Author Topic: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring  (Read 16061 times)

Offline swalker

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Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« on: February 13, 2015, 06:18:54 PM »
   Looking for someone with Velorex sidecar experience. Not sure yet what I am going to do, but I do want to keep riding my Guzzi. So I am kicking around a Velorex 563 sidecar to add to my California Custom. Will just have to see how things play out.
   Right now I am back home and I believe I am about over the pneumonia that put me back in the hospital. I feel like if I bought a sidecar for my California, it would just make it easier for me to continue running up and down the highways. I have heard about Velorex sidecars most all of my motorcycling life and have not really ever heard a bad word about them. So I am looking here to get some other guys thoughts. I do hope it all works out to where I don't have to just give up riding. God has pulled me through quite a bit the last few months and my faith and believing has not backed up one bit. I feel like all will be well.
   Thanks once again for all your concerns, thoughts and prayers for me and my wife and family.
Steve
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
1974 V7 Sport
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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2015, 06:30:10 PM »
I was warned against putting a 562 on mine, don't know about 563.  There are several guys with hacks on here and I'm sure they will have answers for you.  I ended up with a Texas Ranger and really like it!

Offline guzzisteve

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2015, 06:32:44 PM »
It might be a little on the light side for the Cali14, you could have a ballast plate made for under the tub to add some weight to it. Velo's are ok for what they cost.  Then you wouldn't have to pack up much to hit up the rallies, just toss it in the chair and go. Glad to hear you are doing good.
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Offline Lee Bruns

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2015, 07:16:32 PM »
The Velorex is an easy bolt on for a Cal1100 or any of the T framed bikes. I have not put one on a Cal14 yet. If you're buying new, it'll already have the big axle, if used then measure to see that it has the big axle. Ballast is easy. No issue there.

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2015, 07:16:32 PM »

Offline Hahnda

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2015, 07:42:04 PM »
The Velorex was originally designed for a 350cc 2-stroke motorcycle. While you do see a few on larger bikes, personally I don't like to install them on bikes over 650cc. If you compare the tubing size to others on the market it is smaller in diameter and isn't a very robust build. Yes you can ballast them to work on heavier bikes but you still have the stress on the frame. I have seen the lower sidecar arms between the bike and sidecar bend or break. Having ridden a 1400  and installed and ridden bikes with a Velorex I wouldn't put the two together. Don't get me wrong, the Velorex can be a great sidecar on the right bike, just not the 1400.

Lots  options out there but most are going to be a bit more than the Velorex and some are going to be a lot more. One thing you have to deal with is the mounting. That is going to be something to consider when finding one. If the sidecar manufacturer has already made a subframe kit to bolt the sidecar on it might be pretty straight forward. If not you will find yourself or someone knowledgeable fabricating the parts.
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Offline Arizona Wayne

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2015, 09:47:44 PM »
If you have a 1400 Guzzi, Velorex sidecars are WAY too light for your bike !!!   I've had a V on an Ambassador, Convert., and CX100.  It was marginal on those lighter bikes(than yours) too.  With a 1400 you're going to have to pony up more $ for a decent sidecar that is comparable in rigidity.  ;)  Something like a Texas sidecar at least.

Offline swalker

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2015, 04:07:23 AM »
If you have a 1400 Guzzi, Velorex sidecars are WAY too light for your bike !!!   I've had a V on an Ambassador, Convert., and CX100.  It was marginal on those lighter bikes(than yours) too.  With a 1400 you're going to have to pony up more $ for a decent sidecar that is comparable in rigidity.  ;)  Something like a Texas sidecar at least.

Looks like a Velorex is out. I know very little about sidecars so my reason for asking here and once again it has paid off. I am not familiar with the others, but will look into the Texas brand. Thanks for all the help.  Steve.
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
1974 V7 Sport
Retired Arkansas Reps 1988-2012....

Offline GearheadGrrrl

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #7 on: February 14, 2015, 06:56:22 AM »
Texas, Motorvation, or DMC should do the job.
Guzzi: Quota with Motorvation 'hack
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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #8 on: February 14, 2015, 07:29:28 AM »
As mentioned above, you need a heavy car for a big bike. There are serious forces involved.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline maquette

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #9 on: February 14, 2015, 07:34:39 AM »
You might want to consider a Hannigan as well. I have a Velorex 562 on my 1000SP and it works fine, but your 1400 is probably too big for a Velorex. Have you ever driven a sidecar? If not, you might want to try one out somewhere before you commit to that avenue. They can be a handful even if set up properly. Front end modification will be needed if you want the best handling you can get IMO. This is just my opinion, but I've heard many folks say that when they get too old to "ride" a motorcycle, they will go to a sidecar thinking it is easier. That just isn't necessarily so IMO.

http://elrick.smugmug.com/1000SP/i-nH4hcqK/0/XL/004-XL.jpg

Tom
Oriental, NC
Tom
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Offline swalker

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #10 on: February 14, 2015, 07:41:03 AM »
As mentioned above, you need a heavy car for a big bike. There are serious forces involved.

