Topic: Velorex sidecars

[rb550four]

I have the opportunity to sell Velorex sidecars in one of my storefronts down town.
    Does that sound like a good idea ?
 I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this company in a dealer capacity and found  it a positive or negative experience ?

Or have an idea what to be careful about in a sidecar  dealing venture?

Hard to get an idea for a sales projection, seems to be a special interest niche product in NY. A sidecar sighting is far and few between.
 
Can't tell if there is no market or just no dealers.
Is there much sidecar interest in other states?
 
Looking for input. Thanks

[brooze72]

Velorex is an old & respected name in sidecars.  Indeed it is a niche market, I wouldn't think you could make a living selling them, but if you are just adding a line, possibly good if it gives you more traffic in the shop?  Unless it is a big investment, i's pretty hard to say if it is worthwhile as you stated.  Might be better money in the install end? I freely admit I have zero experience in sales.  Good luck in the venture if you take the plunge.

[70CB750]

I looked into them a little - naturally, since they are made in my country and I want to build a sidecar for my CB750.

But the only thing I can mention that is relevant to your question is this link:

http://www.simplysidecars.co.uk/buyingused.html

Velorex sidecars use the Jawa front wheel with 15mm axle, there is a very easy upgrade - see the link - where you change bearings and use stronger 20mm axle for the sidecar wheel.  Seems like this UK dealer offers it as an option that would probably be valuable for the US market too.

And no, I am not saying Americans are overweight 

[333]

Cool, but a very niche market.  To begin with, only 3% of the U.S. rides a bike, and I'd say of those, maybe 5% ride with a sidecar. And without an Earles fork, sidecars are somewhat difficult to steer, making them less desirable.

But still cool.  I built one once, for a CB125 I had.  It was for cargo only(because it was only a 125!), but I did have thoughts of convincing my dog to go for a ride in it.  He wasn't too keen on the idea. He always barked at any bike I had when I started the motor.

[simon#42]

why not have a go , as long as your set up costs are not to high i dont think you have anything to loose .
if nothing else it is totally different and people may stop to have a look and once they are in the shop you may be able to sell them something !

[bear]

If you sell them and fit them there is probably an obligation to show the purchaser at least the basics of riding an outfit.

Sidecars are a law unto them selves as far as riding goes.

Do you have any background riding sidcars?

Cheers,
Brian

[70CB750]

What I found interesting is that in Virginia sidecars are considered accessory - you can hook it up and take it off as you please with no paperwork involved.

Over in Europe, it has to be inspected just like a motorcycle and it has to have special technical license.