Trailering
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Trailering
Anyone have tips on stapping down a SG to trailer?. I used to utilized the handlebars and swing arm on my Fatboy, but the SG has a different set up and I've heard that it's not a good idea to use the handlebars. Any pointers would be appreciated.
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[IMG]local://upfiles/7698/83273A2B8A7D485F81250F429B6292F6.jpg[/IMG]
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 950
Likes: 1
From: Magnolia, Texas
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga, TN
RE: Trailering
Got the scoop on what Harley suggest on trailering your bike.
Finally got through to the Harley factory today talked to one of their engineers.
He suggested the following.
Don't strap down by the handle bars, or rear bag support bar (rear crash bar). Support the Ultra around the frame and over the upper crash bar area using soft straps around the frame and use ratchet tie downs, pulling slight forward to keep the bike in the chock and with at 45 degree side angle to limit side movement.
Compress the front forks to within an inch or so of complete travel. Use same proceedure on rear using the passenger foot peg support, but only tightly snug the rear to avoid excess movement. The rear should be snugged first to avoid over stressing the chock. You do not want any movement in the suspension while trailering.
Do not allow excessive suspension movement without a riders weight, excess movement without a riders weight will damage the suspension, and or break your chock. Loose strap hooks will come off due to excess movement and damage the bike.
Can't imagine a $25,000, 850 pound Ultra Classic bike bouncing around in or on a trailer in just a wheel chock with the wheel strapped to only the chock.
There is a also good article on "tie down procedures" at www.chariot-trailer.com Click on Tie Down Tips. Answers the question in detail and confirms what Harley said.
Steve
Finally got through to the Harley factory today talked to one of their engineers.
He suggested the following.
Don't strap down by the handle bars, or rear bag support bar (rear crash bar). Support the Ultra around the frame and over the upper crash bar area using soft straps around the frame and use ratchet tie downs, pulling slight forward to keep the bike in the chock and with at 45 degree side angle to limit side movement.
Compress the front forks to within an inch or so of complete travel. Use same proceedure on rear using the passenger foot peg support, but only tightly snug the rear to avoid excess movement. The rear should be snugged first to avoid over stressing the chock. You do not want any movement in the suspension while trailering.
Do not allow excessive suspension movement without a riders weight, excess movement without a riders weight will damage the suspension, and or break your chock. Loose strap hooks will come off due to excess movement and damage the bike.
Can't imagine a $25,000, 850 pound Ultra Classic bike bouncing around in or on a trailer in just a wheel chock with the wheel strapped to only the chock.
There is a also good article on "tie down procedures" at www.chariot-trailer.com Click on Tie Down Tips. Answers the question in detail and confirms what Harley said.
Steve
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 5
From: NEW LENOX, IL
RE: Trailering
Do NOT compress your front forks to within an inch of complete travel unless you plan on wanting to replace fork seals and springs early. Compress the front end just enough so that it doesn't move..say about half of travel. 
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
RE: Trailering
I rode to Daytona this year. A friend of mine put Road King in a trailer with 2 other bikes. On the way to daytona a car ran into the back of the trailer at high speed. The bikes were a mess along with the trailer. My friends Road King was in the front of the trailer and tied down well and survived the impact with minor damage.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 701
Likes: 1
From: Raymond Mississippi
RE: Trailering
I am not sure, but I think it is illegal to trailer a HD touring bike.
ORIGINAL: CharlieZ
I rode to Daytona this year. A friend of mine put Road King in a trailer with 2 other bikes. On the way to daytona a car ran into the back of the trailer at high speed. The bikes were a mess along with the trailer. My friends Road King was in the front of the trailer and tied down well and survived the impact with minor damage.
I rode to Daytona this year. A friend of mine put Road King in a trailer with 2 other bikes. On the way to daytona a car ran into the back of the trailer at high speed. The bikes were a mess along with the trailer. My friends Road King was in the front of the trailer and tied down well and survived the impact with minor damage.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Trailering
I find it interesting when someone is so fast to Flame someone for using a trailer. I do agree its best to ride when ever possible. Last time I checked we still do live in a free state ?? For those that are fast to "Flame" - the day just may come that for a "genuine" reason, you can Not ride as long as you once could or you would like to - So the choice may be to trailer or Not ride at all - I ride 99% of the time.... I have and will continue to trailer if needed - its that or ride alone. I too see the Customs show up at events, roll them off a trailer - ride/look cool - back on the trailer then home... But how does the really affect me / and do I really care ??
I agree.