Thanks Chuck and I agree. I am now looking at one of these Texas Ranger's...
http://www.texassidecars.com/texas-sidecars-the-ranger.html
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
1974 V7 Sport
Retired Arkansas Reps 1988-2012....

Offline Hahnda

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #11 on: February 14, 2015, 08:24:33 AM »
I'd go even bigger that the Ranger.

I think a sidecar from Hannigan would look good on there.

« Last Edit: February 14, 2015, 08:25:12 AM by Hahnda »
2003 V11 Lemans - 2000 Quota w/ Sidecar
1996 California - 1976 Convert
1975 850T -750S Project - 1975 Eldorado Police
1973 Eldorado - 3x 1971 Ambassador
1970 Ambassador - 1963 Stornello Sport
1949 GTV - 1948 Airone

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Offline Ted N

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #12 on: February 14, 2015, 08:28:11 AM »
I put a Motorvation Spyder on my Cali 1100 about 20,000 miles ago and it has worked out just fine.

Ted
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Offline dsrdave

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #13 on: February 14, 2015, 08:54:11 AM »
After choosing the correct hack keep in mind piloting a rig is a bit different.  I adapted pretty easy but the steering effort increases significantly without a leading link front.  Cornering is a bit different also.  I enjoy my rig and have a lot of fun taking my grandson for rides but it's not for everyone and it can get costly to find out.....  Perhaps you can find someone near you allow you a ride ???  There's a lot of good info on the adv site too.  You may want to do a little research there.  Thx, Dave.
2-850T, 2-1000 convert/hacked, V11 sport, V50, centauro, '97 sport 1100, '71 V7 ambo, '76 850 Lemans,CX100,"83 LM III,1000SE, '91 LM V, '07 Griso, '53 super alce,moto parilla, zigolo, Lodola 175, Lodola 235,  '07 norge, '67 stornello, 57galletto, Nuovo Falcone, stornello ISDT, 52 Airone sport

Offline maquette

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #14 on: February 14, 2015, 09:06:38 AM »
There is also a very good, but pricey book, "Driving a Sidecar Outfit by David Hough" that has a ton of information in it. Maybe you could get lucky and borrow a copy from someone in your area. There is more info at   http://sidecar.com/mbbs22/category-view.asp along with the link to ADV that was mentioned above. They really are a hoot, but maybe not for everybody.

Tom
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Offline swalker

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #15 on: February 14, 2015, 09:13:29 AM »
I'd go even bigger that the Ranger.

I think a sidecar from Hannigan would look good on there.



My experience with Hannigan is prices. I also tried to go to their web site and it would not open.
I like the price, etc of the Texas Ranger. And they have them in Leonard, TX. Only a little over 300 miles for me. Right now I am kicking this around. I do not believe I would have any trouble riding one. You know what they say about practice. It's all good. Thanks for all the help everyone.
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
1974 V7 Sport
Retired Arkansas Reps 1988-2012....

Offline Hahnda

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #16 on: February 14, 2015, 09:21:15 AM »
The base price on the Hannigan pictured is $4695 as compared to the Ranger base price of $3995.

http://www.hannigantrikes.com/products/classic-conte-classic-sidecar/
2003 V11 Lemans - 2000 Quota w/ Sidecar
1996 California - 1976 Convert
1975 850T -750S Project - 1975 Eldorado Police
1973 Eldorado - 3x 1971 Ambassador
1970 Ambassador - 1963 Stornello Sport
1949 GTV - 1948 Airone

www.scramblercycle. com

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #17 on: February 14, 2015, 03:06:04 PM »
The only time I've ever felt "out of control" of any machine was a sidecar rig. They are evil handling things, and *not* intuitive. **Take a sidecar course.** That said, Dorcia and I have had some of our best times on the Jack-All rig.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Offline swalker

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #18 on: February 14, 2015, 03:37:03 PM »
The only time I've ever felt "out of control" of any machine was a sidecar rig. They are evil handling things, and *not* intuitive. **Take a sidecar course.** That said, Dorcia and I have had some of our best times on the Jack-All rig.
It may not be a good choice for me.  But I believe I can learn. I have seen many much older than me riding one. I would rather try this, but may be better off to just down size my bike. for sure I would like to continue to ride if I can.
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
1974 V7 Sport
Retired Arkansas Reps 1988-2012....

