Product Question - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

C-villePTR · 08-16-2006, 08:35 AM

Hey, my father has a quick question that I think the users of this forum might be better suited to answer than myself.

He is looking for a cheap way to transport his bike (a 1996(?) Kawasaki Vulcan 1500). Nothing extremely long distance, 100 miles max, but he's kinda a cheap guy at times. I was looking around, and one thing I came across was this thing:

eBay Motors: Motorcycle Tow Cradle No Trailer Haul Big Little Bike (item 220017460963 end time Aug-21-06 19:16:05 PDT)

I asked the guy who put it up a few generic questions and got back:

Quote:

The product name is Handi Hauler and I make them in a metal shop I own. The Hauler is made from heavy gauge steel and weighs 33 pounds. I am not claiming it will replace a trailer but it will get your bike home. I just had someone send me a letter that he towed his bike from NY to Mexico City. And you don’t need to register or store a trailer.

Has anyone ever used anything like this before? Would you consider it reliable for short/medium trips? Etc...

Thanks a ton!

...ohh yeah, update from my first post a couple months ago: Still practicing on my father's bike in the local community college parking log, in the market for a standard bike 1990-now up to $1200, and talked my way into a MSF course in late september... yay

**Louis** · 08-16-2006, 09:18 AM

At first glance, this freaks me out.

I'd suggest you'd just rent a trailer and put the bike on it.

Colorado Cajun · 08-16-2006, 11:49 AM

If you are looking for CHEAP, go to Harbor Freight and get one of their trailers. I know 2 people who have done that to haul their bikes. I personally would want a better trailer to put my bike on. I don't trust those little 8 inch tires and cheap bearings.

Colorado Cajun · 08-16-2006, 11:50 AM

I just looked at the link. There is NO WAY I would tow my bike like that. That is an accident waiting to happen.

**drgibson** · 08-16-2006, 12:01 PM

Harbor Freight

Mavman · 08-16-2006, 02:40 PM

Is a trailer something that would be used quite often?

If not, you might look into renting a motorcycle trailer from U-haul. I've rented one.......they are sturdy and yes, you can pull one over 45 mph, no problem....they're only about 18 bucks a day.

If so, go with harbor freight.....like others have said, just looking at the one in your link scares me to death and I myself would not risk it.

bajaraider · 08-16-2006, 02:41 PM

+1 harbor freight has a couple of folding trailers that should handle that kind of weight!

C-villePTR · 08-16-2006, 02:48 PM

Thanks for the input! I totally agree that the tow caddie I linked is sketchy as hell, but I told him I'd try to get some reviews and opinions on it. I'll write him back and try to convince him to just stick with a trailor now that its not just me saying "are you sure that would work?".

**inspiron** · 08-16-2006, 02:49 PM

How about just riding it? 100 miles ... 2 to 3 hours of FUN!

datingservices2 · 08-16-2006, 03:28 PM

Simply no clue how to send a picture to this forum! Help!

_______________
Dating listing Match Maker

Firedog · 08-16-2006, 04:18 PM

*sniff sniff sniff* SPAM???

jkersh · 08-16-2006, 04:27 PM

Harbor freight but put 2x6 or 2x8 for decking. You wont be able to fold it but it will be a much better trailer.

DrBob · 08-16-2006, 04:42 PM

You couldn't pay me enough to use that thing to move one of my bikes. Loading it would be a %%%%% unless you had two people to help, the entire bike depands on that one tow strap, I doubt it is legal in all 50 states...I could list a dozen other reasons why that is a bad idea.

My buddy picked up a used 8-foot landscaping utility trailer with a metal grate gate, sort of like this one, yo haul his 1500LC:

The gate folds down as a ramp so he can load it alone, the side rails provide dozens of tie-down points, he can load up coolers or camping gear beside the bike, and it can be used for a hundred other things than just the motorcycle. He looked around for a couple months until he found one, and paid $250 for it, only about $75 more than that silly contraption on EBAY if you include shipping. A couple cans of Krylon and it looks brand new.

blackie1491 · 08-16-2006, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datingservices2

Simply no clue how to send a picture to this forum! Help!

