Choose, buy, and assemble your own sidecar!
The Tripteq concept
Two’s company and three’s a crowd?
Not when it comes to wheels! It’s that third wheel that makes motorcycling even more fun – that’s what we believe at TripTeq, and every sidecar rider will wholeheartedly agree.
When we launched our first model in 2005, we wanted to do things radically differently from existing suppliers. Our mission? To develop a solid and affordable sidecar that you, as a motorcyclist, can assemble yourself. What’s more, the sidecar had to be easy to adapt to your personal style, preferences, or usage situation. Just as we once wanted to build a sidecar that really suited us.
To this day, that remains our strength: a flexible, DIY-friendly sidecar system—something no other manufacturer offers in this way.
Why do we understand your needs so well? Because we share the same passion: building your own sidecar and hitting the road with pride.
From Motorcycle Mechanic to Sidecar Pioneer
Goos Bos
From the moment I came into contact with sidecars as a mechanic at Motoport Hengelo, I was immediately hooked on sidecars. What started as an interest quickly grew into a specialization: I became the company’s sidecar mechanic. Gradually, I immersed myself more and more in the technology and construction, and eventually I also took on sales. That’s how I ended up at the helm of the entire sidecar department.
During my search for a third dealership for a sidecar brand, I kept running into the same limitation: I simply couldn’t find what I was looking for. That moment marked the beginning of something new: the idea for my own sidecar development was born. (Read the full story behind TripTeq here.)
Developing this concept, in combination with building a complete dealer network, gave me a huge thrill. And although I combined TripTeq with sidecar sales at Motoport Hengelo for many years, in 2009 I was given the opportunity to take over Motoport Hengelo completely. I seized that opportunity with both hands.
Until 2019, I enjoyed running the business, especially in the early years when it was very successful. Thanks to the addition of brands such as CR&S, Kawasaki, Indian, and Ural sidecars, as well as organizing unique events—such as the popular Koning Zelfbouw Dag (King DIY Day)—Motoport Hengelo once again received a lot of national attention.
However, combining both companies proved to be too much in the long run. That is why I made a conscious decision to focus entirely on TripTeq again. Because that third wheel… it keeps pulling!
Techneut en Uitvinder in Hart en Nieren
Wijnand Zwart
Wijnand Zwart is a techie and developer through and through. Wijnand graduated from the University of Twente with a degree in mechanical engineering. Improving existing products and developing his own innovations came early to him. For example, he made an MZ two-stroke sidecar suitable for LPG.
He then built a sidecar for his BMW at the time, from the chassis and polyester work to his own electronic ignition. When TripTeq offered him the opportunity to do this as a job, the choice was easy. After the TripTeq concept was fully developed, he started working as a teacher at the HAN University of Applied Sciences in Arnhem.
Wijnand is still involved with TripTeq as a freelancer in the development of new products. In addition, he has found new challenges such as developing and building his own tricycle that is focused on fuel efficiency, organizing an Eco-marathon for the HAN, and his latest creation is the conversion of an old Vespa scooter with a gasoline engine to electric drive.
About us
The story behind Tripteq
In 2003, after years of experience as a mechanic and salesman at a sidecar dealer, I embarked on an exciting adventure: the development of a completely new sidecar concept. As an inexperienced developer, I knew that collaboration was essential. That’s why I worked with students from the University of Twente and the Hogeschool voor Autotechniek in Arnhem, among others, to bring in fresh knowledge and new insights.
The goal? To develop a modular two-seater sidecar that could be easily assembled in multiple variants. Inspired by BMW’s well-known “Baukastensystem,” we wanted to design a universal chassis to which different body panels could be attached. This would allow a single base platform to be used for multiple applications, from sports to touring.
To accelerate development, I brought Wijnand Zwart on board in early 2004. He had just graduated from the University of Twente and, like me, was an avid sidecar rider. What’s more, he already had experience building his own combinations.
The reality – ambition vs. feasibility
After six months of intensive collaboration, we realized that our project might be too ambitious for two inexperienced developers. At the same time, we saw the market for two-seater sidecars shrinking. It was time for a reorientation.
Wijnand came up with an alternative idea: an affordable sidecar specifically for BMW 4-valve boxer models. Due to their construction, these motorcycles offered the perfect basis for a technically strong and accessible combination. After new market research and extensive discussions, we decided to follow this new path, with the starting point being a TÜV-approved combination and production in stock rather than to order.
This is how the SGS – Super Goedkoop Span (Super Cheap Sidecar) project came about. Within a short period of time, we built a prototype, carried out all the necessary calculations and measurements, and contacted TÜV Germany for approval. Around January 2005, our prototype was ready for production.
The first step towards the market
Word about our innovative sidecar spread quickly. At the end of January, I was approached by Bernhard Götz from the German magazine Motorrad Gespanne, who invited us to present our prototype at Germany’s leading sidecar trade fair. Of course, we jumped at the chance. We quickly came up with a brand name: TripTeq – a reference to three wheels, travel, and technology. The model name became Heeler, named after our dog (a loyal Blue Heeler) who was our mascot throughout the development process.
From skepticism to success
We were met with a great deal of skepticism at the trade fair in Sinsheim. Many believed our design was too simple to ever pass a TÜV inspection. People doubted the preservation of the original aluminum motor wheels, the 3-point connection, and the use of ABS plastic for the sidecar body. The very elements that we saw as innovative advantages were considered weaknesses.
Nevertheless, we did not let ourselves be discouraged. With renewed motivation and all the necessary documentation, we went to the TÜV in Hanover. There, an engineer subjected our design to rigorous testing, calculations, and test drives. A few nerve-wracking weeks later, we received the good news: we had obtained the coveted TÜV approval!
The first self-built sidecar with TÜV certification was a reality. We could finally enter the market!
The growth of TripTeq
In August 2005, we presented our first combinations at the Euro Gespann Treffen, with German TÜV certification. This marked the start of our journey as an official sidecar manufacturer. Within a year, we had several enthusiastic dealers, mainly in Germany, who understood our concept and actively sold our products.
Although it took a little longer to convince riders, our customer base grew steadily. Customers became our biggest ambassadors, and so the TripTeq family grew too.
From prototype to mature brand
In the years that followed, we expanded our TÜV certification to include new BMW models and continued to develop our range of accessories and sidecar bodies. In 2016, we reached a special milestone: 500 sidecars sold – a moment of great pride!
Five years later, with a complete range for various motorcycle models, we had sold 750 units. And there is no end in sight.
We look back with pride on our journey – from ambitious idea to established name in the sidecar world.
– Goos Bos
