Trailering an Ultra
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Trailering an Ultra
Then why an Ultra? wouldn't something more maneuverable be a better bet if it weren't for the long distances or packing needed? Not trying to flame anyone here, just trying to understand why the overkill? If I was "going mobile" while travelling, why would I want to take a bike that's heavier and bulkier than needed?
ORIGINAL: harley0711
You do have your opinions - However before you slam/flame someone for putting THEIR bike on a trailer - you might want to look at the reason - not to say if its any of our business but I know of several people who just can't handle the long rides anylonger {Medically}- they still love to ride - so they trailer to a spot and enjoy... I agree - ride as much as one can but not everyone is the same / thank God..
ORIGINAL: dougbk
If you see my motorcycle on a trailer dial 9-1-1, it has been stolen!
If you see my motorcycle on a trailer dial 9-1-1, it has been stolen!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Trailering an Ultra
there are a million reasons why someone would trailer and all that matters is up to each person.. For example - I plan to retire by the end of the year. The wife and I would love to tour the US - spend 3,4,5 or 6 months on the road... This idea is in the very early stages of planning - One idea is to get an enclosed trailer and travel to key {take off points} and enjoy different parts of the US. To have the freedom of both weeks on the road riding or if the weather really turns crappy - the comfort/protction of the truck - If the wife and I were 30 years younger - jumping on a bike for 6 months and seeing the US would be a great idea - this way we can still do it all and have that "option" to do it our way - We on this forum ride Harley's - I have toured all the western states and most of BC Canada up to Alaska on our Harley - I used to think I logged some miles until I started talking to "Gold Wingers" Now there is a group that Rides..
I respect those that spend 24/7 on their bike for months at a time - don't flame me for doing it my way until you know my story - then we will "talk"
Being a firefighter now for over 34 years - life is short and can be taken away in a flash - enjoy it anyway you can...
BTW - a few months back I saw a large woman pull into the HD dealer on a trike - I thought "interesting" watch her take several min trying to park - then I saw her get off - She was an amputee (one leg gone above the knee). She still rode and had the bike set up to change gears by a push button and had a reverse... She had a hard time gettin off and on - but by God, she was still riding...
I respect those that spend 24/7 on their bike for months at a time - don't flame me for doing it my way until you know my story - then we will "talk"
Being a firefighter now for over 34 years - life is short and can be taken away in a flash - enjoy it anyway you can...
BTW - a few months back I saw a large woman pull into the HD dealer on a trike - I thought "interesting" watch her take several min trying to park - then I saw her get off - She was an amputee (one leg gone above the knee). She still rode and had the bike set up to change gears by a push button and had a reverse... She had a hard time gettin off and on - but by God, she was still riding...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
RE: Trailering an Ultra
Well, the basic reason I'm going to trailer this puppy - is because I am a weeeeny...
But really, I live in Oklahoma and its about 1500 miles to Myrtle Beach - so we are going to trailer to Tennessee - ride the ultra around in the smoky mountain national park for a day - then trailer to Norfolk - ride the ultra from Norfolk, VA down to Myrtle Beach along the outer banks - spend a few days at bike week - the ultra it down to Charleston and on to Daytona - then back up to Norfolk - Load him back on the Trailer - and back to Oklahoma.
Let me tell you - I've made that drive a few times and there are about 3 different climate zones and a hell of a lot of road hazards between here and there. I'm going to save the wear and tear on my baby running up I-40 (which ain't too scenic) and save the bike for the real riding along the coast and in the smokies.
We are going to do some real touring on the bike - just picking our battles.
But really, I live in Oklahoma and its about 1500 miles to Myrtle Beach - so we are going to trailer to Tennessee - ride the ultra around in the smoky mountain national park for a day - then trailer to Norfolk - ride the ultra from Norfolk, VA down to Myrtle Beach along the outer banks - spend a few days at bike week - the ultra it down to Charleston and on to Daytona - then back up to Norfolk - Load him back on the Trailer - and back to Oklahoma.
