The installation instructions tell me to level the frame and also set the side wheel at 90° to the Tarmac. Doesn't seem like I can do both with my attachments to the R90; at this point I have a sight inward tire camber (maybe 1-2°) with the frame level and the sidewalls measured with a large framing square.
The Velorex 563 frame is longer than the BMW frame loop and with the proper wheel offset there's really no way to not have the upper arms somewhat parallel. Again, counter the manual's instructions.
I'm off for my first ride today with the remounted car so any insight is appreciated.
Thanks,
Ed
When you are checking this, it should be with the suspension compressed on the bike where it is with you on the bike. The frame needs to sit level so that the sidecar wheel sits level, however we have seen sidecars where the swing arm was not square to the frame such that the frame does not sit level with the tire straight up and down. Having the tire sit straight up and down is more important. You have not said what sidecar you are working with, on your bike you should have a sub frame, not just frame clamps and there should be enough adjustment in the mounts to set every thing such that it sits level and that the wheel lead is correct. I have attached alignment instructions.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
www.dmcsidecars.com
866-638-1793
Better, much better, the violent tank slapper handlebars are tamed. Still some head shake but not nearly as bad; now it's pulling slightly to the left when I roll off the throttle but it brakes fairly straight. I found the Velorex shock is set to the highest preload and it looks like I have to pull the wheel to adjust the collar. ? ? ?
I'm guessing now that there is no hard and fast rule regarding alignment and that I'm just going to have to keep riding and tweaking until it is as good as it will get. And I suspect that end result won't be great until I can add a subframe.
7-29 update: the more I looked at the front end the more I suspected the springs were knackered. Logic thread: you can't align the chair until you know the tug is sound.
Bingo.
I replaced the old R90 springs with a fresh NOS set of Progressive 1101 springs and fresh 5w. The front end looks to be 2" taller now and the transformation was magical. Still a few slight tweaks I think before it's set properly but it went from terror to fun immediately.
Ed
