 towing a bike
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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OP
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129 |
Was thinking of buying one of these... http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/caddy1.htmlQuestion is, can i pull my bike around like this without tearing it up? After looking through my shop manual I have decided that the oil pumps will function while towing the bike in neutral. But I just wanted to confirm this with you guys before trying it.
Jon
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
Your chain will spin the whole time but I figure you really wouldn't hurt it. For a major trip I would trailer it rather than tear up the rear tire.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,236 Likes: 63
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,236 Likes: 63 |
Not sure if I would do that since our trans is fed by oil pressure rather than having oil in the case fed by splash. Pop the chain off and no worries but I agree, I would trailer it if I ever trailered my bike anywhere.I always ride my bike to and from anywhere it goes.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
I use something similar for short tows. No problems.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
I built one like this quite a few years ago, and another one two years ago. The first time I towed a bike clear to the east coast. The second one I've used on trips to lower Missouri. Mine is built to go into a reciever hitch. I always take the chain loose, which is kind of a hassle. My thinking was to go a long trip in more comfort, and take the bike off when I get there. The weirdest thing about this kind of a system is watching the bike lean in the curves as watched in the rear view mirrors.
Fidelis et Fortis
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
I don't get enough life out of my tires as it is.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Dang, I need to get a receiver hitch for the Rocket now. Why should I be limited to one bike when I travel? 
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
if you are looking for something simple and easy to store, some yrs back uncle Phil (bonniusa) got something called Trailer in a bag, it will fold down small enough to carry in your car trunk and comes in a carrying bag (hence trailer in a bag hahaha) might be something to look into?? i have known others that have used it and everyone seems to agree, it works fine and has new tech bearings that hold up well on longer trips. i was worried that those small wheels would cause bearing damage but i am told no, so that was my only concern. i understand they are not expensive?? i am sure if you google trailer in a bag you will find it.
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Last edited by FriarJohn; 09/25/2011 3:33 PM.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129 |
The intended use would be for short trips and I would prefer not having the hassle of taking the chain loose. If I did use it for longer hauls, I would probably take the chain loose.
As for oil pressure, at first it APPEARS (in the shop manual) that both oil pumps are driven by the output shaft. I think this is the shaft that would turn while towing... But on second thought, that couldn't be right because that would mean this shaft would need to turn all the time while the bike's running, which it doesn't.
I like the "trailer in a bag" idea but wouldn't want the hassle of assembling it every time I need to tow my bike. I'd rather take the chain loose.
Thanks guys!
Jon
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
"Trailer in a bag"? Eff that.
The primary issue with a receiver mounted wheel chock towing device is you can't back up without jacknifing the bike. If you know that up front then you can plan accordingly.
I also suggest double-strapping the bike (two each side), with at least one set on a bar harness. It works well enough.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5 |
here's a receiver-mounted bike carrier that will hold 600lbs (enough for my TBA....) - I've been considering it for those rare occasions when I just need to drag the bike somewhere (I usually ride it). And it's under 300 bucks. http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Mounted-Sport-Motorcycle-Carrier/dp/B002M3ODTC
...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129 |
Quote:
here's a receiver-mounted bike carrier that will hold 600lbs (enough for my TBA....) - I've been considering it for those rare occasions when I just need to drag the bike somewhere (I usually ride it). And it's under 300 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Mounted-Sport-Motorcycle-Carrier/dp/B002M3ODTC
Thanks for that! Looks like a viable solution.
Jon
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129 |
Quote:
"Trailer in a bag"? Eff that.
The primary issue with a receiver mounted wheel chock towing device is you can't back up without jacknifing the bike. If you know that up front then you can plan accordingly.
I also suggest double-strapping the bike (two each side), with at least one set on a bar harness. It works well enough.
I didnt think about the jacknifing issue. Good to know. Thanks
Jon
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5 |
if you end up getting that, Jon, I'd love to know how it works out. I haven't pulled the trigger yet - but my research has landed me on that one as what I'll probably get.
...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 237 |
I found an old 3 rail in some back yard.. got it cheap .
refurbed it here and now have a really nice dependable ..3 rail w/ expanded metal floor..5x8 .. not to pretty.
But, it's saved me a few times ..and popular w/ my friends when we/they have to rescue a "harley" buddy .. lol
fits 1 in the middle . .or two side by side ..w/ room for gear ..camping ..whatever ..
07 SPEEDMASTER ..SLASHCUT BUBS..
NOLOGY COILS/WIRES ..PHANTOM BLACK ..CHROME COVERS...K&N PODS..
BEAUTIFULL WHEN SHE RUNS RIGHT..SHE WAS ..
.. I LIKE HER>> ALOT ~~
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,695 Likes: 22 |
Ref: the sport bike one that holds the whole bike.
If you go that route don't forget to check the tongue weight of the vehicle you put it on. Other than the 1/2 ton real pickups many have a 400lb weight limit. Our bikes are over 500lbs.
Ex: My Dodge Caravan can tow 3600 but tongue weight is limited to 400. Start bouncing 5-600lbs on that thing I bet it can get really interesting.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 129 |
Quote:
Ref: the sport bike one that holds the whole bike.
If you go that route don't forget to check the tongue weight of the vehicle you put it on. Other than the 1/2 ton real pickups many have a 400lb weight limit. Our bikes are over 500lbs.
Ex: My Dodge Caravan can tow 3600 but tongue weight is limited to 400. Start bouncing 5-600lbs on that thing I bet it can get really interesting.
Well I guess that one is out then because I know the tongue weight on my car is too low. As for my truck, I can just put my bike in the bed.
Looks like I will just go with the tow caddy I posted originally. I figure if it's a real short tow, I can leave the bike running to ensure the tranny gets lubricated. If it's a longer tow, I can take the chain loose.
Jon
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Re: towing a bike
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
...if it's a real short tow, I can leave the bike running to ensure the tranny gets lubricated. If it's a longer tow, I can take the chain loose.
Or you could just tow it & not worry about it...
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