Description:

How does driving a self-built load-wheel? MOTORCYCLE-test editor Rolf Henniges used during a trip to Thailand, opportunity, and cruised to a mobile coconut ice cream for half a day at the island of Koh Chang.

This question he did not expect. Paisan Sesue stands with open mouth behind his mobile coconut ice cream and could not believe my words, and his ears. For I will not only taste his ice cream, which he produces in the backyard of his cabin, but also with its obscure side-cars-Honda a few laps. “Yes, yes,” he said hesitantly, looking like an owl, which one responds to his Mauser. This desire was indeed quite unusual, but if I could sell a couple of ice by the way, vote the pay, I deposit my passport with him and me with his work and not make it, would you come into the business. We grin. Handshake, the event is sealed. Ten minutes later I’m sitting on the handlebars of a blue Honda Wave 110 with sidecar and orange awning.

A model of world-renowned Honda Cub family, cub = cheap urban bike, admitted of which since 1958 some 65 million copies that are active at all since then because of this globe. The main priority in the design was this small motorcycles and mobility. The fact that these things are virtually indestructible, demonstrated by numerous examples, are welded to the exception, with adventurous designs sidecar. Thus, with only eight PS also 35 cases of beer shipped in a slip. Or four adult pigs. Or a pack of ten 25-liter gas cylinders. Or 14 people. No, I tend not to overdo. There are things I’ve seen you on many trips themselves. Sorry. Do not you think? Take time to Asia.

My new vehicle weighs approximately 190 kg. With all lubricants, of course. Not what you’re thinking, no. The Honda has only 0.9 liters of oil in its oil pan and runs to a maximum of 3.9 liters of the tank. It is more goods from the sales floor. Mr. Sesue sold off next to his delicious coconut ice cream and drinks that he serves in small plastic cups. On the sidecar are: twenty 1.5-liter bottles of Coke, Fanta and other drinks-colored jelly babies, a 45-liter cooler filled with ice, and the 30-liter cylinder of metal stored in the ice-cream . This cylinder is double-walled. Between the two walls filled Mr. Sesue morning normal ice, which keeps his specialty in the interior cool. “The coconut ice cream remains cold to night,” he says proudly. Knowing that it can get hot here in summer to 40 degrees.

The start is via Kickstart. On the clock the one year old Honda Wave to 6000 kilometers. After about 60 kilometers Koh Chang would be surrounded. Unfortunately this is not possible, because in the southern part lacking about five kilometers connecting. Therefore, Mr. Sesue must also decide on a daily basis, whether he chugs along the western or eastern side of Koh Chang. The small 100-cc single-cylinder gurgles in the state as an emergency power generator, from the narrow mufflers it deafened as confidently as from European Harley-pots. I look at him: “What about helmet law?” Mr. Sesue grins and tells me the rules. First, in Thailand there is wear helmets. If you are caught without a helmet, pay 500 baht (about twelve euro) fine. Second: “You do not, however, put the helmet, it must carry only one,” he laughs, pointing to the green plastic cap riding helmet shape that dangles on the scaffolding above my head. A bathing cap would protect better. Well, you should adapt to local customs …

By rocker first gear is purely leveraged. Circuit Diagram: All four courses down. Coupling does not apply because the Honda has a semi-automatic. Gas. Reluctantly, the vehicle is in motion. I expect short: about 190 kg plus 68 kg motorcycle with sidecar rider – because you get to a power to weight ratio of around 35 kg / hp. The animated. If I sold the whole lot here, you go on the way back guarantee faster, I’m secretly.

Gear changes. After about ten seconds the speedometer at 20 km / h. Second course, 40 km / h. Super. Third course – somehow popped the not so good as pure as the first two. 60 km / h – paper cup blowing, rattling bottles, the cover on his leaps Brash ice cylinders and Honda lurches threatening. Your left-hand twist is shocking, I have to draw strong, otherwise we end up in the ditch. Irritated, I try to find the reason. The sidecar has an estimated inch clearance. Could it be because? Or do I just need more experience sidecar? Pothole, the first one. The load starts to stumble. Good thing the road is so wide. Braking. Front delayed a double-piston caliper, rear, it does a drum brake. Pothole, the second one. Somehow I have the feeling that the trailer makes a lunge. Strange. I stay at 40 km / h in third gear and look down. The sidecar is welded from 20-round tube in ST37-quality steel, and in three places with the 100 Honda connected: engine mounting, swingarm pivot and rear frame. The welder has for his work does not guarantee approval obtained. During the trip, it looks as if dancing a waltz motorcycle and sidecar. Unfortunately, each in his own rhythm.

Beckon passers-by on the roadside. Customers! I have to turn around. Slow, first gear, Turn the handlebar, caution when accelerating. I’m surprised, as the vehicle turned up like that on the spot. The young boys look puzzled. You do not speak English, I no Thai. For the ice cream’s it anyway, because Mr. Sesue explained to me in no time at all important. His coconut ice cream is between two buns and sprinkle with peanuts. After an hour I covered ten kilometers, fought successfully against four pitches, three spirits drivers have avoided this, and I sweated out four liters of liquid. But sold at least three ice. A tedious job. When Mr. Sesue four hours later center of his life again tenderly in his arms, he says, because three bottles of soda are empty and the ice is also missing a lot. “Everything in here,” I confess and point to my belly. It’s the truth. Ultimately, he wants to know what I think as a test driver from his ice cream. “Now, he travels quite stubborn in fourth gear,” I say gently. “Could be,” says Mr. Sesue and smiles knowingly. “But the second I’m out here come to Koh Chang before.”