Motorcycle specifications MashBlack Side 445 2024 Three-night stand

Today, as in the past, the sidecar is an atypical machine, not very widespread, but with a very strong power of curiosity. A little marginal, sometimes misunderstood, always friendly, sometimes very sporty, the machine provides an experience and sensations of another dimension.

Yet the sidecar has lived through a golden age; it was THE family vehicle before the mass-market car arrived on the roads and in the homes of all social classes. Today, it's a niche market for a few specialists. And for Mash, which is presenting its third side for the market.

First there was the Family-Side in 2017, replaced by the Force in 2021. The Force is now the basis for the new Black-Side. As its name suggests, it's richly covered in black. A few white edgings highlight the whole, a possible nod to the BMWs of a certain era.

Like the Force, the Black develops a false Ural air. Its basket and balance fork have a lot to do with it. A double seat, studded tires (18 inches all round) and knee protectors on the tank set the tone and style.
The two brothers are very different, even though they are the same machines with the same technical considerations. Except..

Removing a few accessories, the weight drops from 342 to 317 kilos. Nice diet. For this result, Mash didn't use machined aluminum, carbon or titanium, but a toolbox. By removing the luggage rack, spare wheel, (false) number plate on the front fender, ammunition boxes, headlight grille and basket fender support, the Black manages to shed 25 kg.
So, yes, it no longer looks like a survivor of the war, but its price tag comes down too. Exactly under the psychological threshold of 10,000 euros.

To get moving, the bearings, gaiters and people will have to rely on the average 445 cm3 single-cylinder engine. Its 28.5 hp will have its work cut out with the Black Side, as light as a Harley-Davidson. Mash does, however, stock a 650 cm3, installed in the Six Hundred, Dirt Track and X-Ride. A more vigorous engine.... Correct, a vigor more in keeping with the size of the beast, even if it's not the performance you're looking for with a "classic" side like this one. To really get the most out of it, you'll need to adopt the "take my time, and ride silently" riding style.

This Black Side has some very specific selling points: the cheapest sidecar on the market, a large trunk, reverse gear. And something that can't be calculated or explained: love at first sight.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos