SOMEONE HAS TO GO FIRST - Motorbike and trailer choice (1 Viewer)

[DiggerJon]

Motorbike:- 2005 Honda ANF 125 chosen because it was cheap, light and economical. A bit of a step up from the Yamaha Townmate 80 that preceded it and had to go when there were too many advisories on the MOT making it a constant fiddle to keep it going and legal for a a 28 year old machine! Love the Honda; it has enough ooomph to cruise at 50, does 110 mpg and spares are cheap. It adds so much to touring as I can just get on site, park up and then do all my exploring on the Honda with free and easy parking, low running costs and the joy of getting wet when it rains!
All in all, using the bike whilst touring adds immensely to the pleasures of exploration. Last year I did 2000 miles in the MH and the same again on the bike! Considerable cost savings for an investment of £17 pa in road tax, £39 insurance and £30 MOT and a bike that depreciates slowly having bought it £400 under trade price on eBay!

Trailer:- I tried a scooter rack but I found it impossible to load onto the towball on my own and also made the MH too tail heavy and overweight and so I bought a CMF sideways loading trailer with the proceeds of a charity lottery win! The trailer is lightweight, relatively easy to load on my own and easy to handle and stores upright in my garage on the optional casters. All in all I like it, but I would make a few alterations if I were the manufacturer i.e make the loading plank more of a channel rather than a plank as the bike wheels tend to drop off if not careful. It adds only 1.6 metres to the overall length of the MH so I am still under 8m for ferries etc - useful!

 

[plumbomb]

I ride a Triumph Sprint 1050ST, I keep looking for a side loading trailer. I'm not paying a fortune for a new one.

 

[markh]

I've just sold my Triumph sprint, gone down the Bmw route. F800 gt. Interested to know what people think of the side loading trailers. Would be quite nice to have my bike to explore some of the Spanish twisty roads!
Kaye H

 

[StanandShirley]

Watching these treads on motor bike / scooters with great intresed as they are going to help me with my desition this year on changing our 125 also garage or trailer mode of carrying

 

[Peter A Forbes]

We've not long bought a Suzuki Burgman AN400, we will already be towing our 7metre 6-wheel trailer so will be making up a sideways-loading platform across the back of the Mercedes, made to break down and fold down to ground level. There is a very substantial towing 'girder' across where the towbar bolts to, and we have a 4.3 tonnes rated rear axle, so should be OK on weight.

The Suzuki is about 225kgs.

We have a winch in the back of the Mercedes to load/unload our show engines, so that will be used to load the scooter by means of pulleys that divert the cable at the back through 90 degrees.

It's too big to carry inside.

Peter

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[Mannjan]

I was hoping to go down the trailer route until priced up the Tunnel (Tesco vouchers) and the cost with trailer is double! irrespective of length of van or trailer. So 6m van with 2m trailer pays same as 18m unit. Not good eh?

 

[PeteH]

How about this? Seen at the 2012 "Brits" rally near Quartzite in the Arizona Dessert.



Pete

 

[MikeD]

We have a sideways loading Easylifter. Its a solid fixing to the tow bar with "shopping trolley" wheels taken the majority of the weight.

Not used it a huge amount but so far it has been as good as gold.

Looked at the "sideways" trailer but expensive and I thought might become a bit of a pain if I ever needed to reverse.

Do you find you can reverse the trailer with such a short pivoting action?

 

[hilldweller]

i.e make the loading plank more of a channel rather than a plank as the bike wheels tend to drop off if not careful.

If it's steel it's not going to take more than half an hour to fix that.

 

[RS_rob]

Considering a trailer possibly a box or open for once I've done my test but not sure on what bike to get but I do fancy a Pan.
length not an issue as we won't be leaving the shoreline.
I fancy a box allowing me to utilize its potential for loadind kayaks & heavy items in & on it.

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[EssexBoy]

Considering a trailer possibly a box or open for once I've done my test but not sure on what bike to get but I do fancy a Pan.
length not an issue as we won't be leaving the shoreline.
I fancy a box allowing me to utilize its potential for loadind kayaks & heavy items in & on it.

