EL DIABLO FROM CHANG JIANG DESIGN

When Thomas Köhle got to Beijing China in 2007  he realized all those vintage looking sidecars driving around the streets which most resembled those WW2 BMWs, but turned out to be Chang Jiangs:  "Right at the beginning of WW2 Hitler and Stalin where allies. As a gift Hitler forwarded the Beemer-drawings to Stalin which produced URAL, DNEPRS based on the technical specs. In the 1960ies the Commies forwarded the drawings to China which produced those sidecars until the 1990ies and used them in their Army.

Chang Jiangs are available with 24 hp SV flathead engine or 32 hp OHV engine. I usually keep fingers of the OHV-engines and only recommend the small version. The OHV’s ain’t that reliable to me" says Thomas

For the future he works on a project with Jim Bryant (he owns a CJ shop converting the Chinese rides with original Bimmer-engines) with stretched rake, springer fork (already did one together Jim) and a hardtailed version.

Currently in the works is a sidecar rig for himself and a repro mil-sidecar for a fellow in France.

So far he has already sent bikes to New Zealand, France and Germany.

Parts have already been sent to (16inch wheelset) to Brunei and Germany.

There are many shops in Chinaclaim they do custom-rides – but except changing colours and play around with chromed parts they do not have any other ideas.

'I claim myself to be the first “real” customizer on the Chinese Chang Jiangs here in China'. says Thomas

check out his website for more great stuff: http://www.4444-chang-jiang-design.com/