pros and cons with trailers
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, Canada
pros and cons with trailers
Since we bought the wife her own ride ( '06 RK ) I took the tour pac off the ultra and made it more of a solo bike.
We do a 2-3k trip every year. So far it has not been too much of a problem getting everything on 1 bike. And now spread out over 2 bikes its pretty easy.
However, because its been a bit of a lean year. I am thinking about more camping and a bit less moteling, on the trip.
I know there will be the initial cost of getting the trailor and setup.
But I am wondering what the good and bad is with this type of setup.
Myself I think it will take away from my riding fun on the switchbacks. And does it instantly make my an old fart?
We do a 2-3k trip every year. So far it has not been too much of a problem getting everything on 1 bike. And now spread out over 2 bikes its pretty easy.
However, because its been a bit of a lean year. I am thinking about more camping and a bit less moteling, on the trip.
I know there will be the initial cost of getting the trailor and setup.
But I am wondering what the good and bad is with this type of setup.
Myself I think it will take away from my riding fun on the switchbacks. And does it instantly make my an old fart?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 1
From: Blue Springs, MO
You will get about a 50-50 responce on this'
1. Are you going to pull a camper style trailer?
2. Are you looking for a trailer to put a tent in?
I myself will never go on a long trip with out our trailer, the nice thing about it is that you can pack it with what you need for a long trip and keep the load off the bike. I have no issues with going thru switchbaks you will take it a little slower and you will have to watch your breaking due to now you have an extra 300 to 400 pounds behind you, you will have to be aware of truns but as far as getting the rush on sweepers and curves you loose none. Like I said you will get alot of different responces on this. Ride safe
1. Are you going to pull a camper style trailer?
2. Are you looking for a trailer to put a tent in?
I myself will never go on a long trip with out our trailer, the nice thing about it is that you can pack it with what you need for a long trip and keep the load off the bike. I have no issues with going thru switchbaks you will take it a little slower and you will have to watch your breaking due to now you have an extra 300 to 400 pounds behind you, you will have to be aware of truns but as far as getting the rush on sweepers and curves you loose none. Like I said you will get alot of different responces on this. Ride safe
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
The obvious down side of pulling a trailer is the safety factor and being able to maneuver in gravel, dirt and other irregular parking areas. It take a while to learn the do's and don't with a trailer. With a trailer, in most cases you will have 4 tires to think about instead of only 2. Back when the wife was still alive and riding, we carried everything we needed with camping gear on our Goldwing. You also have to learn how to pack and what you really need or don't need. I'm mostly involves deciding how uncomfortable and convent you want or need every thing to be. Finding laundromats can be a challenge sometimes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
I've pulled a cargo trailer with a previous bike for several trips without incident. If you watch your bikes tires close you just do the same with a trailer. Every season whether I think it needs it or not I pack the wheel bearings. If connected properly the only weak link is the bearings and rubber. Good maintaince makes that a non issue. So it boils down to personal choice.
One down side is that it does increased rear tire wear. If you travel a distance your rear tire develops a "foot print" as you use the edges of your tire much less. Even if you disconnect the trailer this foot print will continue to wear the tire faster.
Gas mileage will go down between 3 to 5 mpg.
As to the twisties. You can't scrap floor boards. If that's what you really want you can do so after setting up camp.
Extra "stuff" is nice for camping. Even more so if you are two up.
They do offer more storage, security and convience. Attached coolers give you food and water when ever you want it.
One down side is that it does increased rear tire wear. If you travel a distance your rear tire develops a "foot print" as you use the edges of your tire much less. Even if you disconnect the trailer this foot print will continue to wear the tire faster.
Gas mileage will go down between 3 to 5 mpg.
As to the twisties. You can't scrap floor boards. If that's what you really want you can do so after setting up camp.
Extra "stuff" is nice for camping. Even more so if you are two up.
They do offer more storage, security and convience. Attached coolers give you food and water when ever you want it.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
From: Wisconsin
If you only need 'some' additional loading capacity Rivco makes a quick detach rack in two different sizes. Additional advantage is it lowers the load for better handling and is a lot cheaper than a trailer and hitch.
Large size is 18" x 30"
Small size is 11" x 16"
Link to the smaller size:
http://www.rivcoproducts.com/product...cat=255&page=1
Large size is 18" x 30"
Small size is 11" x 16"
Link to the smaller size:
http://www.rivcoproducts.com/product...cat=255&page=1
Last edited by mopar400; Dec 23, 2009 at 12:36 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 483
Likes: 5
From: Way U.P. North
I have pulled a trailer with my ZRX, which weighs half what a dresser does, and had no problems.
Trailer pic
Just remember it should be used for bulky items not necessarily heavy items. Your stopping distance will suffer some but as long as you don't get overly aggressive with maneuvers it will be just fine. I'd say the ZRX was ridden at a more spirited pace in the twisties than a FL. It will remind you it's there when it needs to.
