Leaner/Rigid convertible rig?

It appears that using a single front upper mount will put some heavy stresses on the bike frame. Expressly if you are using the rig for pavement use.
I would strongly recommend a forth strut.
Is there a way you can use the upper rear shock mount as an attachment point for a rear upper strut? Or enough sturdy metal at the rear or under the seat to support a sub-frame bracket for one?
A curved rear strut might enhance your kicker clearance.

Lonnie

Would it be possible to use the shock as a mount and make the rear strut movable useing a ball lock pin instead of a bolt to ease the kick starting,,,just a thought.

My Yamaha/Dnepr rig was like that. The electrical system was marginally reliable. The PO had set it up with a pin in the upper rear mount that could be removed, allowing the mount to swing over to the sidecar. This made it possible to use the kick start.

Thanks for the ideas.

Movable strut will definitely doable!
The rear shock mount has an odd shape. It's like a cup welded to the frame.
I am not sure it's strong enough.
I will post close-up photos later.

Would it be possible to make a U shaped bracket that would go around the shock useing the main frame and the sub frame for the mount? you would most likely have to cut the side panel to clear the front part of the mount. If you were going to ride this rig really hard it probably woulden't work but with your passenger seat being what it is I think it will.

Here's the photo of the frame.
Not much space for mounting U clamp.
Maybe a small sub-frame between the shock mount bolt (M10) and muffler mount bolt (M8 allen head)?

What I'm seeing that might work is a 1/4" plate fastened to the flat area above and to the left of the shock with a portion of that plate extending beyond the shock with a stiffener 6L x 1/2W x 1/4T at the top and a ear of the correct size welded on it for the rod to the car. it would from the look of it require cutting of the side panel or you could just leave it off.

Here's a possibility Shigeo.

Lonnie

Great job there!!! I'd love to see a video of this in action:o) After I get the sidehack for my Goldwing done, I might try and tackle a leaner for my KZ650?

How does it work? do you have many miles on it yet?

Thanks for sharing, Wes

Thanks Shadow1100T and Lonnie.
I got the idea.

I want to keep the side cover on so maybe I will place the pad eye above the shock mount.

Originally written by Wngnut on 3/7/2009 2:43 PM

Great job there!!! I'd love to see a video of this in action:o) After I get the sidehack for my Goldwing done, I might try and tackle a leaner for my KZ650?

How does it work? do you have many miles on it yet?

Thanks for sharing, Wes

Thanks Wes!
I will ask my wife to video us (me and my son) riding. I want to see how I am riding myself. 🙂

I have another leaner which is XS750 and Velorex 562. I put 1000 miles on it. No problem so far.

KZ650, that is a twin, isn't it? Very nice. I want old Kawasaki too.

The KZ750 is a 4 cylinder. There was a KZ750 that came in both 2 and 4 cylinders. On your XS750 rig, there are some arms that are in the shadow's. they stick up in between the bike and the sidecar in the second picture. What are they for? do they let you adjust how level the sidecar is? Keep up the good work.

WesP

> On your XS750 rig, there are some arms that are in the shadow's. they stick up in between the bike and the sidecar in the second picture. What are they for?

They are front and rear struts came with the Velorex.
I used them to reinforce the out riggers I added for the leaner.
I think the welds are strong enough but just in case.

How do you align a leaner? Just toe it in a little and it's set? Just curious:o)

Thanks, WesP