Cheap way to haul a motorcycle?

[ken99287]

Originally Posted by shadowdreamer

Thanks for the great U-haul pictures.
I will be renting one soon and nice to see how the motorcycle gets strapped in.
If it works for your Vibe, it should work for my Volvo station wagon.

I'm not sure if you want to strap like I did. I thought I read somewhere that you're supposed to strap the forks, not the handlebars. Also, I'm strapping the rear down by the sissy bar - not sure if that's OK or not. I also have a strap lightly across the seat because the seat bolts were missing and I didn't want the seat to fly off.

I think I read somewhere that its really bad for the fork seals to haul the bike around with the fork slightly compressed(like when its strapped down to trailer)? Maybe it was just a way to scare people to buy their new method of securing a bike to a trailer...

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[ken99287]

Originally Posted by spicoli512

How about this as an option?

Trailer in A Bag: A 2000lb Capacity Motorcycle Trailer that Fits inside a Duffle Bag. Look! - YouTube

Bad bad bad! Ever since I read this, I was obsessed...

I'm picking mine up tomorrow ...

Just what I need! One more "vehicle" and title and my fiancée is going to kill me and...

ITS GONNA BE AWESOME! I'll post pictures in a few days!

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[droland]

Harbor Freight trailer.
Added Wheel Chock, EYE-Bolts for tie downs.
The rear tilts down for loading.
Works great.

[MikeB]

I think I read somewhere that its really bad for the fork seals to haul the bike around with the fork slightly compressed(like when its strapped down to trailer)? Maybe it was just a way to scare people to buy their new method of securing a bike to a trailer...

No, slightly compressed is the way to do it. The straps should be attached to the triple tree over the lower steering head fork mounts. If you don't have some tension on the straps (i.e., some compression) there is always the danger that the hooks will come off on a big bump when the bike pitches forward. If on a trailer without a wheel chock I always put a strap through the front wheel going straight forward to minimize fore-and-aft movement as well. Putting one through the rear wheel would be a good idea, too, if you have room (my toy hauler does not).

[adlowe]

Originally Posted by MikeB

No, slightly compressed is the way to do it. The straps should be attached to the triple tree over the lower steering head fork mounts. If you don't have some tension on the straps (i.e., some compression) there is always the danger that the hooks will come off on a big bump when the bike pitches forward. If on a trailer without a wheel chock I always put a strap through the front wheel going straight forward to minimize fore-and-aft movement as well. Putting one through the rear wheel would be a good idea, too, if you have room (my toy hauler does not).

Yup to all of that.

o The forks should be partially compressed. Fully compressed is not good.
Uncompressed? Why bother -- just push the bike off the trailer at the first corner.

o The handlebar can bend easier than the triple tree. If it bends... follow the uncompressed forks advice.

o Lateral movement of the front tire is a major concern in any trailer without a chock. Build a brace, strap it to the front, strap it to the bottom but do something to keep that wheel from sliding.

o Lateral movement of the rear tire is not as big a concern, depending on how well you've strapped down the back of the bike. But if you've got an easy way to do it then go for it -- all you lose is a little time on each end versus what you might lose when you save that time.

o The bike should be in first gear. I like to keep it in gear when loading/unloading it, too -- it's easier to release the clutch lever to stop the bike from rolling then it is to grab the brake lever. (I'm always on the wrong side of the bike when I need to grab the brake anyway.)

o I like to leave the sidestand down and bias the bike toward that side just a little. It gives me something to trip over when I'm moving around the trailer. It just would not seem like work if there was nothing to curse about.

[SuperboyX]

You could try this:

Or This (Which is pretty cheap only $200)

[vito]

Originally Posted by RoastRider

I am thinking about driving across the country for New Years and I want to bring my bike with me. Here are the details:

1. I drive a Honda Civic (Is this feasible?)

2. My Honda Shadow weighs around 500lbs IIRC

3. Are trailers always expensive or are there cheaper alternatives?

I don't need anything fancy, just want to be able to cut loose on two wheels in various locations.

Look ahead and search out rentals.
By the time you get a trailer and all the accessories, factor in wear and tear on your car...a one or two day rental might make sense.
Your owner's manual will state if your car can tow anything.

Good luck, and either way ... hope you have a great trip!