There’s Finally A Motorcycle Sidecar On Sale In Malaysia

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd (MForce) officially launched the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar last weekend, making it the first three-wheeler of its kind to go on sale in Malaysia. (Image: Facebook)

Seasoned Carz.com.my readers and followers ought to know by now apart from the electric vehicles (EVs), we aren't ones to actively actively cover motorcycle product news and launches. However, we do make occasional exceptions, especially if they’re very interesting…

Last weekend, Bukit Mertajam-based motorcycle assembling and distribution powerhouse MForce Bike Holdings Sdn Bhd (MForce) expanded its WMoto brand line-up by adding the new Bobbie VII Sidecar offering.

The effort sees it become the first motorcycle sidecar vehicle type to officially go on sale in Malaysia. Whilst not a new thing overseas, the three-wheeled motorcycle sidecar isn’t as popular here as it is in select markets worldwide.

With that in mind, here are some interesting facts to know about this motorcycling sub-genre and what transpired in the local motorcycling landscape that finally made it legal for public sale and purchase now.

Ever heard of Ural Motorcycles? This Russian cult brand is considered the 'OG' of motorcycle sidecars.

1. This Was Not The First Sidecar Bid

Whilst MForce is officially the first to bring a motorcycle sidecar on sale in Malaysia, it was NOT the first to attempt which. Back in 2016, a local firm called Reed Motorcycle Company reportedly based out of Kampung Baru, KL, attempted to become the importers for the Ural Motorcycles brand – a worldwide cult favourite motorcycle sidecar marque.

To this writer’s understanding, this early attempt failed to materialise. This was likely because the Russian cult brand’s products at the time, which featured a classic or ‘retro’ design at the centre of which, failed to acquire Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) for unspecified reasons.

Though its Facebook pages for which are still up, the Reed Motorcycle Company was not heard from again since, and the thought of motorcycle sidecars going on sale in Malaysia died with it… until recently.

The WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar was first previewed by MForce back in 2023 in LHD form (left). Last weekend, it was officially launched in RHD form (right) after gaining JPJ type approval. (Images: PanduLaju / RodaRoda)

2. LHD And RHD Matters, Apparently...

Interestingly, one fact we learnt from the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar launch is that left- (LHD) or right-hand drive (RHD) conditions matter when it comes to motorcycle sidecars. This likely explains the change in position for the passenger sidecar assembly in this WMoto offering.

Previously, when MForce first previewed the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar locally back in 2023, the sidecar was mounted on the right side of the motorcycle – like a LHD car. Last weekend’s official launch saw this changed to the left side of the motorcycle instead, thus mirroring RHD cars. If you asked, us this makes perfect sense.

Perhaps this also explains the apparent two-year delay between said model’s preview and its official launch. Whilst some have speculated this as a key reason behind the failed bid for Ural Motorcycles brand detailed earlier, we’ll point out that RHD versions of its products were available well before 2016.

To ride the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar, you'll first need to have a B-Full class motorcycle licence.

3. You Need A B-Full Class Motorcycle Licence

Keen on the idea of cruising around in retro style with a passenger comfortably in tow next to you in a plush sidecar instead of sitting behind you as a pillion? You’ll firstly need to possess a B-Full class motorcycle licence before legging over into the hot seat of the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar.

That’s because at the heart of things is the WMoto Bobbie VII base bike itself, which adopts a liquid-cooled 693cc parallel-twin mill with respectable headlining figures of 74 HP and 64 NM.  As a refresher, to ride any motorcycle in Malaysia with capacities greater than 250cc requires its riders to possess a B-Full licence mentioned.

Besides the specialised licence, we’ll add that you will need additional skills to properly ride this motorcycle sidecar – or any other, for that matter. That’s because the ride and handling dynamics of any motorcycle is dramatically altered when it has a sidecar attached to it. 

Take that fact however way you want…

File photo of a typical motorcycle lane in Malaysia. The WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar will certainly have trouble entering which given its extended width.

4. It Won’t Fit Through Most Motorcycle Lanes

Besides adding to total weight, which now stands a claimed 330 KG instead of 211 KG (dry) without a sidecar attached, the other obvious change here is of course the motorcycle’s total width -  a figure that MForce did not disclose.

For reference, the WMoto Bobbie VII base bike mentioned sits some 865 MM wide, so expect it to sit at least twice that with a sidecar attached. By our best guestimates, the Bobbie VII Sidecar sits over 1.7 metres wide.

As a daily motorcyclist, this writer can tell you that the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar will NOT effectively fit through the motorcycle lanes on most highways without impeding other riders, as well as motorcycle lanes at most toll plazas too. Speaking of, the next fact might irk most motorcyclists…

The added width of the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar comes with the added price of having to pay for tolls too.

5. You’ll Have To Pay Tolls When Riding One

At highway toll plazas, the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar will need to go through the regular vehicle lanes where its riders are subjected to pay for tolls fees. Here, this three-wheeler is levied under the Class 1 vehicle category  too – the same as passenger cars and SUVs.

Ask any motorcyclist and many will argue that this inability to be exempted from toll payments somewhat defeats the cost-cutting purpose that all motorcycles, regardless of brand and capacity, afford the riders who adopt it.

In other words, the extra wheel and passenger seat that a sidecar brings also comes with additional running costs that are unbeknownst to most. Whilst discussing costs factor still, the next fact might just be the biggest red flag for most…

6. It’s Not Exactly ‘Cheap’

With JPJ-approved status in hand, brand distributors MForce has tagged the WMoto Bobbie VII Sidecar at RM48,888 nett. Yes, the sidecar commands an additional RM13,000 on top of the base bike’s RM35,888 starting price tag.

Said premium brings stylish retro looks, the added novelty of a sidecar, plus a slew of modern amenities and features such as all-LED lighting, digital instrument panel, USB charging ports, all-round disc brakes with ABS brakes, and more - things the base bike brings at a relative bargain in its market space.

Realistically though, even as MForce offers a special RM2,000 discount for the first 100 customers, we don’t foresee this motorcycle sidecar combination selling in high numbers due to its princely price tag mentioned prior.