Hi folks, I'm new to the board and thinking about a sidehack on my kz650. I was hit head on in October of 09 by an suv while riding my vtx on a two lane highway. I lost my left leg above the knee so I'm either going to have to go with a "klicktronic" electic shift attachment or buy ural with a hand shift option. I was thinking about maybe picking up a sidecar from a ural or a light velorex and mounting that. The old kz650 runs great and would run circles around a ural if I could get a sidecar mounted on it properly.
I could use some advise on where I could get a universal mounting kit and a good used sidecar to fit. I need to get back in the wind.... I see a vintage ural sidecar on ebay right now but I have no idea about mounting it to my 650.
If you are not a welder/fabricator the Velorex might be the better option. 100# lighter and a mount set that fits a short frame bike.
A URAL sidecar with BMW /2 style mounts needs fabrication work or an expensive set of adjustable mounts to fit up.
Lonnie
One of my riding friends has a store bought left leg. He has used the electric shifter for years and become very adept with it. The shift control is on his left handle bar where he can button it while clutching..
Good luck.
Phelonius
Thanks for the input guys, I guess I'm going to start looking for a velorex hack and go with the klicktronic shifter. The klicktronic shifter is a grand all by itself but it can be moved from bike to bike if I choose to switch up to a later model triumph some day. I know where they had an older suzuki 500 with a nice looking velorex with it. I could sell the bike and put the hack on my 650.
I knew there was a reason I kept that old KZ for all these years while I rode bigger cruisers...
James send me your email address i have some info i can send you
clement.r.white@snet.net
As another option, you may be able to go with a right foot shifter. I installed one as a backup to my Pingel electronic push button shifter and, after the relay failed, I use the foot shifter only. I may try and repair the Pingel, not sure, depends on the cost which I think will be spendy. This is on a DL1000 V-Strom with a Hannigan sidecar. I put a linkage on the shift lever and a shaft across the bottom with 2 rods like a "V" that I tap for upshift and downshift. It works well, let me know if you would like more info. I think a person needs a way to shift when the gizmos fail, and it seems they all do, mine included.
Hackpirate
Forgot to mention, I'm also an above knee, left leg, amputee.
Hackpirate - 5/1/2011 10:21 AM
Hi Hackpirate, I would love to see how you you made the linkage for a right hand foot shifter.
As another option, you may be able to go with a right foot shifter. I installed one as a backup to my Pingel electronic push button shifter and, after the relay failed, I use the foot shifter only. I may try and repair the Pingel, not sure, depends on the cost which I think will be spendy. This is on a DL1000 V-Strom with a Hannigan sidecar. I put a linkage on the shift lever and a shaft across the bottom with 2 rods like a "V" that I tap for upshift and downshift. It works well, let me know if you would like more info. I think a person needs a way to shift when the gizmos fail, and it seems they all do, mine included.Hackpirate
Forgot to mention, I'm also an above knee, left leg, amputee.
Newenglandjim,
I would be glad to send some pics and explain how I did this. Send me a PM with your email address and that would make it easier for me to send the pictures. It would be different for your rig obviously, but I think it could be done on most any outfit with a little thought. I would post 'em here if I was a little brighter!
Hackpirate
Jim if you do this mod and you need help i have all the tool needed
cutting welding ect.
I have a Klictronic shifter for sale. It is on the 1999 Yamaha Venture that I just bought. Contact me if interested.
Best of luck to you!
