Some more sidecar queries

 Thanks for the all the help everyone.
concho-vtx1300@earthstink.net wrote:

 >> Sean also needs to know about bike lean and sidecar toe-in before he
 >> hooks it up...

 > The Velorex comes with a full set of installation instructions
 > which I followed sucessfully.
 >
 > http://velorexusa.com/installation.shtml

1. How much mechanical expertise is needed to attach the thing?
The sidecar installer wants about $2500 labor alone,
(including a steering mod), which seems a bit steep; I'd rather
do it myself.

2. Would the 562 be too much for a GL500? (Even in town?) I have one
that I'm planning on restoring. Or should I shop around for a used 750,
such as a Shadow.

3. Would it work with my Electra Glide? If so I wouldn't change the
steering and I'd want to detach it sometimes.

TIA, Sean_Q_

 Sean wrote:


Wow. $2500?  That is outrageous, even if it includes the installation of
a new front end.

A friend of mine, an excellent sidecarist, installed my first one back
in 1975, with me helping, and taught me both how to install it and how
to drive it. That training allowed me to hook up the next one by myself
in one day. All that should be needed is a good set of wrenches.


There are really very few bikes that are designed for a sidecar.
However, most can be used with one. Just don't expect optimum
performance with small bikes.

The layout and strength of the motorcycle frame is important.


The Velorex is too lightweight for an Electra Glide, in my opinion.

You keep asking this same question. I would suggest that you explore the
forums at http://www.sidecar.com/

--
   -bts
   -Motorcycles defy gravity; cars just suck

 Hi, thanx for the clues. I've been exploring the forums on
www.sidecar.com; there's lots of good info but couldn't find anything
helpful for my immediate situation, which includes a 2nd-hand
Velorex 562 for sale at the installer's which could get bought up
by someone else any time especially as we get closer to spring.

However I've decided not to use the S40, too few cubes and too much
fun on its own. If I go with the Velorex I'll look for something
like a Virago or Shadow 750-1000cc's to pull it. This of course is
the budget solution. The Vel looks too cramped for passenger comfort,
especially getting in and out, but as someone on a idecar.coforum said,
they end up using their rig a lot simply because they need the extra
space to haul groceries, tools, supplies etc.

Another option is to sell all my 3-wheeled projects which would just
about finance a Ural Patrol. Reviews say they're funky, clunky,
old-school machines, which is just about my style.

SQ

 

Good luck to you which ever way you go.

 

It's a job to get the geometry right per the instructions. Whoever your
sidecar installer is, is charging a ridiculous amount of money. If I
were you, I'd forget the steering modification and see how it handles.
If you really need it, it can be installed at a later date.

The local sidecar gurus charge $500 - $600 for a normal install.


The 500cc should pull it alright.


It would work, however you would need to ballast it so it weighs about
25 - 30% as much as your ride and you, so say the experts.

Download and read the info I posted URLs for, all your questions should
be answered there.