Hudson Electronics Motorcycle Overdrive: An In-depth Review

If you aren't familiar with Hudson Electronics, I recommend checking out this article by JHS, "Why You Need to Know Hudson Electronics".

History of the Motorcycle Overdrive

Around 2014, Hudson Electronics released the Overdrive 999, a heavily modified version of the infamous green overdrive pedal. It was tuned for more bass, a wider gain range, greater headroom, and amp-like clipping. However, the Overdrive 999 was short-lived, as it essentially became the Sidecar. (Read our review of the Sidecar here).

In collaboration with Joe's Pedals, Hudson Electronics have revisited the Overdrive 999 circuit in the form of the Motorcycle Overdrive.

How does it compare to the Sidecar?

If you're familiar with the Sidecar, you'll recognise the layout of the Motorcycle, with its drive, treble, bass, and volume controls, along with a single bypass foot switch. Both pedals feature a powerful two-band EQ inspired by a vintage Studer recording console. Like the Sidecar and many other Hudson Electronics pedals, the Motorcycle can be run at voltages between 9V and 24V. Running at higher voltages provides more headroom, output level, and clarity.

I have a Sidecar and a Motorcycle, which allows me to do a direct comparison. I'm powering both at 18V. With the gain set low and the EQ controls at 12 o’clock, the Motorcycle is noticeably darker and smoother, with a bigger, fuller low end and a less pronounced mid-range. In contrast, the Sidecar is brighter and more aggressive. The following playing sample demonstrates the tonal differences, especially in the low end. (better with headphones). The sample starts with the Motorcycle, followed by the Sidecar.

In this second sample, the pedals are set exactly the same; I’m just hitting the guitar harder, which should give you an idea of the dynamic range these pedals offer. Again, the Motorcycle is first, followed by the Sidecar.

Tinkering with the EQ, you can dial in a similar sound, but they definitely have distinct characters. At higher gain levels, both enter fuzzy territory; you can find other online demos showcasing that. For me, the best tones are in the low to mid-gain range, where both pedals excel.

Final thoughts

I love both of these pedals; however, there is something about the low end of the Motorcycle that I can’t get enough of. The darker, smoother tone suits me a little better and works well with both single coils and humbuckers. For that reason, I think the Motorcycle has edged out the Sidecar on my board... for now.