trailer
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I don't pull a trailer on a bike. But knowing what I know about pulling, you wouldn't want to ride too aggressively in case you had to make a quick stop or maneuver. Remember those things have no brakes. So if you have to stop you have the trailer pushing you. If you're on a curve, turning, you have to stop quick, hit the rear brake the tire skids a bit, bye bye, hello ditch.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: Lexington, KY
I've not pulled a trailer with the Road King, and never will. But, I do so with a Gold Wing, GL1800 2 up. It's a Bushtec and it pulls great. But, I'm not an aggressive rider. You need to keep in mind you have a couple hundred extra pounds pushing you when stopping. Otherwise, it's a wonderful way to travel with lots of space for whatever. We've logged maybe 20K miles with trailer in tow.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 464
Likes: 4
From: W. Pa
Not as bad as some think. If you've never done it, how can you have an opinion? After thousands of miles pulling a trailer, here's some observations. You can get electric brakes on some trailers. Mine does not, but it is not a bad problem. There is extra weight so it's going to take more distance to stop. Ride sensible and not aggressive. Twisties are no problem at all. Riding on super slabs is a breeze. However, gas mileage drops. When traveling, I camp, so having some extras that the trailer allows is a plus. Do not overload and watch the tongue weight. I have seen bikes with passengers that weigh more than my trailer.
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Victorville, CA
Jack6hd is right on. I also have thousands of miles pulling a trailer (normal ball hitch) with no problems. I've pulled it all over the Rocky Mountain states. Indeed it takes a little longer to stop, you'll shift down more when climbing and you'll burn more fuel. The trailer pushes a little on downhill curves but nothing you won't learn to handle. It's not as much fun as riding without the trailer but more fun when you get to camp. Like most things, it's a trade-off.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
We've got over 100K with a trailer. You soon learn what feels comfortable and what the bike's able to handle. Get a good trailer ,keep the weight right and don't overdrive it and you should be alright.