Should a Harley pull a trailer?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 14
From: Fla
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
Well, lots of interesting discussion here. I can see both sides. It seems like Harley might be protecting itself from the liability and pulling a trailer increases risk factors related to emergency maneuvers and braking. There are warranty voiding issues, but other folks seem to be in the camp of "riding is dangerous and you are going to die anyways."
Maybe a hint would be the fact that Harley does not even try to make money on it. Some forum members seem to indicated that you can pull a trailer with more riding skills and less skilled riders should avoid it. Overall, there seem to be diverse opinions.
I am primarily interested in the increased risk factors on the road (will it kill us), the long term wear and tear on the bike or trike (what does the extra weight do to wheel life, gearing and breaking, etc), and understanding the best trailer set ups. Some folks have stated you need the correct set up. What would this mean?
Maybe a hint would be the fact that Harley does not even try to make money on it. Some forum members seem to indicated that you can pull a trailer with more riding skills and less skilled riders should avoid it. Overall, there seem to be diverse opinions.
I am primarily interested in the increased risk factors on the road (will it kill us), the long term wear and tear on the bike or trike (what does the extra weight do to wheel life, gearing and breaking, etc), and understanding the best trailer set ups. Some folks have stated you need the correct set up. What would this mean?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,981
Likes: 5,219
From: Michigan
I've owned two factory built trailers (still have one) and I've pulled them with Heritage(s) and and Ultra through many states, including the the Al-Can Hwy into Alaska without an incident.
I now longer use mine mainly because my wife now rides her own bike and I can carry my gear in my saddlebags and tour-pak.
Loaded properly, a well-built trailer pulls and handles very nicely.
Like pulling a trailer with a car or truck, a bike rider cannot except a bike to pull a trailer up or down a hill as if it wasn't there.
The small tires on a trailer need to be replaced when worn and they require frequent air pressure checks and I also keep a small grease gun to keep the "buddy bearings" well lubricated.
The one situation where I believe a trailer could pose a threat to the rider and/or passenger of the bike towing it is during an accident.
I met a couple a couple of years ago who were in an accident (not cause by the trailer), but the trailer landed very close the to female passenger's head and though she still rides on her husband's bike, she will not let him buy another trailer.
That wouldn't prevent me from towing my trailer (if I ever need it) again, but that's her opinion ans she's certainly entitled to it.
I now longer use mine mainly because my wife now rides her own bike and I can carry my gear in my saddlebags and tour-pak.
Loaded properly, a well-built trailer pulls and handles very nicely.
Like pulling a trailer with a car or truck, a bike rider cannot except a bike to pull a trailer up or down a hill as if it wasn't there.
The small tires on a trailer need to be replaced when worn and they require frequent air pressure checks and I also keep a small grease gun to keep the "buddy bearings" well lubricated.
The one situation where I believe a trailer could pose a threat to the rider and/or passenger of the bike towing it is during an accident.
I met a couple a couple of years ago who were in an accident (not cause by the trailer), but the trailer landed very close the to female passenger's head and though she still rides on her husband's bike, she will not let him buy another trailer.
That wouldn't prevent me from towing my trailer (if I ever need it) again, but that's her opinion ans she's certainly entitled to it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,512
Likes: 293
From: Too close, Pa
Been pulling a bushtec trailer behind my ultra for several years and have never had any problems. Use common sense and pay attention to the tounge weight. I have a freind who tows one with his softail, last year we were at the end of a 3200 mile trip when he had a rear wheel bearing go. Well the dealer comes to pick him up the trailers is still hooked on, they replaced the bearing under his extended service plan and out the door we went. Never said a word about voiding his warranty. Like any other thing there are always pros and cons. For me it's the only way to travel with the wife, she can bring what she wants keeps her happy and makes the ride expierience that much better. Hell I throw a gun or 2, a case of beer, cooler with some grub and head for the cabin for the weekend. Sure beats the hell out going in the truck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 462
From: Arizona
...and every doctor AND every police chief recommends against owning a handgun. But go ahead, shoot your eye out........so to speak.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
I would not want a loaded trailer behind be in an emergency situation. I've had to slam on my brake and/or swerve too many times to think what would happen with a trailer in the equation.
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