So here I am, with a perfectly wonderful older bimmer parked in the garage and my twisted mind keeps wondering why not, why not hang a hack onto her? Not that I lack for a hack, it's just that I have this is a beautiful old bimmer and she's just languishing in the garage waiting for someone to come along and ride her. When I bought her a couple of years back it was with the intention of heading out on the road but as it turned out I had other options which proved to be better for me so she's been relegated to the garage. Every time I pass by her I'm thinking how cool she'd be with the right hack and now I'm asking you, the members of this forum for your input. Should I do the deed and if so, what hack do you think would be the ideal mate for her? I'm open for your ideas and thoughts on this possible project.
Thanks in advance,
LL75
If I remember correctly a sub frame has to be used because the frame design isn't strong enough, there are members that know a heck of a lot more than I do and I'm sure they will chime in on this.
Yes, it is best to use a subframe on any BMW built since the /2. The /7 will do fine for you but add a subframe. See atatched:
the R80 works well mine has no subframe but be careful where you put the upper rear fitting make sure it on the main frame. here's mine.
Hank
Like Hank said DO NO try and put a mount on the small diameter structure that holds the seat. Running the upper rear mount up to the main bike frame is essential. Even with that being done we have still seen instances of main frame failures on the post /2 BMWs. A subframe is really the better way to go for peace of mind.
Here's a couple options.
Lonnie
Here's mine. I hav'nt used a sub-frame and it's been ok for 18 yrs. Just dont hang on the rear sub-frame or the rear foot rest hanger's. Keep all fitting's on main frame.
Safe riding Karl.
Thanks everyone, especially for posting the pictures. I appreciate having a sub-frame set up, that's what I have on my Aprilia/Sputnik. I kind of anticipated that one so I'd be interested in where you got yours and if you'd recommend the installing dealer to someone else?
I also noticed most of the rigs are sporting a leading link set up and wonder if the R80/7 requires it? That's something that hasn't been a problem on the Aprilia but it's a lot newer technology-wise so maybe that's the difference?
Thanks again!
LL
I also noticed most of the rigs are sporting a leading link set up and wonder if the R80/7 requires it?
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More than likely, your BMW was set up for the sportier side of rideing, semi quick steering and sidecars don't get along all that well.
Lonnie,
I like all 3 of them but really like the looks of that first one best. I think it's a Velorex or at least that's what the script looks like. I don't recall if you're a dealer for them so Is that rig one your own or one you're selling for someone?
Thanks,
LL
Here she is last spring. Wotta doll...
LL
That particular hack is one of the last Velorex 562E (Euro) models. It is a client's bike.
The 562E's were the more spartan model of the 562 Standard. Both were replaced with the improved 562 Cruiser in 2005 and 563 Tour models which share a similar body but are designed for use on heavier bikes than the early models.
My Avatar pic shows my personal 2008 FXDL/563 Tour combo.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars, LLC
Larry,
Go for it. I had a 78 R80/7 with a Ural hack on it for several years. It had been Coast to Coast and back and was one of my favorite sidecar rigs. I installed the hack at 60,000 and she had 92,000 on her when I sold her four years ago and is still going strong for the new owner.
You need to contact Lowell Neff. He does excellent work, and will custom design and build a subframe for your specific frame. It will directly bolt to existing attach points on the frame. He is not quick or cheap, but the work is very good. He built me a subframe for a 1978 R100/7 that I was very pleased with.
Nice looking rig Dennis, noticed the rig in front of you is the twin to my Sputinik. Both great rigs.
LL