Let me tell you - I've made that drive a few times and there are about 3 different climate zones and a hell of a lot of road hazards between here and there. I'm going to save the wear and tear on my baby running up I-40 (which ain't too scenic) and save the bike for the real riding along the coast and in the smokies.
We are going to do some real touring on the bike - just picking our battles.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 513
Likes: 6
From: Reston, Virginia
RE: Trailering an Ultra
Harley0711, I hear you, and agree. I've never trailered a bike. But do to circumstances I will not share here, I do understand what you're saying. Ride Hard, Ride safe, Ride often.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Trailering an Ultra
hey Rad " or anyone else for that matter " im on I-40 out by weatherford/clinton area, give me a shoot when you get back and we can meet at the cherokee for soffee sometime. alway looking to meet new folks
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Trailering an Ultra
Trailered my ultra to Daytona for bike week and I attached one set of straps around the neck of the frame in front of the gas tank using soft ties and also a set above the front fender using soft ties around the forks. Put one more set from passenger foot boards pulling back. Everything road great New york to Flarida! Everyone you talk to even the dealers will all give you a different answer. I even asked the H.D Rep at bike week, he said to use the crash bar but when I tried it, it didn't seem as good as the neck of the frame. My dealer said they use the handle bars. I also use a condor wheel chock. Good luck.
RE: Trailering an Ultra
This company's wheel chock was recommended to me. I will be buying one from them in the next week or so. I was told to use 4 points, two front and two back and have them all pull towards the front of the bike not against each other.
LA Wheel Chock
Even thought I am new here I feel I have to jump in with regard to some of the comments above. I think the comments about not trailering or why an Ultra if you are trailering are completely uncalled for. If he had asked the question "What bike should I get if I am going to trailer etc., etc." then I think you could chime in. The fact is, there are a lot of people who still want to ride but due to many factors including medical issues, age etc can't ride the miles anymore. I have an Ultra an I will trailer it sometimes. It is a great bike for a 30 mile trip not just a cross country trip. Feel lucky that you are still in good health and able to ride anywhere you want. Once you can't anymore, you won't want people to make rude comments about why you can't
Dave.
LA Wheel Chock
Even thought I am new here I feel I have to jump in with regard to some of the comments above. I think the comments about not trailering or why an Ultra if you are trailering are completely uncalled for. If he had asked the question "What bike should I get if I am going to trailer etc., etc." then I think you could chime in. The fact is, there are a lot of people who still want to ride but due to many factors including medical issues, age etc can't ride the miles anymore. I have an Ultra an I will trailer it sometimes. It is a great bike for a 30 mile trip not just a cross country trip. Feel lucky that you are still in good health and able to ride anywhere you want. Once you can't anymore, you won't want people to make rude comments about why you can't
Dave.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 822
Likes: 34
From: Grand Island, Nebraska
RE: Trailering an Ultra
trailering a bike should be illegal. I bought my bike to ride, not tow.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: Trailering an Ultra
After all that trouble tying it down, wouldn't just be easier to ride it?[8D]
I am in my sixties. I haven't been on a road trip yet where I couldn't manage to deal with whatever comes along. A six month trip on a motorcycle is just a matter of planning your stops, pacing your travel times, and hunting for a laundry every five days or so. Just don't travel where there is snow.
I am in my sixties. I haven't been on a road trip yet where I couldn't manage to deal with whatever comes along. A six month trip on a motorcycle is just a matter of planning your stops, pacing your travel times, and hunting for a laundry every five days or so. Just don't travel where there is snow.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 20
From: Greater St Louis, MO
RE: Trailering an Ultra
You do have your opinions - However before you slam/flame someone for putting THEIR bike on a trailer - you might want to look at the reason - not to say if its any of our business but I know of several people who just can't handle the long rides anylonger {Medically}- they still love to ride - so they trailer to a spot and enjoy... I agree - ride as much as one can but not everyone is the same / thank God..
I wasn't intended as a slam/flame, but rather afunny way to relayan opinion. Sorry if I caused any bruises.