Author Topic: Trailers (Read 5697 times)

Sven · « **on:** August 19, 2006, 10:45:56 PM »

Thoughts/experiences about trailering a pair of bikes...how do they handle, any recommendations on brand/style, whatever. Thinking towarda a future trip where it's a long way to where I want to spend most my riding time. (More on that at some later date.)

ratbike05 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2006, 01:33:05 AM »

I've had a good experience trailering the last 2 BOSS rallies. Both times used the same borrowed roughly 5x8 utility type trailer. Roamr and I both had our bandits on there and no problems. We tied them down 2 points from the front and 2 at the rear. I just keep an eye on them but never did have a problem. When we stopped for a break we just made sure everything was still secure. If you are looking for something enclosed and lightweight, Scootertrash brought a trailer to this year's rally that was really nice. If I remember correctly he sells them as well.

Sven · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2006, 09:37:55 AM »

I can borrow a utility trailer (metal with a wood-plank floor) but it seems way bigger than needed. I've seen some that are smaller and lighter, using expanded metal lathe instead of wood.

Bantana · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2006, 10:43:06 AM »

I bought a trailer kit from Harbor Freight/Northern Tools for under $200.
A sheet of 3/4 plywood, some non-skid paint and four eyebolts and I was good to go. I haven't pulled the Bandit and the DR yet, but it looks like it would handle it just fine. 800 lb capacity. I trailered the Bandit to Banner Elk, NC which is about 300 miles for me and it did just fine. I also use it to trailer to Barber Motorsports Park track days and it sails along at 90mph nice and steady.

~lloyd in atlanta

Sven · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2006, 07:46:29 PM »

I'll have to check into that!

UPDATE: Do those people have a website? I get some references to the company, not to a site FOR the company.

Rocketboy · « **Reply #5 on:** August 22, 2006, 11:22:45 PM »

just www.northerntool.com , or if you want i can mail you my catalogue, it makes great bedside reading.

Sven · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2006, 08:37:10 AM »

Quote from: Rocketboy

just www.northerntool.com , or if you want i can mail you my catalogue, it makes great bedside reading.

There's something wrong when Google doesn't offer a URL that obvious!

scooter trash · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2006, 10:06:42 AM »

Here is the web site for the trailers I sell...
http://www.fibrecore.com/

Check out the Sport trailers. They are expensive but top rate.

LowRyter · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2006, 07:16:07 PM »

My UHaul travel center keeps two motorcycle trailers on-hand. They have built in mesh-type ramp, tie-down holds, and a chock built in over the tongue. They go about $15/day. I've been to Sturgis, Daytona (twice), Barber (twice) & Gap. The only drawback is that isn't covered and has no spare, the tires are like rocks tho.

yes, you can buy a trailer for a proce pf couple of trip rentals, the problem with buying a trailer is that you have to own it.

John

Sven · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2006, 07:29:57 PM »

Quote from: scooter trash

Here is the web site for the trailers I sell...
http://www.fibrecore.com/

Very nice! Would be great for someone who trailers a lot or needs to keep their bike clean for showing it. At this point, this is way beyond my needs and no doubt beyond my budget, but after my first trailer experience, who knows what I might be in the market for!

Sven · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2006, 07:37:44 PM »

Quote from: Rocketboy

just www.northerntool.com , or if you want i can mail you my catalogue, it makes great bedside reading.

OK, I've looked at that, and they have some less-expensive options that look good.

Overall, the rental option is probably the cheapest way for me to find out if I want to do this more than once a year, and as John said, if you buy it, you also OWN it. Have to store it and maintain it.

Earth Brown · « **Reply #11 on:** December 27, 2006, 12:55:22 PM »

well for occasional use a motorcycle specific aluminum trailer would be best, most of the time they are listed as "3 rail trailers" as they have 3 rails for the bikes, but only really fit 2 bikes, just an extra rail in the middle for solo hauling.

If you are going farther, a 6x10 enclosed v-nose works well, the rig my father has has must have brakes, and room for 3 bikes with one up in the nose and some creativity, and we also have room for all the gear and spare tires etc.

K

CWO4GUNNER · « **Reply #12 on:** January 27, 2007, 12:07:43 AM »

If you have a place to store a covered trailer, as covered is really the way to go (out of sight mined), an investment in a new 9x10 covered trailer doubles as a great storage unit for a boat, yard tools exc. I have a 9x25 because I have 4 motorcycles, a quad, and a boat, so my garage is empty and I am ready in case the old lady hands me my hat and I have to leave town in a hurry with the RV and the trailer in tow.

solman · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2007, 01:01:05 AM »

A 5X8 works great for two bikes. Only problem we ran into was that the wheels were sliding sideways. I was going to buy some chocks, but I ran the strap thru the front and the flooring. That fixed the problem good for the rest of the trip.