Trailer question... - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

bnlfan · 04-16-2008, 07:29 PM

Hello all,

I purchased a 40 foot Class A motorhome that has a receiver hitch. What I would like to know is if anyone saw a post here or on another site of a trailer that you put the front tire of you motorcycle into and allow the rear one to remain on the ground. I can't remeber where I saw it and now I am interested in having one made.

Thanks,
Robert

Uncle B · 04-16-2008, 09:55 PM

A trailer like that for a motorcycle?

You are braver than I am.

SNAFU · 04-17-2008, 12:10 AM

That's more like a motorcycle tow. I don't know if I would like that, especially since there are some nice trailers that are compact.

Here's a site that customizes tow dollies.Google Image Result for http://anselltowdolly.com/Image3.jpg

M50-ish · 04-17-2008, 01:53 AM

Here's another option:

Hitch Carriers: Great Selection of Motorcycle, Cargo, Wheelchair, Power Chair Carriers and Lifts.

**inspiron** · 04-17-2008, 02:11 AM

Personally, I wouldn't transport my bike like that. There's a risk that a stone or something could bounce up off the road and hit the gearshift, dropping the bike into 2nd gear, and ruining your day.

Also, the stresses on the triple-tree (where the forks meet the frame) would be much higher than normal, which could lead to structural problems.

No, thanks. Either ride the bike or put it on a proper trailer. But towing it like this just doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

bnlfan · 04-17-2008, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M50-ish

Here's another option:

Hitch Carriers: Great Selection of Motorcycle, Cargo, Wheelchair, Power Chair Carriers and Lifts.

I was actually looking for one of these but could only find one for a dirt bike. I remember seeing the other and wanted to look into it. Everyone brings up some very valid points and I think I will go with the lift.

Thanks to you all.

donny662 · 04-17-2008, 03:09 PM

I'd say go with something like the hitch mounted carrier. My cousin fabricated something like that for his fifth wheel. He didn't use the trailer hitch though. There where two hollow beams that were exposed at the rear of the trailer, so the carrier's supports slid right into the frame at two places for added support. Using this, he carried is '84 Virago 1000. I'm not sure if those hitch mounted carriers could support that weight. If there is a shop around you that does general fabrication, they could probably whip something up in a day or so.

On that tow dolly, in addition to what inspiron said, you'll be wearing out the rear tire on the bike. Since the bike wouldn't be leaning in the corners, it'll make a flat spot in the center of the tire.

Davecm203 · 04-17-2008, 07:43 PM

I have to give a bump to donny. Motorcycle tires don't last very long anyway.

XoZe · 04-27-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M50-ish

Here's another option:

Hitch Carriers: Great Selection of Motorcycle, Cargo, Wheelchair, Power Chair Carriers and Lifts.

bumping a bit of an older thread, has anyone used one of these? I thought about one for the truck, but I think the weight of the bike (544lbs) might make the truck lift too much from the front. Not sure about this type of weight distribution.

Also, has anyone tried one of those "trailer in a bag"? Would something like this need to be registered with TXDOT?

Trailer In A Bag - Motorcycle Trailers - ATV Trailers

Easy Rider · 04-27-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspiron

No, thanks. Either ride the bike or put it on a proper trailer. But towing it like this just doesn't seem like a good idea to me.

Depends upon your situation and objective.
Quick, dirty and cheap way for short distances.....like to the shop.

Probably NOT appropriate in this case since the discussion started with a Motor Home.

In addition to the potential problems already mentioned, the drive line (chain or shaft) would be turning all the time. Even absent the potential for really bad things to happen, the extra tire and chain wear are enough to rule it out for me.

Blade · 04-27-2008, 08:56 PM

I would highly not recommend towing a motorcycle that way unless you want to do a lot of transwork.

The reason is you will be turning the counter shaft even if the bike is in neutral. Which means you will have two bearings spinning that are not getting any oil. This does not mention the gears that are spinning to.

The only way I can see this being done is if you remove the chain so the only thing that would be turning is the rear wheel.

