Dauntless Motors
 Sidecar
and trike conversions with a dash of ingenuity
There are those complacent types just following the
rules…painting by the numbers and getting the job done. Then there are those who
push the boundaries, create and move a medium beyond its current state. For Jay
Giese (geese-e) the later holds true as his innovations in three wheel
technology put him one step ahead of the crowd in the realm of trikes and
sidecars.
Giese wasn’t always a sidecar enthusiast. He got the bug
in the early 90’s when he took his first ride. It was shortly after that he
realized he could put these rigs together as well as anybody else and eventually
founded Dauntless Sidecars together with his wife, Tara, at their home in
Covington, Washington. Since then Giese has built several hundred rigs ranging
from standard sidecar conversions to three wheel units used by Hollywood film
makers.
Sidecars
Perhaps you’ve never enjoyed the pleasures of a sidecar.
Whether you’re operating a rig, or you’re the passenger, sidecars are fun and
allow a family of three or four to hit the road together in a single unit (yes
Martha – there are really dual seater units out there).
Giese purchased the last 500 Sputnik sidecars from the
Russian company last year and may actually begin replicating the units here. As
the enthusiasm for sidecars has grown over the years, the call for low cost
sidecars for first timers has skyrocketed. Giese can do a simple Sputnik sidecar
conversion for under $3,000.
 But
if you’re looking invest in some of Giese’s own innovation consider stepping up
to one of his own fabrications, many of which feature Giese’s unique steering
system which actually turns the sidecar along with the front wheel.
Giese also mounts Hannigan, Liberator, Ural and a number
of other sidecar outfits. To date he is the only importer of DOT compliant
sidecars into the United States.
Need something totally custom? "Just because we
haven’t seen it yet, doesn’t mean we can’t do it" notes Giese.
Trike Conversions
There are many who feel a trike is for them. Trikes are
favored by those who are handicapped and others who just like the look and feel
of the three wheelers. More recently Giese added trikes to his line of services
and can even add handicap customizations such as hand shifters.
Innovations
Over the years Giese has been called upon to do some
unique work. As mentioned previously, he created a three wheel outfit for the
movie industry that held one driver and two cameramen (shown during the 2003
Sound Rider! Motorcycle Display at the Seahawk Stadium Exhibition Center).
But Giese’s innovations aren’t limited to the movie
industry alone. Beside his unique rigs and steering systems he has also
fabricated and tooled up for a series of trailer hitches that attach to various
popular models such as the Goldwings. If it doesn’t exist, he can create it.
Over the years Giese has built sidecar and trike rigs for
more than just Harley’s and Goldwings. His list is somewhat bizarre and yet
impressive including conversions for Bandits, Nighthawks, Guzzis, Triumphs, a
CB750 chopper, a Honda Silverwing scooter and more. As for what to go with on
your first machine, Giese offers this advice--"If your going to enter into the
world of sidecars, choose an older Goldwing or Bandit to get started and take it
from there." (Be advised, when converting a new bike to a sidecar, you will
likely void your manufacturer’s warranty.)
If you can dream it, Giese can probably do it. For
more information visit the Dauntless
Motors Website SR!
TM/Winter 2004
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