At the bottom of the main page is a testing thread, there is a sticky on posting pictures.

Also the search function will work if you punch in your request.

_______________
Dating listing Match Maker

**inspiron** · 08-17-2006, 02:58 AM

blackie ... watch your step. You stepped in a pile of SPAM!

blackie1491 · 08-17-2006, 03:09 AM

Not paying attention I guess.
Thanks for the heads up.

C-villePTR · 08-18-2006, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspiron

How about just riding it? 100 miles ... 2 to 3 hours of FUN!

Heh, he was hoping to use it to tow the bike to where I live so I can get some practice after I finish my MSF course. At least untill I can save up enough to get my own bike.

I passed along a link to this thread to him, and that pretty much kept him from even considering that caddie any further. Thanks again for your input.

BlaznBlu · 08-18-2006, 10:01 AM

Be careful with the Harbor Freight trailers. I took mine back. Talked to a few different guys who install hitches and do repairs. The Harbor Freight trailer uses wheel bearings that cannot take the high RPM's of highway driving for longer distances, it is only good for driving around town. If you are looking for a folding trailer, you have to put a floor of less than a 1/2" thickness on it or it won't fold. Plywood wouldn't be strong enough for most bikes, and metal/aluminum would be expensive.

I plan on ramping mine into my pick-up when I need to travel with it. Otherwise, I would rent a U-Haul.

MrvanH · 08-18-2006, 10:17 AM

I bought one of the carriers listed on ebay (not the exact company, but close). I would say absolutely do not buy it! The bike tilted over and didn't not handle the incline of my driveway at all. I scraped the exhaust and cursed quite loudly. I ended up buying a tilt bed utility trailer from a buddy that had put full sized tires on it. I bought the trailer for the bike, but have used it to move several people, haul stuff to the dump, save on delivery charges for appliances. In the long run the convienience will offset the cost.

Mavman · 08-18-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

You couldn't pay me enough to use that thing to move one of my bikes. Loading it would be a %%%%% unless you had two people to help, the entire bike depands on that one tow strap, I doubt it is legal in all 50 states...I could list a dozen other reasons why that is a bad idea.

My buddy picked up a used 8-foot landscaping utility trailer with a metal grate gate, sort of like this one, yo haul his 1500LC:

The gate folds down as a ramp so he can load it alone, the side rails provide dozens of tie-down points, he can load up coolers or camping gear beside the bike, and it can be used for a hundred other things than just the motorcycle. He looked around for a couple months until he found one, and paid $250 for it, only about $75 more than that silly contraption on EBAY if you include shipping. A couple cans of Krylon and it looks brand new.

Well then.........hint hint what Dr.Bob posted

08-16-2006, 09:18 AM	#2 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	At first glance, this freaks me out. I'd suggest you'd just rent a trailer and put the bike on it. __________________ Louis

08-16-2006, 11:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	If you are looking for CHEAP, go to Harbor Freight and get one of their trailers. I know 2 people who have done that to haul their bikes. I personally would want a better trailer to put my bike on. I don't trust those little 8 inch tires and cheap bearings. __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

08-16-2006, 11:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Colorado Cajun Sprocket Pilot Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 C50 Silver and Gray Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 851	I just looked at the link. There is NO WAY I would tow my bike like that. That is an accident waiting to happen. __________________ 2006 C50 Silver and gray, Cobra Tall Sissy Bar, K&N Air filter, Suzuki bags, Custom Driver's Back Rest, Memphis Fats 19" windshield with lowers, added a 2nd horn, Power Commander PC3 USB, and Cobra Freeway bars. Mitch

08-16-2006, 12:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
drgibson Antebellum Mod Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 Location: Dallas, Texas Directly above the center of the earth. Posts: 10,742	Harbor Freight __________________ “Please Remember to Kazoo Responsibly.”