2 things will make a difference,
Torsion suspension- better damping than leaf springs
larger diameter tires- roll over bumps instead of into bumps.
Consider an oil cooler. Dealer had 3 bikes come in with stator failure from overheat in one week last summer. None had coolers but each had a trailer. In fact I think there is a warranty disclaimer on the air cleaner about trailers.
Trailer pic
Just remember it should be used for bulky items not necessarily heavy items. Your stopping distance will suffer some but as long as you don't get overly aggressive with maneuvers it will be just fine. I'd say the ZRX was ridden at a more spirited pace in the twisties than a FL. It will remind you it's there when it needs to.
2 things will make a difference,
Torsion suspension- better damping than leaf springs
larger diameter tires- roll over bumps instead of into bumps.
Consider an oil cooler. Dealer had 3 bikes come in with stator failure from overheat in one week last summer. None had coolers but each had a trailer. In fact I think there is a warranty disclaimer on the air cleaner about trailers.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
If you're interested in trailers, here's a link that lists almost every pull behind motorcycle trailer on the market. Lot's of good info, including the one wheel pull behind type trailers. Good Luck.........
http://www.aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm
http://www.aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 25
From: Santa Fe NM
My two cents on trailers....
True, my wife and I can pack enough on our two bikes to be comfortable.
But with a trailer we travel in style.
There are limits though, the only thing of hers that goes in the trailer is her sleeping bag. The trailer only carries sleeping bags, tent, stove, ice chest, lantern, food, computer, cameras, tri-pod, tools and since she has a tour pack and I don't, I get to put the remaining gear of mine that won't fit in the saddle bags.
I also use a trailer to haul my work tools to the job site, the dogs to the lake and it comes in handy when we go shopping at Costco. So I most likely spend more time than most pulling a trailer.
Corners, mountain roads, gravel, sand, wind or rain while pulling the trailer have not been a damper on the pleasure of riding... I should say at times I've earned my food by driving a Semi. So I am quite at home with a trailer behind me.
BUT with all that said... Watch out if your back end ever breaks loose and the trailer begins to push you.... it will be a ride you won't soon forget... It has happened to me three time on the bike... either buy luck or skill I was able to manage the situations and be able to laugh about it... I should confess that all those situations were operator error... Doing things that should not have been attempted. (we all do stupid crap, don't we?)
True, my wife and I can pack enough on our two bikes to be comfortable.
But with a trailer we travel in style.
There are limits though, the only thing of hers that goes in the trailer is her sleeping bag. The trailer only carries sleeping bags, tent, stove, ice chest, lantern, food, computer, cameras, tri-pod, tools and since she has a tour pack and I don't, I get to put the remaining gear of mine that won't fit in the saddle bags.
I also use a trailer to haul my work tools to the job site, the dogs to the lake and it comes in handy when we go shopping at Costco. So I most likely spend more time than most pulling a trailer.
Corners, mountain roads, gravel, sand, wind or rain while pulling the trailer have not been a damper on the pleasure of riding... I should say at times I've earned my food by driving a Semi. So I am quite at home with a trailer behind me.
BUT with all that said... Watch out if your back end ever breaks loose and the trailer begins to push you.... it will be a ride you won't soon forget... It has happened to me three time on the bike... either buy luck or skill I was able to manage the situations and be able to laugh about it... I should confess that all those situations were operator error... Doing things that should not have been attempted. (we all do stupid crap, don't we?)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 11,020
Likes: 3
From: Calumet City,Illinois
I have pulled a trailer with my ZRX, which weighs half what a dresser does, and had no problems.
Trailer pic
Just remember it should be used for bulky items not necessarily heavy items. Your stopping distance will suffer some but as long as you don't get overly aggressive with maneuvers it will be just fine. I'd say the ZRX was ridden at a more spirited pace in the twisties than a FL. It will remind you it's there when it needs to.
2 things will make a difference,
Torsion suspension- better damping than leaf springs
larger diameter tires- roll over bumps instead of into bumps.
Consider an oil cooler. Dealer had 3 bikes come in with stator failure from overheat in one week last summer. None had coolers but each had a trailer. In fact I think there is a warranty disclaimer on the air cleaner about trailers.
Trailer pic
Just remember it should be used for bulky items not necessarily heavy items. Your stopping distance will suffer some but as long as you don't get overly aggressive with maneuvers it will be just fine. I'd say the ZRX was ridden at a more spirited pace in the twisties than a FL. It will remind you it's there when it needs to.
2 things will make a difference,
Torsion suspension- better damping than leaf springs
larger diameter tires- roll over bumps instead of into bumps.
Consider an oil cooler. Dealer had 3 bikes come in with stator failure from overheat in one week last summer. None had coolers but each had a trailer. In fact I think there is a warranty disclaimer on the air cleaner about trailers.
I've pulled one for years with no problems !!!
Don't buy one bigger than your needs!!