I kind of stumbled across a very cheap 1980s Velorex 562. It came attached to a broken GL1000 Oldwing. I've detached, and sold, the Honda, and now I am thinking about what I should attach this sidecar to. I'm thinking a new(ish) Guzzi V7 would make a reasonable match, it's light and modestly powered (though not as light or weak as a Jawa 350). This will be my first rig.
I've spent a while reading forums and I think I've got a good grasp of the risks and limitations of this old Velorex (it's really light, not very strong, the suspension and spindle on the model I have are weak).
I don't really have any questions yet (i've found a lot of answers here). Just wanted to say hi really.
500- 650ccm is good, but it should be a low AND light bike. The V7 is pretty heavy for the Velorex and most: way too beautiful for to spoil her historic value with a Velorex....
Says someone who loved his Jawa rig, but broke the engine too often.
Take into account that best the back brake of the bike should be a mechanically actuated drum too. Never mix the brake actuating systems of back brake and sidecar.
The worst I have driven was MZ Bike back brake mechanical drum, sidecar hydraulic drum brake. nearly cost my life several times.
While the Jawa rig was a perfectly matched brake system. front hydraulic disk, back and sidecar well linked flexible cables working on 2 drums.
Once my life/health depended on this brake system and with its perfect touch I was able to manage to pass between 2 cars coming from front and left and a ditch limiting the left entrance road...while the back wheel was way up in the air!
My guardian angel and the well synchronised brake system saved the day.
So watch that the whole system is harmonic in every aspect.
Sven
I have an early 80's Velorex I am in the process of modifying to be remounted to a 2007 Shadow 1100. I really wouldn't recommend running this without at least an axle upgrade. I'm no expert, and some will tell there's no problems with it. Jay (DMC) is not one of them, he insists they're way too small of an axle, and most likely too small of a car for your bike (although I'm not sure how big the goose actually is, definitely on the small side for mine). Lonnie (RIP) was of the opinion they're fine as long as you do a lot of modifications, which to me makes them not fine.
also the universal mounts suck. They work but not well, and tend to slip. I'd plan on, at the very least, welding some of the spots. Like the rear lower clamp, that thing slips when you sneeze, let alone drive the rig. I welded the front gooseneck adjustment together, too, but that might have been slipping because the rear slipped. I'd suggest trying it without doing this, or as the last resort, it's kind of a pain aligning things when you need to move the front a tiny bit, and end up moving everything else instead. However, don't weld until you're sure. I'm looking at replacing a front arm with a 90 degree bent arm, no telling what headache I'm getting into with that, because everything is all welded down for a straight arm. Or you could go with one of Jay's mounting kits. I might still do that depending how bad I mess it up. 😉
All in all, I think it'll work fine, with ballast. Never think you must ride without ballast, I thought that at first. Turns out, it's individual to the bike, and with a light car like that, you may need ballast just for returning the handling to 'normal'. Even if someone else doesn't need it on your rig, run whatever YOU need to keep it safe. I'm thinking in the neighborhood of 100# on mine.
Which brings us to the frame itself. It's not the strongest, and there have been suggestions it shouldn't be used. I was fishtailing and went up the expressway embankment at about 70mph with mine. The mounts didn't slip, and the frame didn't bend. I figure it's probably pretty good in that area, although I'm probably reinforcing it anyway. Because, see ^ ballast, and because some knowledgeable guys on here said it might be a good idea. I'm of the opinion if it doesn't matter, might as do it the safer way, bigger is better, and I have an idea for doing quite simply, too. Not as robust, but super-simple. I can't tell if it'll work until I try putting it more together with the upgrades, though.
Oh gosh. No, not a beautiful vintage Guzzi. I was thinking one of the current retro V7s. They are really nice looking but don't have any historic value. I like Guzzis, I have a 78 LeMans as my solo ride.
I'd probably be looking to buy a mount kit from Jay. The mounts to the Goldwing were half universal (upper) and half custom (lower) so I'd need to purchase or fabricate something anyway, may as well purchase a good kit instead of a new universal.
That's probably best. The universal aren't much (if at all) cheaper. Note I have no idea if he actually makes that, but I'm sure he could if you wanted a one-off, he might even offer you a discount if he thinks there's a market for a new product. Mounts are much better than my axle conversion, for profit, they work on any sidecar not just a Velorex. 🙂 He was actually thinking of doing that axle conversion, but I'm afraid I might have talked him out of it.
I think he has a kit. I've emailed with him a little.
For tug comparison I ran a non modified 2006 Velorex 562 (20 mm axle) on a Shadow 750 and a Kaw Vulcan 800 with zero problems. Both over 550 lbs. Used the universal mounting kit except for a longer J bar on the Shadow.
I fabricated the bike side mounts for the Kaw and modified a couple of DMC mounts for the Shadow.
Give Bob Wark a call at http://www.warkshop.com
He'll give you free advice and is great with Velorex sidecars.
What ever bike you go with plan on finding one that either proper mounts are available for or plan on fabricating proper mounts. This link covers some of what we normally do with these sidecars http://www.dmcsidecars.com/the-result-of-improper-sidecar-mounting-and-the-proper-fix/
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
www.dmcsidecars.com
Sal - 4/17/2018 5:41 AM
Used the universal mounting kit except for a longer J bar on the Shadow. I fabricated the bike side mounts for the Kaw and modified a couple of DMC mounts for the Shadow.
So you used the standard mounts except for the mounts...? Not trying to be a smart ass, honest, just trying to see how you mounted it, I have a Shadow, too. You made you own mounts, but used the arms & hardware, is that what you mean? How close are the 750 to the 1100 frames? I have a 2007 1100 Spirit.
Yes, sorry for the confusion, hadn't had any morning coffee yet.
Fabricated the Kaw Vulcan bike side mounts to attach the Velorex arms to.
On the Shadow 750, the bike side mounts didn't fit so they had to be modified a bit.
The 1100 and 750 are completely different frames.
Thanks! 🙂
