Wheel suspension of the sidecar, showing method of mounting spring housing and wheel fork.
(Below) The hollow main axle with oil retaining screw removed. The flat on the end
cap forms the key-way that prevents rotation of the axle when assembled.
The Holt Chassis: A Soundly Constructed Attachment Suitable for Medium-weight Machines.
THE problem of suspending the sidecar and its wheel in such a manner as to absorb all road shocks before they reach the motor cycle frame is one that has been tackled on numerous occasions, and with varying degrees of success. In many cases it has meant the addition of weight, increased expense, inaccessibility, and many moving parts in which wear may take place. It is with the object of overcoming these difficulties that the Holt spring wheel sidecar has been evolved.
The underslung chassis is rectangular in shape, and is composed of two main side members of girder construction. Three tubes form the base while the whole of the wheel and its suspension is encircled by tubes also built up in girder formation. Built on to the chassis is a forward extension whereon is mounted the footboard, and beneath this is a space that may be utilised for the housing of the accumulators.
The wheel is carried by a substantial U-shaped member pivoted, with the spring housing, on a common main axle.
Springing System Described.
In the suspension of the wheel, two quarter-elliptic springs are employed, each having five leaves and extend rearwards to links carried by lugs on the fork ends.
Coil springs in tension are used to suspend the body. A 7in. mudguard is secured direct to the chassis by means of two detachable tubular stays. A particularly well finished body has detachable backrest and seat, and behind the former, in the bulbous back, are receptacles for a spare petrol tin and a luncheon basket. Two more compartments carry tools and a spare tyre. The upholstery is carried out in leather cloth, and contains pockets for maps, gloves, etc. The weight of the chassis complete is 1051b. With the body fitted the sidecar scales less than 2 cwt. The retail price at present fixed is £40. The patentees and manufacturers are The Holt Motor Manufacturing Co., Earlsdon, Coventry.
During the course of a brief test, we were able to observe the behaviour of the springing arrangements. The roads traversed were chosen on account of their appalling surfaces, and it was found that the shocks received by the wheel were almost entirely damped out. The body was remarkably steady; indeed, the sensations were in every way similar to those experienced in a well-sprung car.
Good appearance and comfort are outstanding features of the Holt body. The pleasing manner in which the lines of the body blend with those of the chassis is at once apparent.
The Motor Cycle, February 23rd 1922, page 238
Holt's Cantilever Sidecar is mentioned in The Motor Cycle in 1912, page 1016.
Stokes and Holt's Weatherproof Double-seated Sidecar, The Motor Cycle, 1915, page 210.