08-16-2006, 02:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
bajaraider U.B's LoveChild Joined: Sep 2005 Bike: 2005 M50, 1970 TC120 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 1,036	+1 harbor freight has a couple of folding trailers that should handle that kind of weight! __________________ RED M50 - 2005 "only a motorcycle rider understands why a dog hangs its head out the window" My Toys

08-16-2006, 02:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
C-villePTR Seat Tester Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 1981 Kawasaki 650 CSR Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 70	Thanks for the input! I totally agree that the tow caddie I linked is sketchy as hell, but I told him I'd try to get some reviews and opinions on it. I'll write him back and try to convince him to just stick with a trailor now that its not just me saying "are you sure that would work?".

08-16-2006, 02:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	How about just riding it? 100 miles ... 2 to 3 hours of FUN! __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

08-16-2006, 03:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
datingservices2 Newbie Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 1	Please, help, I am a newbie here Simply no clue how to send a picture to this forum! Help! _______________ Dating listing Match Maker

08-16-2006, 04:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
Firedog Foil Inspector Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe Location: West Lafayette, IN Posts: 971	sniff sniff sniff SPAM??? __________________ "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." -Abraham Lincoln

08-16-2006, 04:27 PM	#12 (permalink)
jkersh TurtleWax Taster Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: '02 750 ACE Location: 34 59.613n 094 30.852w Posts: 593	Harbor freight but put 2x6 or 2x8 for decking. You wont be able to fold it but it will be a much better trailer. __________________ There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.

08-16-2006, 04:42 PM	#13 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	You couldn't pay me enough to use that thing to move one of my bikes. Loading it would be a %%%%% unless you had two people to help, the entire bike depands on that one tow strap, I doubt it is legal in all 50 states...I could list a dozen other reasons why that is a bad idea. My buddy picked up a used 8-foot landscaping utility trailer with a metal grate gate, sort of like this one, yo haul his 1500LC: The gate folds down as a ramp so he can load it alone, the side rails provide dozens of tie-down points, he can load up coolers or camping gear beside the bike, and it can be used for a hundred other things than just the motorcycle. He looked around for a couple months until he found one, and paid $250 for it, only about $75 more than that silly contraption on EBAY if you include shipping. A couple cans of Krylon and it looks brand new. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog! Last edited by DrBob; 08-16-2006 at 04:44 PM.

08-17-2006, 02:58 AM	#15 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	blackie ... watch your step. You stepped in a pile of SPAM! __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

08-17-2006, 03:09 AM	#16 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,332	Not paying attention I guess. Thanks for the heads up.

08-18-2006, 10:01 AM	#18 (permalink)
BlaznBlu Clutch Cadet Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 2008 Black/Silver GSX650F. 2005 Black M50 with blue ghost flames. Location: West Melbourne, FL Posts: 917	Be careful with the Harbor Freight trailers. I took mine back. Talked to a few different guys who install hitches and do repairs. The Harbor Freight trailer uses wheel bearings that cannot take the high RPM's of highway driving for longer distances, it is only good for driving around town. If you are looking for a folding trailer, you have to put a floor of less than a 1/2" thickness on it or it won't fold. Plywood wouldn't be strong enough for most bikes, and metal/aluminum would be expensive. I plan on ramping mine into my pick-up when I need to travel with it. Otherwise, I would rent a U-Haul. __________________ When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So let's all get drunk and go to heaven!

08-18-2006, 10:17 AM	#19 (permalink)
MrvanH In Training Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: Grey M50 Location: Kettering,OH Posts: 120	I bought one of the carriers listed on ebay (not the exact company, but close). I would say absolutely do not buy it! The bike tilted over and didn't not handle the incline of my driveway at all. I scraped the exhaust and cursed quite loudly. I ended up buying a tilt bed utility trailer from a buddy that had put full sized tires on it. I bought the trailer for the bike, but have used it to move several people, haul stuff to the dump, save on delivery charges for appliances. In the long run the convienience will offset the cost. __________________ 06 Grey M50, Alley Cat Shield, Floorboards, Lowered 2", Corbin Dual Tour, BlazinBlue's Light Mod, Tornado Air Kit, Jardine 2:1, Cobra FI2000R,Forward Controls "Hey, Watch This!"

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