Suzuki 650 as a tug

What model? I use to have GS550/velorex. If you spend $$$ you can install anything on everything.

I am looking at a 2000 560 Velorex. I am not concerned as much about the mounting (although I might be amazed at the difficulty) but rather about the performance.

What model Suzuki 650 do you have? As a rule velorex light enough to be mounted on any light(250+) and middle size bike. 2000 velorex is 562 i think.

It is the cruiser type, used to be called a Savage, now a S 40. One cylinder.

I see no problems with your bike. You will need front sprocket 1 tooth smaller. On GS550 i use 1 and then 2 smaller 13 instead of 15. It made a lot of difference when 4 of us riding.

Here are pix of three Suzuki Savage LS650/C40 rigs we've set up. They make great rigs for other than Freeway driving.

1986 with a 562E Velorex, 2000 with 562 Cruiser and 2008 with a 563 Tour sidecar.

Lonnie

Thanks, that it what I was looking for. Given that it is a 2000 563, do you recommend any upgrades or changes before I would attach it? Anything on this year that I should be careful about?

Wider bars would make for easier steering. The Buckhorn style bars don't allow much shoulder leverage.

L.

I'm driving an '03 Savage tug on a Cozy Rocket car. Works great with a HD muffler for a little more low end torque and better sound. Stock resembles a lawn mower to some of us. As it is belt driven unless you convert to chain drive you live with it. Phelonius ran a LS650 and Velorex car for many miles., hopefully he will chime in. Lonnie is correct about the wider bars, they make a difference and be aware that LS650S models come with straight bars not buckhorns, so the cables will be too short. P models have pullbacks (buckhorns) and they should work OK. Lots of good information on the Savage on web site. including information on converting to chain drive and known "bugs" that are easily solved. Most use the frame for mounting points, but I chose to have Dauntless motors install a subframe after one of the builders welds came apart in my hand. Don't need to have the wife going off on her own. Brakes are iffy for high speed loaded travel. I wished I had car brakes when I had my whoops 2+ weeks ago. Think I could have stopped with one more tire slowing down and sure would not have been pulled so far to the left. Mostly my fault, looked off to the right for a moment and when I looked up a gal was stopped in the left lane waiting to make a left turn across a double yellow line. The car fender bumper and fender didn't quite clear her rear bumper. Hit spun rig back around and put the Savage on top of me. Still don't know why I didn't think about the RH lane it must have been clear as the distraction was on the sidewalk ( a recumbent trike bicycle w/ 2 wheels on front) and he was visible and the first responder, nice he was a nurse also. He made me sit and stay put until the EMT rig arrived. I'm on the road again but waiting for a fender bumper from Victoria, BC and with an after market fender (an old Preston Pettyy IT that I've had for over 10 years). While I was waiting for parts, the sidecovers, front fender -also aftermarket full as the short one lets road stuff come up in your face behind the windshield, Car fender, and the middle two panels on the car are now bright yellow. Still have the tank to do and will decide if on the rear fender later. I have big GIVI trunks on both the bike and car so have room to lock up helmets and jackets when we go somewhere. Max.

(Maxim) "be aware that LS650S models come with straight bars not buckhorns,"

I know the 2008 and later LS650's (C 40's?) have drag type bars but all the earlier models I have worked with had buckhorn style bars.
The late C40 bars do afford better leverage than the Buckhorns.

L.

Zorro39 - 2/2/2011 12:02 PM

Has anyone hacked a Suzuki 650? Any thoughts about it? I plan on doing just back roads, no freeways. I need a light rig and been thinking about this combo.

I have done a 650 Savage type with a Velorex
and a DR 650 with a Ural
Which are you asking about?

Phelonius

Okay you are talking about 650 s model single.
I put on a Velorex on an 07 model early in 07. It carried me and all my camping gear through Washington , Oregon, Idaho, and British Colombia for 35,000 miles over the next 3 years.
The first year I ran the stock belt drive for 15,000 miles, then went to chain. I think I remember it as a 15 X 50 ratio.
Fully loaded it could top Snoqualmie Pass without getting below 60 MPH.
I ran a Michlin 135 X 15 darkside tire on thew rear and an Avon sidecar special on the front.
I installed a VW steering damper. The machine handled beautifully with the installation of super bars and my own risers.
The bars were extended 1 and 1/2 inch on each end.
A harley Davidson buddy saddle from 1965 and later a sportster fron fender completed it.
The unit that supports the muffler was removed from the bike and a diagonal gusset welded in and a lug welded on.
The upper rear was using an enlarged hole as in the photo and threaded , then a thin lock nut inside the fender.
The two front lugs were welded to the frame as in the photo.

Phelonius

Great pics Phel -- once you figure out the process, it's cumbersome, but not difficult. Hey, I like the HD buddy seat.

SwampFox - 2/4/2011 4:37 AM

Great pics Phel -- once you figure out the process, it's cumbersome, but not difficult. Hey, I like the HD buddy seat.

I sometimes put 12 hours a day in that saddle without monkey butt.

Phelonius