Trailering
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: NE
Thanks for your responses. Running weight on bike is 850lb. Trailer capacity is 1200lb. Trailer weight is 175lb. Folding is what it can do for storage. When open, the trailer is securely locked. Appropriate tiedowns will be in place when the time comes. Found a 5' wide aluminum ramp on the 'net that suits my purpose. Don't expect to use it more than 3-4 times a year, no more than 250-300 miles away, 60mph tops.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
Exactly - I've also seen them shipped dry and had one that the grease fitting hole was not drilled through to the hub. Hint - if it won't take grease, pull the hub and drill it!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Here is what I would do.
Watch for sales and 20% off coupons at HF. Get one of their expensive wheel chocks ($40-$50). They sell ramps too or just back it up against a hill or into a ditch.
When you put the bike on the trailer for the first time mark the width and location of the rear tire. Mount a 2x4 flat along both sides of the rear tire, (you can bevel the ends) even a little narrower won't hurt (these can stay on the trailer, or you can make them removable). This will help keep it stable and keep the rear wheel from moving side to side.
Invest in some good heavy straps, about 6 of them (probably not HF). Also get some soft ties for the ends that attach to the bike, you don't want the hooks touching it.
Watch for sales and 20% off coupons at HF. Get one of their expensive wheel chocks ($40-$50). They sell ramps too or just back it up against a hill or into a ditch.
When you put the bike on the trailer for the first time mark the width and location of the rear tire. Mount a 2x4 flat along both sides of the rear tire, (you can bevel the ends) even a little narrower won't hurt (these can stay on the trailer, or you can make them removable). This will help keep it stable and keep the rear wheel from moving side to side.
Invest in some good heavy straps, about 6 of them (probably not HF). Also get some soft ties for the ends that attach to the bike, you don't want the hooks touching it.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth, CO
Wow...you gotta do whatcha gotta do but I think I'd be nervous going too far or too fast with my bike on that small of a trailer. High winds or emergency maneuvers could be dicey. That's what insurance if for. Good luck...
Ron
Ron
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
That 850 lbs. is dry weight. Add another 30 lbs for gas, assorted goodies added on, and don't forget to empty out your saddlebags. Weight limit is too close for comfort, at least for me.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 275
Likes: 0
From: N.W. Pa.
I tow a trailer 5 to 6 days a week, approx. 6000lb construction trailer and I would never put my bagger on something as light weight as what you have there, but if you have to I would pack bearings with some quaility grease, tighten all bolts and fastners before each run, and upgrade those tires, they are glorified wheelbarrow tires on that trailer, last thing you want is a blowout at 60mph and watch that trailer leave your truck doing endovers with your bike on it. also I put slime in all my trailer tires this helps prevent flats due to a small puncuture or air leakage during down time. Be safe and have a good time
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Like everybody else said, upgrade the tires from the little 10"s to 13"s and grease it at a bare minimum. Lots of people use those HF trailers for hauling tires, dirtbikes or sportbikes.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
I own the same trailer and use it for transporting light cargo, lawn mower (400lbs), drywall, 2 x 4s etc. I also own a 6 x 10 enclosed motorcycle trailer. Your motorcycle is technically within the maximum allowed freight on the HF trailer but it is at the very very high end of the capacity.
Be very very careful.
Be very very careful.