Would like to know if anyone knows of problems or special considerations in mounting a Veleorex 562 to a 1985 GW? I've been told that the Veleorex may be a bit too light for the Goldwing. Being very new to the world of sidecars (still working on getting my 1st one), I'd appreciate some advise on this? Also, the Veleorex that I'm looking at includes a universal mounting kit. Question, how "universal" are these universal mounting kits from Veleorex? Thanks in advance.
I agree with who ever said the Velorex is light for your wing. Yes, the velorex can be made to work by adding weight , beefing up the suspension and upgrading to a larger axle. I have converted quite a few 562s and a 700 in this fashion and it makes for a decent rig. In stock form the sidecar suspension is too light, the sidecar is too light etc. etc. There are some who have run it this way but it is far from the best setup.
Universal mounts can be made to work but they must be positioned right so as not to slip. The lower rear mount on the sidecar frame itself of the Velorex is prone to rotate on the frame and should be pinned or welded. It can be made to work otherwise but it must be positioned just so.
Your best way out of this is to find a larger sidecar or attach the 562 to a smaller bike unless you wish to do a bunch of expensive modifications to make it work well.
Your GL weighs 800# or more wet and empty. add the driver and load the bags and you might be near 1,000# or more. The 562 at 154# is not nearly the match for this weight. (Two of them would come close).
You might look for a car that can be brought up to about 1/3 of the weight of your loaded GL easily. Around 320 to 340# would be a nice target. Even the larger sidecars will need ballast added to make weight.
Lonnie
I don't think you really have to go as heavy as Lonnie suggests but a larger sidecar is not a bad idea. Keep in mind that Lonnie has been selling and mounting Velorex chairs for a long time so his opinion on the usage of the stock Velorex has much merit to it.
The total concern is not only the light weight but also the soft suspension etc. The conversion spoken of entails a plated frame,modified (or diferent)mounts, extended swingarm, 1" spindle, car tire on 15" aluminum wheel, torsion bar suspension with tilt adjustor and a different fender.I am doing a 700 Velorex conversion now and when done should probably put it on the scales just to see what the real weight is.
Really appreciate the collective input. Based on this I'm going to consider joining the Velorex to my 85 Honda Interceptor (700cc) or go with another SC. I have a line on a California Freedom I but don't have much info on this rig. Would it be a better match for the GW?
Jack aka bljacque
Jack,
A Friendship I at 205# would be a lot better fit for your GL.
A FS II at 225# would be even better.
Claude,
I don't go that heavy myself, but if one neglects the 2/3 to 1/3 ratio here, someone will drag it up. It isn't a bad ratio for a tyro that never wants the sidecar to leave the ground, but it's not the best handling ratio for an experienced pilot.
My opinion,
Lonnie
Originally written by Hack'n on 6/13/2006 11:37 AM
Jack,
A Friendship I at 205# would be a lot better fit for your GL.
A FS II at 225# would be even better.Claude,
I don't go that heavy myself, but if one neglects the 2/3 to 1/3 ratio here, someone will drag it up. It isn't a bad ratio for a tyro that never wants the sidecar to leave the ground, but it's not the best handling ratio for an experienced pilot.
My opinion,Lonnie
I agree Lonnie. The 1/3 weight 'rule' although not a bad thing has been beat to death on some of these forums many times by some who do not have that much experience with various sidecar setups etc. Personally I do like a sidecar on the heavier side of the spectrum but also on ethat is not glued to the road in right handers. Face it,some of the weight figures stated recently are simply not that realistic. As you know there is more to sidecar setup than just the weight ratio. Track width is a factor, having a swaybar makes a difference, riding style is a factor etc. Overall though going too light is a huge mistake made by some newbies and should be warned against for many reasons.
Hey Lonnie lets dig up something you and I can not agree on sometime..it would make things more interesting ...LOL.
Whew! I've only been on the USCA Forum for a short time but certainly have no complaints with the speed,quality and amount of advice & guidance that's been forthcoming. Like to thank all of you for the input, whether you agree with each other or not, it's all been pretty well explained and thought out. Hopefully I'll be on the giving back end at some point (wouldn't suggest anyone holding their breath while waiting), meanwhile, thanks again to all.
Jack (aka) bljacque