FYI- Transmission work on a motorcycle is not cheap.

KD57 · 04-28-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blade

I would highly not recommend towing a motorcycle that way unless you want to do a lot of transwork.

The reason is you will be turning the counter shaft even if the bike is in neutral. Which means you will have two bearings spinning that are not getting any oil. This does not mention the gears that are spinning to.

The only way I can see this being done is if you remove the chain so the only thing that would be turning is the rear wheel.

FYI- Transmission work on a motorcycle is not cheap.

eb77k · 04-29-2008, 07:04 PM

With your tow rig, buy a cheap enclosed trailer. You'll thank me later.

donny662 · 05-01-2008, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XoZe

bumping a bit of an older thread, has anyone used one of these? I thought about one for the truck, but I think the weight of the bike (544lbs) might make the truck lift too much from the front. Not sure about this type of weight distribution.

Also, has anyone tried one of those "trailer in a bag"? Would something like this need to be registered with TXDOT?

Trailer In A Bag - Motorcycle Trailers - ATV Trailers

Quote:

Originally Posted by aforementioned website

Are they legal in every state and do they have to be registered?

Each Trailer in a Bag meets all Federal regulations and comes with a VIN number assigned to it and an MSO (Manufacturers Statement of Origin). Licensing depends on the laws of local governing agencies. Some states require licensing for trailers and some do not. Even the requirements for lights may vary from state to state. Check with your local DMV.

It looks like if a trailer of that size normally has to be registered, you will have to register it. I don't think that it has a category of it's own.

It looks pretty cool, but it doesn't look like it has any suspension. I think that would be hard on both the trailer and bike.

GatorTuba · 05-01-2008, 02:25 PM

My brother just got one of these for his Fat Boy and LOVES it (Also for the back of his RV).

Single Trailer

MSRP is 2K but if you google it you can find them much cheaper. Perhaps eBay for a used one.

Oh and...both wheels off the ground is a must when towing a bike.

Mitch McDeere · 08-05-2008, 12:19 PM

sure, "hitchcarriers" web site has one.
check it out they have the undertaker and it is shipped comes in a coffin shaped box. I don't know of many others. But it might put wear on the back tire?

raycogxxx · 08-05-2008, 04:01 PM

Shop around, check want ads, etc. to find an affordable trailer-several years ago I chanced upon a 5'x8' utility trailer used, but in good shape for $275. I had to travel 100+ miles to get it, but for that price, so what. Costs me about $50/yr to register it and thats all.

04-16-2008, 07:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
bnlfan Clunked into first gear Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: Suzuki S40 Location: Juniper, GA Posts: 213	Trailer question... Hello all, I purchased a 40 foot Class A motorhome that has a receiver hitch. What I would like to know is if anyone saw a post here or on another site of a trailer that you put the front tire of you motorcycle into and allow the rear one to remain on the ground. I can't remeber where I saw it and now I am interested in having one made. Thanks, Robert __________________

04-16-2008, 09:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Uncle B Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 06 Suzuki Boulevard C50T Location: Gordon Texas Latitude: 32.54833 Longitude: -98.36889 Posts: 4,088	A trailer like that for a motorcycle? You are braver than I am. __________________ Ride Safe, Ride Long, & Have Fun Benjamin Franklin> They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security. http://www.gordontexas.net/ http://www.gordonvfd.com/

04-17-2008, 12:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,779	That's more like a motorcycle tow. I don't know if I would like that, especially since there are some nice trailers that are compact. Here's a site that customizes tow dollies.Google Image Result for http://anselltowdolly.com/Image3.jpg __________________ Last edited by SNAFU; 04-17-2008 at 12:16 AM.

