I have a Velorex I put on a Shadow. I had a real bad experience, and unless I figure out exactly what I did wrong, I am selling the sidecar and probably never getting another, done for good. I would appreciate any help figuring out what happened, and advice to fix the problem. I've been looking for local pros who might help, but the closest I can find is three states away. I don't mind paying for help or parts, but throwing parts and money at the thing without knowing if the problem will be fixed is not going to happen.
Problem: While going down the E-way at a high rate of speed (probably about 75mph), I changed lanes to the right while in or just entering a slight right curve. There was a slight 'canyon' at the white line, you know those 3" wide, 2" or 3" deep cracks they try to fill with crack seal, but never get all the way. The rear end of the bike tried to come around on me. I think I over steered to correct, but the bike starting fishtailing. I had a horrible time with it, swerving through 2+ lanes, eventually going over the curb, shoulder, up the embankment, and finally slowing it enough to regain control and bring it safely to a halt on the shoulder. The sidecar axle was bent (I'm thinking from curbing it but might be from the sideways trip up the hill). The mounts were still rock-solid, nothing seemed a tad changed except the axle, and the forward part of the frame was covered with grass and dirt, so it dipped down pretty low. Which doesn't surprise me much, I was trying like hell to bury that sucker to China, I was looking at turf on my left that seemed only 6" away from my face.
Setup: This is a pretty standard Velorex 526 (I think, you guys know better than me but it looks right). It does not have brakes. It's on a pretty standard 2007 VT1100C Shadow Spirit. The few things I know are questionable are the short space for the lower rear mount. There just isn't anywhere to hook that sucker with a swingarm, so it's not much farther back than the front mount, maybe a foot or 18". The toe in, lean out, wheel lead, car level, all seem pretty good. I went with several sources, including ones from here, and the only stat that might be debatable is the wheel lead. I got anywhere from 7" to 9", IIRC, and set it at 8", which was the most often recommended distance, as well as being right in the middle of all other choices. It ran nicely after tweaking it a dozen times. Tracked straight, no hard steering, I thought it was just wonderful. I started with a lot of ballast, at the time of this incident, I had 50#. New tire, probably around 100 miles. The notorious slipping rear mount was welded on. To get the front upper over the exhaust, the link was extended by adding a piece in the middle. It is pretty much in the same place, just a more shallow angle to reach a bit higher on the frame. The welding was done by a pro, and is better than good. I am thinking if I do get the rig going again, I am going to change to the larger diameter axle Velorex makes, or have my millwright build me one. His welds are better than theirs, the steel I get would probably be better, and I think all I really need to do is weld a threaded piece of bar stock on the old swingarm, and change the bearings in the wheel.
So- I have no clue what made me suddenly lose it on the E-way. I do a lot of riding to work, and was planning on taking the sidecar in the winter. That thing at high speed scares the crap out of me, now. My buddy tells me don't even bother trying to get it back on the road, you survived once, you might not do so again. Anyone have any help they can offer? Also, after that part, am I right about the axle swap? Velorex makes a 25mm, I think I have a 15mm, but I can go as big as the bearings I find if I have my guy make one. If I can find the right set, 50mm isn't out of the question, I'll guarantee my axle will not bend again. 😉