I've got a Pan. It's a 1991 and apart from a couple of punctures I've had zero problems. We even went to Germany on it last year

 

[PeteH]

I sold A Beemer RS100 a few years back (1982) Last of the "Classics", Easy to service, Shaft Drive (NO chain), I don't remember it ever letting me down, except for me not charging the battery during a long layup, whilst I was doing a "Self Build" House!!
The bike on the Rig Shown Above was (I Think) one of the Newer Triumph`s?, the Guy who Owns it is a Brit who lives in Mexico, on the Baja. BTW I have still got Jacket and Pants Leather 42 chest 36 Waist. And would part for cash for cancer research?

Suggestion for Loading Ramp. 6mm Aluminium Checker Plate from Local Source. Find someone with a Plate bender and put a 50mm Flange on the 2 long sides? = Channel with tyre grip built in?. and lightweight too!. Local to us the caravan transport companies use similar, but longer, to load the big static vans onto Lorries.

 

[injebreck99]

I sold A Beemer RS100 a few years back (1982) Last of the "Classics", Easy to service, Shaft Drive (NO chain), I don't remember it ever letting me down, except for me not charging the battery during a long layup, whilst I was doing a "Self Build" House!!
The bike on the Rig Shown Above was (I Think) one of the Newer Triumph`s?, the Guy who Owns it is a Brit who lives in Mexico, on the Baja. BTW I have still got Jacket and Pants Leather 42 chest 36 Waist. And would part for cash for cancer research?

Suggestion for Loading Ramp. 6mm Aluminium Checker Plate from Local Source. Find someone with a Plate bender and put a 50mm Flange on the 2 long sides? = Channel with tyre grip built in?. and lightweight too!. Local to us the caravan transport companies use similar, but longer, to load the big static vans onto Lorries.

Exactly the same BMW as I had, WEX497X, lovely bike, went all over Europe with it, never let me down, ever.
Almost certainly too heavy for me now though.

 

[Photo4x4]

Oh yes, the 'boxers' were great motorcycles. I had a 750R for many years. Now I have a Suzuki Burgman 400, all the sophistication of a BMW, it has an automatic gearbox, loads of luggage capacity and it is fully faired. It is also light enough to handle on the drive.

There are many types of motorcycle trailer on the market so you'll certainly find one that fits the bill.

There are usually motorcycle trailers exhibited at Motorcycle Live at the NEC in November.

Keith Hart

 

[shinysideup]

I use a phoenix big bike trailer , we have a couple of old goldwings an a vulcan 1500 classic. The phoenix is amazingly simple to load , integral ramp , wheel clamp , locking hitch , jockey wheel.
Just love it.

Steve

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[Valkman]

Considering a trailer possibly a box or open for once I've done my test but not sure on what bike to get but I do fancy a Pan.
length not an issue as we won't be leaving the shoreline.
I fancy a box allowing me to utilize its potential for loadind kayaks & heavy items in & on it.

I have a fully enclosed purpose built motorcycle trailer and I will be selling it this spring. Email me at pwh714@sky.com and I'll send photies if you're interested.

 

[iceclimber]

I spent many months researching trailers for my BMW650GS. Initially I was convinced that I wanted the side loading type. However, after see the different types and after actually trying out the Motolug trailer, it was the Motolug I decided on, and am pleased I did.
The trailer spends about 95% of its life in the garage, BUT efficiently stored, as designed in about 10 pieces, so no corrosion / deterioration issues.
I also fitted a rear view camera so that I could see the bike when trailing.

 

[paintman]

Interesting thread, we have just imported an old Hymer with a scooter rack and a tow bar, so for trips when some distance exploring needs to be done on two wheels I will tow my BMW R1200gs on a trailer, but i'm thinking that on most trips a moped is going to be all you need to buzz into town and pick up a few bits, what do you guys do ? And any recommendations for a cheap two seater moped/scooter ?

 

[cakey]

Interesting thread, we have just imported an old Hymer with a scooter rack and a tow bar, so for trips when some distance exploring needs to be done on two wheels I will tow my BMW R1200gs on a trailer, but i'm thinking that on most trips a moped is going to be all you need to buzz into town and pick up a few bits, what do you guys do ? And any recommendations for a cheap two seater moped/scooter ?

When we go to France /Spain we take Honda Bali 101cc scooter (not to many around know) on Easylifter scooter rack sits on tow ball. When in UK we take Honda Deauville on Erdi motor bike trailer. Bought the trailer in France. Can't manage without 2 wheels!!!!.

