I am refurbishing a 1993 Velorex 562 and will be mating it to a 2002 V-star 650. I have ordered but not yet received custom mounts from DMC, so I will not be using the "universal mounting" hardware. I have put together a BMW R-100/Ural rig, so i have some experience here, but that was a whole different animal. I am just wondering if anyone has "been there done that" and might have any advice concerning common pitfalls with this combination. I do have all the related manuals and will be careful with placement, tracking, cycle lean etc. but was wondering if anybody has any sage advice to give before I begin the mounting process. Thanks in advance.
The 1993 Velorex has a 15mm axle and suspension is not designed for a 550# bike. You will find it wallowing in the turns and bottoming out during left turns if loaded, or with a passenger if mounted to this bike. This sidecar was designed for a 300# MZ, CZ or Jawa two stroke.
We have an bolt on upgraded suspension kit for the pre-2004 Velorex models that will greatly improve the handling.
Lonnie Cook
Northwest Sidecars, LLc
208-629-8409
nwsidecar@aol.com
Lonnie, thanks so much for the info, this is exactly what I am looking for. I have had several sidecar rigs and generally found my first one, a 99' Ural Bavarian Classic, to be the best handling one in all aspects. Of course this was a purpose built rig that had proper trail and rake that probably made it the best handling. I am looking to get this one set up equally well. Here is a little info about my riding habits. I generally ride with no ballast in the sidecar. 50% of my riding is with the sidecar empty with no ballast. Another 40% is with a lightly loaded sidecar with 25 to 30 pounds of groceries or other items while running errands. Only about 10% of my riding is with an actual loaded sidecar with a passenger. Do you think this riding style warrants the upgrade? Does the upgraade include a larger axle, or does it only upgrade the suspension. If an axle change is made, must I change the current wheel on the rig? What is the price of your kit, and may I get some pictures of what is included? Thanks again for the help and advice.
Drop me an email and I'll answer your questions off site.
Lonnie