Offline rudyr

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #19 on: February 14, 2015, 07:41:19 PM »
Ha Steve glad to hear your home.  The Texas side car a good one(a 1000 lbs. bike needs at least 200 lbs side car) might be a better choice for your bike, But its hard for some older people to get out of(like sitting on the floor and trying to get up with no chair around to grab).  Then find you a big parking lot and make big circles to the right and make them smaller while going to the right.  Then I will have you drifting up hog trail in know time. Rudyr

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #20 on: February 14, 2015, 07:50:57 PM »
Have you considered a trike?

Just curious why you headed down the sidecar road as opposed to the trike road.

Offline swalker

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #21 on: February 14, 2015, 08:04:52 PM »
Have you considered a trike?

Just curious why you headed down the sidecar road as opposed to the trike road.
[/rquote]
The cost of a trike is out of my league. A sidecar rig seems to be my best option. I don't want to downsize my bike if I can help it.
Born to ride a Moto Guzzi... Enjoyed the 35 years....
2014 Black California Custom (sold August 2017)
2011 White Norge 8vGT (traded)
1977 Lemans I (sold 5/2015)
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Offline rudyr

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #22 on: February 14, 2015, 08:23:32 PM »
and one other thing may two.  Call Frank and talk to him about a car tire, remember you don't lean with a sidecar, I talked to him last week and he likes his rear tire, I think he side $100.00 and 15 or 20,000 miles out of the rear.  Then send your tree to Canada to get modified a little.  Then steer with two fingers( if you get a wabel I've got a vokeswagen damper around here some place that is the best for the money.Rudy

Offline Lee Bruns

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #23 on: February 14, 2015, 08:37:35 PM »
The only time I've ever felt "out of control" of any machine was a sidecar rig. They are evil handling things, and *not* intuitive. **Take a sidecar course.** That said, Dorcia and I have had some of our best times on the Jack-All rig.

I would be interested in checking your alignment. CUrious as to your toe-in settings if it is that evil handling.

Offline Kevin M

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #24 on: February 14, 2015, 10:15:20 PM »
Steve,

I sent you a PM, check it out.

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #25 on: February 15, 2015, 05:36:18 AM »
I would be interested in checking your alignment. CUrious as to your toe-in settings if it is that evil handling.

The alignment was spot on. I have a laser and know how to use it.  ;D It's just that sidecars have a couple of tricks up their sleeves on both right and left hand turns that can catch you unaware.
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
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 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
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Offline Joliet Jim

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #26 on: February 15, 2015, 08:13:49 AM »
The only time I've ever felt "out of control" of any machine was a sidecar rig. They are evil handling things, and *not* intuitive. **Take a sidecar course.** That said, Dorcia and I have had some of our best times on the Jack-All rig.

That was a beautiful rig.
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Offline Lee Bruns

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #27 on: February 15, 2015, 08:48:09 AM »
The alignment was spot on. I have a laser and know how to use it.  ;D It's just that sidecars have a couple of tricks up their sleeves on both right and left hand turns that can catch you unaware.
So how much toe-in are you running then? on an 8 foot run.

Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #28 on: February 15, 2015, 09:32:10 AM »
So how much toe-in are you running then? on an 8 foot run.

I started at 5/8" and ended up at 5/16"
Edit: IIRC. It's been a few years.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2015, 09:32:49 AM by Chuck in Indiana »
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
87 AeroLario
95 Skorpion tour
22 Royal Enfield Classic 3 fiddy
 "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Offline Lee Bruns

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Re: Velorex sidecars. Model 563 Touring
« Reply #29 on: February 15, 2015, 12:53:14 PM »
noted.
toe-in of less than a half inch does indeed make for a VERY twitchy machine. I run everything at 1/2 to 3/4. Does not seem to adversely affect tire wear and makes for much more stable tracking. Right now I have a R1150GS in the garage that is getting a driven sidecar. It will be interesting to see if normal toe in settings still work if the sidecar wheel is also pushing. I'm thinking that less toe-in might be needed. We'll seen

 

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