XJ Sidecar

[Billbobow]

Hi all. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything looked at the site occasionally. I’m one of the old old guys so I guess if you are you might recognize me in my login.
So I have a new project that I am considering and would like to know everybody’s opinion. Has anybody ever put a sidecar on an XJ11? This is going to be interesting I guess. I have a sidecar it’s an older Velorex 562 I believe looks nice I have the hardware though Velorex they still exists. So if I have any direct problems I might be able to talk to them. I’ve downloaded and printed the actual installation instructions. I’m looking forward to attempting this little beastie. Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? Open to any comments questions.
Bill
Straight Arrow.

[DiverRay]

Do a search on sidecars. If I remember correctly, and I've been on almost as long as you, you could change triple trees to change the front geometry so it would handle better. I know Fred up North has the flying pumpkin, a sidecar on an XS, so he may be someone to talk with.
I think the big problem was the oil sight glass. Most owners carry an inspection mirror so they can check the level.

[Billbobow]

I remember you user name. Glad you are still sround. Glad new people are keeping the 1100s alive.
The side car is a Velorex 562. Id post a pic but I guess I can’t.
Velorex is still around and parts are available. So off we go on a new adventure.

[Jerry]

Glad to see you back. Only thing that comes to mind is the frame of the XJ is a bit different than an XS in that a few mounting tabs (rear sets, muffler hangers) are in a different geometry. Stock mufflers run higher, but shorter, than other 11s. I would pay special attention to the frame just forward and to the rear of the center stand mounts; this seems to be the weakest point and could probably use some reinforcement.

Note also that the XJ's muffler system is wider to clear the XJ's brush-style alternator up front. I ran into this when mounting a 3-point engine guard; had to grind a notch in the lower part of the guard for clearance.

Have no idea if this makes any difference in mounting a side car but these are some of the differences between and XS and an XJ.

[Billbobow]

Great to hear from Jerry glad you’re still around. The case guards that I have I didn’t have to do anything with. I guess different case cuards. One of the nice things with the sidecar that I’m getting is the body is not on the frame. So I’ll have full visibility to what’s going on and what needs to happen on the frame with the connectors.
I will pay attention to everything that you said. Thank you very much for the information and your insights. I hope to be able to get this accomplished relatively easily. I don’t have things yet. I’m going down in early August to a visit to Northwest Indiana where I grew up and will be picking up the sidecar then.
I think I got a pretty good deal on It since I can pick it up and not have it shipped. But we’ll see what happens I’ll try to find somehow to post a picture of it. Thanks again.
Bill

[fredintoon]

Hi all. It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything looked at the site occasionally. I’m one of the old old guys so I guess if you are you might recognize me in my login.
So I have a new project that I am considering and would like to know everybody’s opinion. Has anybody ever put a sidecar on an XJ11? This is going to be interesting I guess. I have a sidecar it’s an older Velorex 562 I believe looks nice I have the hardware though Velorex they still exists. So if I have any direct problems I might be able to talk to them. I’ve downloaded and printed the actual installation instructions. I’m looking forward to attempting this little beastie. Anybody have any thoughts or suggestions? Open to any comments questions.
Bill
Straight Arrow.

Hi Bill,
that'd be me.
You are on XS11/XJ11 discussion right now.
Go back to "forums" scroll way down until you get to "modifications"
Open that forum and click on "wheels and suspension"
Open "why do I ride a sidecar outfit"
It shows 2 pages of photos and details of how I mounted a Spirit of America sidecar on my XS11SG.
I also used a similar attachment design to attach a Velorex 562 to my XS650 Heritage Special.
Yes the sales staff at Velorex USA are most helpful and lotsa 562 parts are still available.
But I ain't sanguine that their clamp-on attachments being sturdy enough
to hang a Velorex onto an XS/XJ11 except for little demo rides around the block.
strong sub-frames mounted to both sides of the bike is what I'd recommend.