While the company originally known as Clews Competition Machines went into administration in the summer of 2025 after more than 50 years of building motorcycles full of character, that still means there are plenty of owners who may appreciate that Watsonian Sidecars can now fit CCM Spitfire Bobbers.
Powered by a 660cc single-cylinder engine, the Spitfire Bobber as launched in 2019, with 56bhp, 43 lb-ft of torque, and retro styling. So while a sidecar outfit will add some weight, it will suit the looks and the original bike was never about outright speed, anyway.
Combining two British motorcycling brands required a fitting kit developed to bolt onto four mounting points on the Spitfire, allowing optimium triangulation with the steel tube frame and making sure the sidecar wheel spindle sits the right amount in front of the bike’s rear wheel axle for predictable handling.
That doesn’t come cheap, with the fitting kit costing £1250 before you add the sidecar itself, such as the Prescott pictured above at £5,795. But it’s a suitable choice, with the original version made from a surplus Mosquito drop tank. And Watsonian outfits can be fitted to a surprisingly niche range of motorcycles, including the likes of the Husqvarna Svartpilen, the modern BSA Gold Star, scooters and more. Riding a sidecar combination certainly stands out and brings a smile to the faces of most people you go past, which can’t always be said when you’re on a sports bike or tourer.
You’ll also need a Spitfire Bobber, which cost from £9,995 new. And will only be getting more collectable while the future of the brand is still in doubt. You can find a handful currently for sale on eBay, with prices between £6,250 and £11,500 for one of the 150 original models built. And you can see other sidecar options via the Watsonian website, or by looking at our previous coverage of motorcycle sidecar outfits for inspiration.
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