Should a Harley pull a trailer?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 621
Likes: 3
From: N CA
go to Delphi Forums - there is a motorcycle trailer towing form there with a few hundred thousand post of towing with a motorcycle - I did it for 30 years with Goldwings - from small cargo trailers to pop up tent campers - I won't tow with the Ultra - the wing has 118 HP - I find myself shifting all the time with the ultra not towing anything - have to down shift with a head wind - plus the wing is water cooled - With that said - Some Harley Guys do tow trailers - I just don't think it's the right tool for the job - not all will agree with that
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 69
From: Northford, CT
Have been towing a Bushtec trailer 7 years now. I looked at trailers and talked people that had them for several months before buying one. My wife has M/S and needs a wheelchair to get around once off the bike. For us this was the best way for us to keep in the wind. If not for the trailer we would be sitting home most of the time.
Towing a trailer on a bike is no different than towing a trailer with your truck or car. Nothing has worn out faster on the bike because of towing the trailer. Yes you have to take corners wider, watch going into gas stations, stopping is a little longer but honestly not much. But all those same things are the same for towing a trailer with anything. As far as the extra weight I have seen riders and passengers that weigh more than my wife me and the loaded trailer! Have also had warranty work on the bike with the trailer hitch on and both dealers knew I towed a trailer, never had a problem. Have also been told that Harley is thinking of changing their policy about trailers for trikes.
Towing a trailer on a bike is no different than towing a trailer with your truck or car. Nothing has worn out faster on the bike because of towing the trailer. Yes you have to take corners wider, watch going into gas stations, stopping is a little longer but honestly not much. But all those same things are the same for towing a trailer with anything. As far as the extra weight I have seen riders and passengers that weigh more than my wife me and the loaded trailer! Have also had warranty work on the bike with the trailer hitch on and both dealers knew I towed a trailer, never had a problem. Have also been told that Harley is thinking of changing their policy about trailers for trikes.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 3
From: Florida
No matter how long the ride, I dont need everything I ****in own dragging behind me. I ride to get away from that stuff lol
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 12
From: Cow Lake, WI
Depends on the trailer. Cheap trailers have stiff leafspring suspensions and bounce around alot. Quality trailers, like Legend, have torsion spring suspension and pull so smooth I don't even know its back there. In addition, loading your stuff in a trailer is better than tieing it to your bike where it can get wet, fall off, or affect the handleing. For instance, on a Heritage softail, two people, tour pak, loaded saddle bags (ie 1 leather jacket and a shaving kit), large duffle containing tent and sleeping bags straped to the tour pak, yeah your suspension is pretty maxed out. And I aint talking large people.
That stuff easily fits in the trailer and the bike is empty and trailer carries the weight. I also can carry some folding camp chairs which is better than sitting on the ground. After all your on vacation, not on the run.
Not to mention the cooler on the front gets filled with drinks and ice when we get to camp!
That stuff easily fits in the trailer and the bike is empty and trailer carries the weight. I also can carry some folding camp chairs which is better than sitting on the ground. After all your on vacation, not on the run.
Not to mention the cooler on the front gets filled with drinks and ice when we get to camp!
i have actually been thinkign botu this very subject for awhile. but im a "why buy it when i can build it" type fo guy so started designing blueprints a few eeks back to make a ligthweight 4'W x 6'L X3'H teardrop camper trailer for weekenders and such. i dotn see a problem with haulign a small trailer just gotta get used to it and be comfortable in yoru skills on the bike to accomdate for the trailer your towing.
i have actully had a bit of fun playign with differnt deasigns and such especialy for the suspension but soem basic math puts the finished weight in aroudn the 350lbs but that gives em the deluxe of deluxe accomodations with soem creature comforts to enjoy.
i have actully had a bit of fun playign with differnt deasigns and such especialy for the suspension but soem basic math puts the finished weight in aroudn the 350lbs but that gives em the deluxe of deluxe accomodations with soem creature comforts to enjoy.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Hannibal, MO area
Sounds to me like some can't handle the pressure.
I pull a small trailer with my RK and get along fine with it, but then again I put over 120,000 miles a year on a Kenworth as well.
It nice to pack a large tent, perc coffee pot and single burner stove, air mattress, a couple of fold up chairs and clothing inside where I only have to worry about the weather hitting me.
Since we picked up the wifey's Heritage Saturday, i'm probably not going to have to pack it all anymore, but if I need to I can.
I know some who only pack clothes, cell phone and a credit card. To each his own.
MO
I pull a small trailer with my RK and get along fine with it, but then again I put over 120,000 miles a year on a Kenworth as well.
It nice to pack a large tent, perc coffee pot and single burner stove, air mattress, a couple of fold up chairs and clothing inside where I only have to worry about the weather hitting me.
Since we picked up the wifey's Heritage Saturday, i'm probably not going to have to pack it all anymore, but if I need to I can.
I know some who only pack clothes, cell phone and a credit card. To each his own.
MO
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 128
The problem that can arise is when you are cycling down the highway at 65 mph, pulling your trailer behind you. Suddenly, some a-hole pulls out in front of you or maybe a cow jumps out in the road. You jam on the brakes and since your trailer does not have brakes on it, all that forward motion can jack knife you in a heartbeat. Ask me how I know that.
Oh, I know, there are legions of riders out there who have been pulling a trailer behind their bikes since Shep was a pup and they never had a problem. You just need to be aware of what "can go wrong" and then make your decision.
Oh, I know, there are legions of riders out there who have been pulling a trailer behind their bikes since Shep was a pup and they never had a problem. You just need to be aware of what "can go wrong" and then make your decision.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
My buddy use to haul a tent trailer with his ultra.... No issues really but his bike was a pig hauling it and he eventually sold it... Said it just wasn't any fun riding the bike with it.