Adding a 4 legged passenger
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Adding a 4 legged passenger
With the kids gone, and the two family pets passed on, we added a new little 4 legged friend that will need to start riding with us as the weather warms up. She is only 9 pounds, so not a very big passenger. I have looked at the bolt-on crates, but these are not going to add much style to the Classic. I have also looked at the doggy pouches that you wear in front (built like a backpack), and these are an option.
However, since our littleaddition is essentially a lap dog, she generally sleeps in anything that moves, so one thought is to shorten a nylon leash that can loop around my seatpost and then strap to her harness. This way, she can sit in Sandy's lap without any risk of jumping off, asshe would not be able to jump past Sandy's leg (assuming shewoke up during the trip).My last thought is to use the same shortened nylon leash, but attach it to my wife's belt. Abby (our new 4 legged addition) will still have the same restrictions on moving around and jumping, but not be tied to the bike.
So, has anyone been successful at working through this little problem. Leaving Abby in the Motorhome is simply not an option, as it is common for us to simply ride for hours until we are ready for a hotel, and then find a new way home the next day. Heck, when we had the corvette, we used to take weekend drives and end up driving for three or four days and 2000 miles (I guess after 30 years together, we still like to spend time with each other. Too cool...). In any event,a solution must be found.Any thoughts?
Now, if we could find the little thing leathers and a helmet, she would be right in style with us.
However, since our littleaddition is essentially a lap dog, she generally sleeps in anything that moves, so one thought is to shorten a nylon leash that can loop around my seatpost and then strap to her harness. This way, she can sit in Sandy's lap without any risk of jumping off, asshe would not be able to jump past Sandy's leg (assuming shewoke up during the trip).My last thought is to use the same shortened nylon leash, but attach it to my wife's belt. Abby (our new 4 legged addition) will still have the same restrictions on moving around and jumping, but not be tied to the bike.
So, has anyone been successful at working through this little problem. Leaving Abby in the Motorhome is simply not an option, as it is common for us to simply ride for hours until we are ready for a hotel, and then find a new way home the next day. Heck, when we had the corvette, we used to take weekend drives and end up driving for three or four days and 2000 miles (I guess after 30 years together, we still like to spend time with each other. Too cool...). In any event,a solution must be found.Any thoughts?
Now, if we could find the little thing leathers and a helmet, she would be right in style with us.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
I have seen several options that range from a bed that goes over the back seat to the crates that replace a tourpack. There have even been tank bag setups, however I think your most on track with your home made setup. as for the leathers you wouldn't believe the amount of harley stuff out there for dogs. One thing you might want to add to your shopping list would be doggles. Check them out here.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
I wouldn't want my pet tethered to anyone or anything because of what could happen in a collision or a spill. In my case it wouldsimply be a matter ofform follows function. It might not look cool but it would be in the best interest of the pet to have a seperate bolt on crate.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,471
Likes: 1
From: Heart of Missouri
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
I use the same setup as you are thinking of using,except for the leash,I use one of those name tag holders with a quick release snap.My pet is a 4 pound chihuahua and he loves to ride,thought about the doggles,but he sits either behind me or on my lap behind the windshield,I know there is a possiblity that something could happen but I watch for problems a little closer and take it a little slower,so both passengers feel comfortable,JMO
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
I've seen a guy that ride with his dogs, and spoke with him about it.He has a box mounted behind him for the big dog, and the little dog sits on his lap. Neither dog is tethered. He feels they have a better chance loose, if there is an unexpected dismount.Or get the dog his own ride......
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
I'd love to be able to bring my little dog with me but I know she'd see something interesting and off the bike she'd go... I'd consider having her tethered but w/no passenger to constantly assess the situation I just don't know...hmmm...
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,481
Likes: 4
From: Triangle, VA
RE: Adding a 4 legged passenger
You might get some tips from this guy at Gettysburg bike week last year
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
walc
General Harley Davidson Chat
10
Oct 7, 2007 07:28 PM