I'd like to have your opinions on the above combo. I'm particularly interested in your thoughts on the strength (or lack of) and usability of the Velorex? Subframe, or no? I plan to run this combo, but am interested in the collective wisdom of the list to it's pluses and minuses. I just like the way it looks with the Loop frame Guzzi.
Thanks,
Tom
The loop frame Guzzi's will connect up well with a minimum of sub-frame bracketry. A sub-frame is handy if you have wheel lead issues.
Lonnie
Tom;
You need to contact Howard Gilbert at > gilberth@pacbell.net <, He has an Eldo with Jawa/Velorex 560 sidecar that he is very happy with. And you're correct...they look beautiful together.
Don
Tom,
Don should know, he spent many hours helping me set it up.
I love my rig. It handles beautifully and draws my admiring stares and thumbs up.
I'll try to update the photos to this site.
Howard
'74 Eldorado & '72 Jawa/Velo 560 aka Romalotta
Thanks to all who have replied. I gained some valuable info from Lonnie via email and have some pictures from Howard to help me along. Other info and opinions would be welcome, particularly along the lines of whether or not to use a subframe and what brand of "U" clamps to use. I noticed on Howard's application that you welded a plate to the sidecar frame. Was that to strengthen the frame, add ballast, or both?
Tom,
I had the steel plate welded in the s/c frame to add both strength and ballast. In addition I add a 50# bag of sand behind the s/c seat when
I don't have a passenger. More experienced drivers may not need this additional ballast but I just have a year of experience under my belt
and I tend to be very cautious.
Howard
I use both OEM Jawa/Velorex (less expensive but paint finish) U-clamps $50.00 or Heavier duty (more expensive and bright plated) assemblies. $75.00.
I stock both here.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars, LLC
Lonnie,
As soon as I figure out what mounting configuration I'm going to use I'll get with you on the clamps. I may have to source some lower struts as well.
Thanks.
Check out my Romalotta album. I've just posted some new photos.
Howard
Beautius Howard, just Beautius! :0) You do nice work.
Thanks Mike. I got a lot of help from Don.
Howard
I'd like to have your opinions on the above combo. The loop frame Guzzi's will connect up well with a minimum of sub-frame bracketry.
The weak points in the 560/Guzzi applications are the 15mm axle, soft suspension and 18" wheel. There are three different mount setups that came with the 560 dependent upon whether it was going to be attached to a 350 or 500 Jawa, same sized CZ or an aftermarket (universal) mount set. All were designed for lightweight 300# plus motorcycles.
They do make a pleasing to the eye retro look combo.
Lonnie
It took me a long time but I finally found a great replacement shock for the 560.
It's the PRO-X-290 from EPM Performance Imports and is only $58.
Also DomiRacer has a 3.25 x 18 tire that wears and handles well.
I have about 5,000 mi on this rig and with added ballast and proper mounting,
I feel it is a great looking and handling combo.
Howard
Napa, CA
