Just picked up a 562 velorex, need help.

[Armadillofz1]

got a good deal on a very used 562 to put on my /7. no mounting parts were included. i called velorex and they want $460 for the universal kit . thats more than i paid for the car. anyone know of a kit sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust that isn't $460? i'd post this in fleamarket, but here there are all hack people (better focused audience).

[RedMenace]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

got a good deal on a very used 562 to put on my /7. no mounting parts were included. i called velorex and they want $460 for the universal kit . thats more than i paid for the car. anyone know of a kit sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust that isn't $460? i'd post this in fleamarket, but here there are all hack people (better focused audience).

I wouldn't use a universal kit on a BMW. You probably need a subframe and unless you make it yourself or get lucky and find a used one for a song, it will cost more than that. Clamps and struts aren't cheap and the BMW should have more than just clamps and struts to re enforce the weak frame.

[claude]

All to often we see a 'good deal' on a sidecar end up not quite being that good of a deal due to things just like you are up against Armadillo. As Vernon mentioned you really should run a subframe to strengthen the whole assembly on your /7. I may be able to help you out but not sure...feel free to call the shop at 570 837 5120 if you wish. We are near Selingrove, Pa. in Middleburg. I think this is about 150 miles or so from you.

[Armadillofz1]

i've never heard of this subframe. the manual that i printed from velorex's website made no mention of it, only the kit. looks like i have some more reading to do. i might give you a call sometime, thanks.
-Greg

[claude]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

i've never heard of this subframe. the manual that i printed from velorex's website made no mention of it, only the kit. looks like i have some more reading to do. i might give you a call sometime, thanks.
-Greg

Subframes do two things.
1)Subframes allow the mounting points on the bike to be better located than if one just is searching for a spot to stick a clamp. This better positioning allow adjustments to be made to the sidecar setup much easier. It also helps prevent flexing or unwanted movement of the mounting system when underway. The finished product (sidecar and bike) needs to be one solid unit once mated together.
2) Subframes add strength to the whole assembly and take a lot of stress off of the motorcycle frame compared to it standing alone. The post '69 BMW frames have been known to have various failures when sidecars are mounted.
Yep...Some have gotten by without a subframe and some have done well for quite a few miles before an issue and all of that. So, you may see a post here or there that says " I have run 400 bezillion miles with my BMW slash whatever and no subframe with no problems". Good for them but those of us who have seen or heard of these failures will always reccomend a subframe. To do less would not allow me to sleep very well at night.

To see what a subframe is look at the recent thread started by Vernon. It is not a BMW but will give you an idea of what it is all about.
click here:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=400592

[Armadillofz1]

looks rather involved for a bike that will be ridden 5 or 6 times a year.

[RedMenace]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

looks rather involved for a bike that will be ridden 5 or 6 times a year.

I suggest you visit Claude-with the bike and sidecar in front of him, he may be able to suggest a reasonable compromise.

[tony the tiger]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

looks rather involved for a bike that will be ridden 5 or 6 times a year.

Are you going to be the one driving it?
Kinda' like a helmet... is it better to get a nice one; or buy it used, at the thrift store...

[Erik RS]

@ Armadillofz1

I sort of agree with the posters above:

- You want the combination as stiff as possible
- Even when you ride it only a few times a year, you want a reasonably riding hack at least, don't you?
- On a /whatever frame you will never find a decent rigid point for your rear attachment, since there is only the flimsy subframe
- Whatever you do, please at least crossbrace the rear subframe under the saddle, that already makes a hell of a difference (already with a solobike)

My 2 cts

[Armadillofz1]

thanks for all the replies. i just sent claued an email.
-Greg

[gusanito]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

got a good deal on a very used 562 to put on my /7. no mounting parts were included. i called velorex and they want $460 for the universal kit . thats more than i paid for the car. anyone know of a kit sitting on a shelf somewhere gathering dust that isn't $460? i'd post this in fleamarket, but here there are all hack people (better focused audience).

Dauntless is having a 20% off for the month of December sale on BMW mounts.
I just ordered one for my K75.
No affiliation, blah, blah...
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/Mount...bmw_mounts.htm

George

[Knocksville A20]

I too am mounting a 562, to a KLR 650 not a BMW. The velorex struts seem a bit flimsey to me.
Here my qiestion; Is making my own struts from schedule 8, 3/4" x 16 all thread stock and pipe a poor idea? The clevis and lugs werent to difficult to make. I'm finding I may need longr strut or two than my stock velorex setup came with.
I spent yesterday upgrading the footpeg bolts to grade 8 3/8 fine thread to strengthen the subframe mounting points. My progress is slow
Can anyone suggest a place to purchase pipe-stock that will fit the front arm hole ( that curved piece that adjust for the lower mount)?

My plan includes attaching an upper sub-sub frame to the rear airbox area like most folks seem to do, however the upper rear strut will be also braced at the swing arm through bolt. I hope to locate a looooonger swing arm through bolt and weld a plate or bar onto a collor there, then span to the rear clamp behind the air box for added support.
I care little what all this might look like.

Ive never seen side car hardware sell cheep. Is there such a place?
Sometimes I wonder... other times, I just dont know.

[Knocksville A20]

I too am mounting a 562, to a KLR 650 not a BMW. The velorex struts seem a bit flimsey to me.
Here my qiestion; Is making my own struts from schedule 8, 3/4" x 16 all thread stock and pipe a poor idea? The clevis and lugs werent to difficult to make. I'm finding I may need longr strut or two than my stock velorex setup came with.
I spent yesterday upgrading the footpeg bolts to grade 8 3/8 fine thread to strengthen the subframe mounting points. My progress is slow
Can anyone suggest a place to purchase pipe-stock that will fit the front arm hole ( that curved piece that adjust for the lower mount)?

My plan includes attaching an upper sub-sub frame to the rear airbox area like most folks seem to do, however the upper rear strut will be also braced at the swing arm through bolt. I hope to locate a looooonger swing arm through bolt and weld a plate or bar onto a collor there, then span to the rear clamp behind the air box for added support.
I care little what all this might look like.

Ive never seen side car hardware sell cheep. Is there such a place?
Sometimes I wonder... other times, I just dont know.

[claude]

Originally Posted by Armadillofz1

thanks for all the replies. i just sent claued an email.
-Greg

Did I reply? My email has had a couple of glitches lately. Feel free to call if you wish or re send it if need be.

[claude]

Knocksville wrote:
>>Here my qiestion; Is making my own struts from schedule 8, 3/4" x 16 all thread stock and pipe a poor idea? The clevis and lugs werent to difficult to make. I'm finding I may need longr strut or two than my stock velorex setup came with.<<

Some lengthen the velorex struts bu cutting them and slipping them inside larger tubing. If you drill a couple of holes in the larger tubing they can be plug welded and then also welded at the ends.
Making clevises and lugs ? Your life as well as that of others can depend on this so hope they are strong.

Knocksville wrote:
>>I spent yesterday upgrading the footpeg bolts to grade 8 3/8 fine thread to strengthen the subframe mounting points. My progress is slow
Can anyone suggest a place to purchase pipe-stock that will fit the front arm hole ( that curved piece that adjust for the lower mount)?<<

If you look close at the velorex part you will see that it is turned down slightly where is goes into the frame. You could use heavy wall tubing and turn it down to fit well. I would recomend tapering it where the transition of sizes takes place to prevent any undue stress risers in that area.

Note that The lower rear mounting bracket on the velorex frame has been described as the 'mount from hell' by some. It tends to rotate on the sidecar frame if not installed in such a way to prevent it from doing so. Some weld them in place or pin them in some fashion. We typically just replace them.