AXLE UPGRADE FOR VELOREX HACK

We have done a lot of them on all of the pre2005 Velorexs.
We use our heavy duty swing-arm w/1" axle and an automotive modular wheel and flat tread tire that lasts much longer than the round tread bike tire for a lot less $$$ ($20.+ for a new tire).
Effort isn't much since it is a direct bolt on with no welding or modifications needed to the sidecar frame. Maybe an hour's work or less.
Cost is about 130 bucks less than the factory upgrade to 20mm axle still using the narrow spoke wheel.
Just the ticket for heavy loading, aggressive driving, off-road or dual sport use. No more wallowing in the turns.

e-mail me for pix of installed conversions.

Lonnie Cook
Northwest sidecar
nwsidecar@aol.com

I have done quite a few here on the east coast and it DOES make it a new sidecar. I use a torsion bar suspension which also gives you a built in tilt adjustor.Spindle is upgraded to one inch and a car tire added. You can go with a 135r15 or a 165r15 on a centerline aluminum wheel or go with a 12" trailer type wheel. The centerline looks really good if a different fender is added. I like to make the fender move with the swingarm so it can be set down close to the tire. Fender options run the gamut from ural fenders, trailer fenders to aftermarket harley fenders..lots of ways to go there. Of Course the velorex fender can be left in place but tire size choices will be more limited. Depending on the bike I usually will also beef up the sidecar frame and at least modify the lower rear Velorex mount.
Lots of ways to go to make the velorex into a real handler. It can be done. I did my first conversion of this type in 85 and it is still bringing smiles to the present owner as it did me.
Have fun. (570) 837-5182

Claude, What does this run for all your proposed upgrades? Sounds like a new sidecar would be a more cost effective route to go.

claude #3563 - 3/11/2006 4:44 PM

I have done quite a few here on the east coast and it DOES make it a new sidecar. I use a torsion bar suspension which also gives you a built in tilt adjustor.Spindle is upgraded to one inch and a car tire added. You can go with a 135r15 or a 165r15 on a centerline aluminum wheel or go with a 12" trailer type wheel. The centerline looks really good if a different fender is added. I like to make the fender move with the swingarm so it can be set down close to the tire. Fender options run the gamut from ural fenders, trailer fenders to aftermarket harley fenders..lots of ways to go there. Of Course the velorex fender can be left in place but tire size choices will be more limited. Depending on the bike I usually will also beef up the sidecar frame and at least modify the lower rear Velorex mount.
Lots of ways to go to make the velorex into a real handler. It can be done. I did my first conversion of this type in 85 and it is still bringing smiles to the present owner as it did me.
Have fun. (570) 837-5182

Wow I did that post you responded to in 2006 . Actually it is best to give me a call. Those who have dealt with us know I am not going to throw a sales pitch at you. LOL. Depending on what your intentions are maybe going with a different sidecar would be the route to take but maybe not. We can kick around pros and cons and get our heads together on what may be the best way to go. Shop number is 570 837 5120.
Thanks 🙂

cycleboy - 3/1/2015 2:35 PM

Claude, What does this run for all your proposed upgrades? Sounds like a new sidecar would be a more cost effective route to go.

claude #3563 - 3/11/2006 4:44 PM

I have done quite a few here on the east coast and it DOES make it a new sidecar. I use a torsion bar suspension which also gives you a built in tilt adjustor.Spindle is upgraded to one inch and a car tire added. You can go with a 135r15 or a 165r15 on a centerline aluminum wheel or go with a 12" trailer type wheel. The centerline looks really good if a different fender is added. I like to make the fender move with the swingarm so it can be set down close to the tire. Fender options run the gamut from ural fenders, trailer fenders to aftermarket harley fenders..lots of ways to go there. Of Course the velorex fender can be left in place but tire size choices will be more limited. Depending on the bike I usually will also beef up the sidecar frame and at least modify the lower rear Velorex mount.
Lots of ways to go to make the velorex into a real handler. It can be done. I did my first conversion of this type in 85 and it is still bringing smiles to the present owner as it did me.
Have fun. (570) 837-5182

Thank you for the quick reply! Yes, it is a pretty old thread. The “search” function here does not age discriminate =).

cycleboy - 3/1/2015 4:48 PM

Thank you for the quick reply! Yes, it is a pretty old thread. The “search” function here does not age discriminate =).

LOL...No matter .....the question is still a good one no matter how od the thread is. You post showed that you are doing reseach and that is commendable.

Yes it's worth the effort. I made my own upgrade axle and milled the back plate to fit. I changed the wheel bearings to match.

Then I ran it for 35 thousand miles before I sold it. I've been told that now six years after I sold it , that it is still on the road.

Thanks for the favorably opinion on the conversion. Been a long time since I had access to a machine shop. Sounds like a real testament to you work, good job!

Phelonius - 3/2/2015 12:21 PM

Yes it's worth the effort. I made my own upgrade axle and milled the back plate to fit. I changed the wheel bearings to match.

 Then I ran it for 35 thousand miles before I sold it.  I've been told that now six years after I sold it , that it is still on the road.