-knee (BK, in amputee language) amputation like a bad pill, and the realization that I would not have a prosthesis before intensive rehabilitation and stump preparation, had me seriously researching methods of adapting my bike to make it possible for me to ride. I was in a panic, afraid I would spend my 25th season riding my wheelchair. Even with a prosthesis, I would be minus the balance and tactile sensitivity of the ball of my natural foot. I also knew that I would no longer feel secure in handling my bike without the dexterity of a foot, given the nature of riding that I do. After investigating many options in order to accomodate my handicap - from buying a trike - to the Ghostwheels System – I settled on attaching a sidecar to my Old Girl. I love her dearly, and I really didn't want to trade her. By attaching a sidecar, I left open the possiblity one day I would enjoy two wheeled travel again. Adjustments and alterations were necessary to accomodate my missing left foot. Saving the expensive cost of an air shifter, located on the handle bar, I opted to have my gear shift moved to the right side of the bike. Having over 30 years of Harley Davidson experience, A.R. Mechanique of Notre-Dame des Pins was called in for the job.

TRANS-MOTO

Locating Trans-Moto of Laval, Quebec, through internet search had me conferencing back and forth with owner Sylvain Tanguay. Being prompt and thorough in responding to my e-mailed questions, and a couple of phone conversations made me confident this was a business that would meet my needs.
Upon arrival at Trans-Moto, I needed to check the address on my slip of paper. From the road, the residence appeared as just that – a residence, and not the Trans-Moto that I expected. The proprietor greeted us roadside and directed us around to the back along a hard-packed gravel laneway. Arriving at a neatly kept workshop, it became evident this was not just a home based business, but a serious one.
I eventually opted to purchase from Trans-Moto a WW II German replica sidecar. Solid steel, sitting at 275 pounds including the frame, the Bimmer M-102 complimented Old Girl's already battle-worn look. Its small size combined with its open side entry gave my bike a real nostalgic appearance. Time was a factor however – although Trans-Moto offers installation services, for me the six hours travelling time to and from Laval had me picking up the unit and transporting it home for installation. Again, I enlisted the services of A.R. Mechanique.
For Sylvain Tanguay, the stirrings of Trans-Moto began long before the actual realization of his now successful business. A love of tinkering with old bikes and an appreciation for the look of vintage left Tanguay with a need to create home made, and modified parts for his motorcycle projects. Not one to follow trends, his creations were the marriage of radical ideas, unique appearance and a passion for vintage. All of this, he paired with reliability.
“In 2002,” Tanguay recalls, “I decided to produce a Limited Series of bolt on parts. Those parts were created to transform a regular [Harley Davidson] Sportster [883] and make it resemble a 1915 vintage board tracker. Phase 2 of the project was to create a matching sidecar. I wanted to combine the best of both worlds – classic and modern, paired with quality. The best – no compromise.”
After the project received attention, Tanguay decided to provide the opportunity for others to build their own radical bike through the manufacturing and sales of his custom parts. The instant demand for his products prompted a friend of Tanguay, Guy Jasmin, to offer his help in the manufacturing process. Jasmin went on to become a full time business partner to Tanguay. Since the official start of Trans-Moto in 2003, growth and recognition has been steady. Their philosophy is simple: supply the demand. The year 2004 found Trans-Moto receiving recognition for their unique creations, winning first place at the Kawasaki Elegance Concour, held in Laval, Quebec, for their modification of a ZX9. Taking a 2003 HD Sportster, attaching to it a TM-602 sidecar, and modifying it to resemble a 1915 vintage Harley Davidson found the Tanguay-Jasmin team taking first prize at the Toronto International Motorcycle Supershow in 2007.
In addition to the manufacturing of custom Sportster parts, Trans-Moto also specializes in the sales and service of sidecars: Velorex, Bimmer and their own house brand, Trans-Moto. With their prices starting at a low $3000 and climbing to $10 000+, owning a sidecar is made affordable and attainable. Although generally open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, it is recommended to make an appointment. This ensures proper consultation time spent with each customer, as well as a look-see at their proudly displayed projects, housed inside two small, but effective showrooms. As for his own preferred ride, Tanguay's favourite is his 2006 Sportster 1200, modified to look like a 1915 vintage Harley Davidson.
His favourite sidecar?
“Our newborn TM-401.”
Why?
“Because it is our new one!”
Home-based business, yes, but big on ideas, knowledge, and old fashioned service.

TRANS-MOTO
6520 Guenard Street,
Laval, Quebec,
CANADA
Phone: 514-924-3661
Toll Free: 1-866-666-8969
FAX: 450-666-8969
Website: www.trans-moto.com

OPENED: 2003
OWNERS: Sylvain Tanguay and Guy Jasmin
HOURS: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday; appointment recommended
WHAT THE SHOP OFFERS:
sales of new and used sidecars
custom built sidecars
reparation and installation
sales of custom parts, Sportster specific

As for myself, I am still coming to grips with my handicap; and although there are solutions for most dilemmas, the reality is that life, and the motorcycle lifestyle I have experienced thus far will never be the same. After altering the location of my shifter to the right side, I had to learn how to shift backwards – first gear was now up, neutral and the rest were down. Not too bad – 'til you approach a stop – then things got a little tricky upshifting to downshift while trying to rear brake. I am learning to pace myself and leave plenty of stopping distance. It's all about ME now, and getting in enough km before fatigue sets in. However, by the time this story will have gone to print, I will have received my new foot – at which time adaptation will once again consume my waking moments. Just like a baby, I will be learning to walk, and ride, all over again.

Photos courtesy of Trans Moto. © Sylvan Tanguay

Sources: Deeley Harley Davidsoncle & Moped Industry Council of Canada.