04-17-2008, 02:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 11,770	Personally, I wouldn't transport my bike like that. There's a risk that a stone or something could bounce up off the road and hit the gearshift, dropping the bike into 2nd gear, and ruining your day. Also, the stresses on the triple-tree (where the forks meet the frame) would be much higher than normal, which could lead to structural problems. No, thanks. Either ride the bike or put it on a proper trailer. But towing it like this just doesn't seem like a good idea to me. __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

04-27-2008, 08:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
Blade TurtleWax Taster Joined: Mar 2006 Location: La Quinta, Ca Posts: 587	I would highly not recommend towing a motorcycle that way unless you want to do a lot of transwork. The reason is you will be turning the counter shaft even if the bike is in neutral. Which means you will have two bearings spinning that are not getting any oil. This does not mention the gears that are spinning to. The only way I can see this being done is if you remove the chain so the only thing that would be turning is the rear wheel. FYI- Transmission work on a motorcycle is not cheap. __________________ Bill Johnson Email: bill@billsbikesnservice.com website: www.billsbikesnservice.com

04-17-2008, 01:53 AM	#4 (permalink)
M50-ish Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 2007 Suzuki M50 Blue Location: California Posts: 33	Here's another option: Hitch Carriers: Great Selection of Motorcycle, Cargo, Wheelchair, Power Chair Carriers and Lifts.

04-17-2008, 03:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
donny662 Puddle Runner Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: 1972 Honda CL450 Scrambler Location: Michigan Posts: 363	I'd say go with something like the hitch mounted carrier. My cousin fabricated something like that for his fifth wheel. He didn't use the trailer hitch though. There where two hollow beams that were exposed at the rear of the trailer, so the carrier's supports slid right into the frame at two places for added support. Using this, he carried is '84 Virago 1000. I'm not sure if those hitch mounted carriers could support that weight. If there is a shop around you that does general fabrication, they could probably whip something up in a day or so. On that tow dolly, in addition to what inspiron said, you'll be wearing out the rear tire on the bike. Since the bike wouldn't be leaning in the corners, it'll make a flat spot in the center of the tire.

04-17-2008, 07:43 PM	#8 (permalink)
Davecm203 TurtleWax Taster Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: 2006 GSXR750 Location: Central North Carolina Posts: 585	I have to give a bump to donny. Motorcycle tires don't last very long anyway.

04-29-2008, 07:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
eb77k Found second gear by accident Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: I'm lucky, I've got alot Location: minnesota Posts: 329	With your tow rig, buy a cheap enclosed trailer. You'll thank me later. __________________ MOTO GUZZI loud valves save lives

05-01-2008, 02:25 PM	#15 (permalink)
GatorTuba Ditch Magnet Joined: Apr 2008 Bike: Roadliner Location: Toms River, NJ Posts: 167	My brother just got one of these for his Fat Boy and LOVES it (Also for the back of his RV). Single Trailer MSRP is 2K but if you google it you can find them much cheaper. Perhaps eBay for a used one. Oh and...both wheels off the ground is a must when towing a bike.

08-05-2008, 12:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
Mitch McDeere Newbie Joined: Feb 2008 Bike: Honda CBR600F4 Location: Indiana, Michigan Posts: 3	sure, "hitchcarriers" web site has one. check it out they have the undertaker and it is shipped comes in a coffin shaped box. I don't know of many others. But it might put wear on the back tire?

08-05-2008, 04:01 PM	#17 (permalink)
raycogxxx Sprocket Pilot Joined: Feb 2007 Bike: 2006 M50-Blue Location: Ft Worth, Texas Posts: 835	Shop around, check want ads, etc. to find an affordable trailer-several years ago I chanced upon a 5'x8' utility trailer used, but in good shape for $275. I had to travel 100+ miles to get it, but for that price, so what. Costs me about $50/yr to register it and thats all. __________________ "So long as they don't get violent, I want to let everyone say what they wish, for I myself have always said exactly what pleased me." -- Albert Einstein 2006 M50 Blue, Jardine Slash Cuts w/custom baffles (courtesy of BlueM50Chick), Saddleman Profiler Seat, Memphis Shades Poptop shield, Tour Master saddle and fork bags, Küryakyn Dually ISO-Pegs, Stebel Airhorn.

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