I'm planning to build a new swingarm to install a 18x3 loop frame Guzzi rear wheel and brake assy on my 562, I am asking for advice and opinions. My goal is to make the car fit the bike better, as it is small, the bike is a 99 Guzzi Bassa.If I raise the car it should be able to set the car level with the bike easier and I have a new tire I can use. Any advice on geometry and shock length and travel would be appreciated. If I'm nuts and this idea won't work please tell me also. Thanks, John
The first consideration is fender clearance if using the OEM JAWA/Velorex fender. Other fenders have also been used for the larger wider wheels.
The length of your new swing-arm is predetermined by where the wheel is centered with (up and down) suspension clearance.
Place your lower shock mount behind the sidecar axle as opposed to the (early) Velorex placement in front of the axle as that will give you much better shock leverage and handling without wallowing in the turns.
A late OEM Velorex shock shock or one of the same approximate length and travel will suffice.
Lonnie
Northwest Sidecars, LLC
Thanks Lonnie, Ive just now started on the thing, it looks pretty straightforward and I'll post some pictures as soon as I've made some visual progress
click here:
Lonnie wrote:
>>A late OEM stock Velorex shock or one of the same approximate length and travel will suffice. <<
My camera is wacked out right now or i could post some pictures. We place the new spindle on an expended swingarm. The shock can go on that also. If you have a shock that is too long the swingarm can be modified to place the lower shock mount onto the end of the new part of the swingarm or even below it with brackets.
Note that if you are getting into the fabrication of this anyhwo you may want to check to see if the swingarm tower is perpendicular to the sidecar frame. Many of the Velorex sidecars are not. You can slice through the swingarm tower on whichever side is required (usually the inside ) and bend it over then weld it , grind it and place a plate over the joint.
We also run a piece of flat stock up the front of the swingarm tower to cover the seam.
If you want to add additional stength to the sidecar frame itself covering it will 1/8" steel plate will do a good job and add about 30 pounds which is not a bad thing.
Do I get another test ride? :0)
I can add nothing to this discussion, other than to say I'll come and help if you need me.
No one ever believes me when I say how many sidecars there are within an hour of my home.
