Historic Sidecar Restoration Course
Online 300-hour course in historic sidecar restoration. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (L-category vehicles), Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 (functional safety of L-category vehicles) and Fusion 360. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Analyse the sidecar as a dynamic combination of motorcycle and sidecar unit.
Restore the sidecar chassis and bodywork using appropriate techniques.
Adjust the mounting points, toe-in and lean of the combination.
Adapt the motorcycle's mechanics to the demands of the sidecar.
Restore the electrical system, finishes and details of the combination.
Apply the specific riding technique for sidecars.
Manage the legal documentation of the sidecar as a historic vehicle.
Who it's for
- Sidecar restorer wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Classic motorcycle mechanic wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Sidecar bodyworker wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Technician in L-category vehicle modifications wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Motorcycle collection manager wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Sidecar riding instructor wishing to specialise in Historic Sidecar Restoration.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter motorcycle restoration.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 168/2013 (L-category vehicles)
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 3/2014 (functional safety of L-category vehicles)
- Royal Decree 892/2013 (Historic Vehicles Regulation)
- Royal Decree 2822/1998 (General Vehicle Regulation)
- Vehicle Modifications Manual (Ministry of Industry)
- UNECE Regulation No. 78 (braking of L-category vehicles)
- UNECE Regulation No. 53 (motorcycle lighting)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1History and types of sidecar1.2Motorcycle and sidecar unit: one single vehicle1.3Sidecar body manufacturers and their documentation1.4Identification of motorcycle and sidecar body1.5Documentation and registration1.6Heritage value of the combination1.7Typical condition of a surviving sidecar1.8Compatibility between motorcycle and sidecar body1.9Purpose: display or use1.10Workshop: identification and file of a combination
2.1Sidecar body chassis and its corrosion2.2Sheet metal, wood and composite bodywork2.3Repair of the sidecar body bodywork2.4Floor, dashboard and seat2.5Mudguards and hoods2.6Windscreen and accessories2.7Reproduction of sidecar body parts2.8Finishes and lettering2.9Dimensional control of the sidecar body2.10Practical: restoration of a sidecar body element
3.1Mounting points on the motorcycle3.2Stays and their adjustment3.3Toe-in and its adjustment3.4Lean of the motorcycle relative to the ground3.5Forward position of the sidecar wheel3.6Effect of geometry on handling3.7Verification of alignment3.8Motorcycle reinforcements for the sidecar3.9Checks after fitting3.10Practical: complete alignment of a sidecar
4.1Additional load and its effect on the engine4.2Suitable gear ratios4.3Clutch and its wear4.4Brakes: capacity and sidecar brake4.5Sidecar wheel suspension4.6Bearings and axles4.7Tyres for sidecars4.8Steering and its effort4.9Cooling and temperatures4.10Practical: mechanical adaptation of a motorcycle
5.1Sidecar body lighting and signalling5.2Wiring between motorcycle and sidecar body5.3Detachable connectors5.4Instruments and accessories5.5Paint and colour scheme5.6Chrome and trim5.7Sidecar body upholstery5.8Preservation of patina5.9Documentation of the finish5.10Practical: electrical installation of the sidecar body
6.1Riding a sidecar: particularities6.2Training of the driver and passenger6.3Licence and legal requirements6.4Technical inspection of the combination6.5Insurance and valuation6.6Periodic maintenance6.7Transport and storage6.8Common restoration mistakes6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: documented restoration of a sidecar
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: learners progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Fusion 360, SolidWorks, advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for sidecar alignment on the bench, sidecar body reconstruction in the workshop, and road testing of the combination. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Analyse the sidecar as a dynamic combination of motorcycle and sidecar unit.
Restore the sidecar chassis and bodywork using appropriate techniques.
Adjust the mounting points, toe-in and lean of the combination.
Adapt the motorcycle's mechanics to the demands of the sidecar.
Restore the electrical system, finishes and details of the combination.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Fusion 360, SolidWorks and advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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