 

[Spadger]

Not sure how this pic has come out but I've used an armitage side trailer for couple of years now , just adapted it to carry to trail bikes, it was awkward at first reversing but with care you manage , only negative was tyre wear however the original tyres were only four ply which were bald after 4000 miles, I've replaced these with heavier ones for our pending trip , booked ferry not a significant difference in price with or without

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[mickymouse]

We had to sell our Honda vision 110cc as it was to wide to fit in the garage of or new to use Hymer 660 so after a lot of searching we went to Barcelona a brought a 1990 Honda Scoopy 75cc built in Barcelona and only weighs 70kg with electric and kick start ideal for nipping into town with 2 of us on it.

 

[Mr B]

I'm looking at a Honda sh300, like all the reviews. I'm going to have to do a weighbridge trip, probably upgrade the payload, etc etc. don't want a towbar mounted rack, just and chassis extension job, made so I can take it off occasionally with some nice LED rear lights. And a big f**k off lock, so no tw** nicks it

 

[GaryBDawson]

I have carried a 50cc for years but for the last couple I have a Piaggio yurban 300cc with the two front wheels it's fabulous I never passed a motor bike test but ride this on my car licence. I carry this on the easy lifter hydra trail this is fantastic it drops to the floor for loading ect, and has two wheels to take the weight. It's attached to the so reversing is no problem and it's not classed as a trailer for ferries ect works well.
Gary

 

[teensvan99]

Hi.

We tow a Honda CBF 600 at the moment but put a deposit on a AJS 125 Eco copy of Yamaha 125. Going to alter re-weld the towing bracket into a carrier. Much welding cutting alterations to do. Order steel on Monday. Glad motorhome tow bars racks do not come into the MOT . I do an over the top job as we have seen some very poor company made ones. Might even then get round to selling the homemade bike trailer. That will please Ann. Only leaves the Boat and large box trailers in the garden next to her nice new summer house.

steve & ann. -------------- teensvan99

 

[Tinytot]

Done the side loading trailer it was okay but the bike was open to the elements, so bought a box trailer much better, I have a 650cc burgman, 3 tool boxes, chairs, helmets,bike jackets, and a compress in it .
The best thing is the bike is secure and dry easy to load and get off.

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[MikeD]

Hi.

We tow a Honda CBF 600 at the moment but put a deposit on a AJS 125 Eco copy of Yamaha 125. Going to alter re-weld the towing bracket into a carrier. Much welding cutting alterations to do. Order steel on Monday. Glad motorhome tow bars racks do not come into the MOT . I do an over the top job as we have seen some very poor company made ones. Might even then get round to selling the homemade bike trailer. That will please Ann. Only leaves the Boat and large box trailers in the garden next to her nice new summer house.

steve & ann. -------------- teensvan99

I thought they do if your van is 2012 plus

The Testers Manual
6.6 Towbars
Information
Method of Inspection
Reason for rejection
This inspection applies to: all types of towbar fitted to the rear of a vehicle. It does not include emergency towing eyes.

Tow ball covers must not be removed to facilitate inspection of the tow ball.

Some tow bars are ‘hidden’ behind an access panel in the bumper or bodywork. Unless requiring the use of tools or specialist equipment, these panels must be removed to facilitate the inspection of towbar components, as well as checking inside the luggage compartment, including lifting of loose fitting mats or carpet.

Retractable towbars should be tested in their ‘in-use’ position unless this requires the use of tools or specialist equipment.
If a tow ball or pin is not fitted at the time of test, e.g. because it is detachable, has been unbolted or otherwise removed, but the attachment brackets are still in place, these brackets should still be assessed unless they have been deliberately rendered unfit for further use.

There may be play in some detachable tow balls between the receiver socket and the tapered swan neck fitting, with up to 3mm movement measured at the ball end. Reason for Rejection 4a should only be used where play is greater than this.
Quick release mechanisms must not be operated, only visually assessed.
Wear in a pin, jaw or hook should be regarded as excessive if the thickness of the metal at any point is reduced by more than 25% of the original thickness. Pin locating holes should be rejected if they are worn or elongated by more than 25% of their original diameter. These criteria also apply to pins and brackets for any height adjustment or swivel devices.

For tow balls the amount of acceptable wear is considerably less. However, a tow ball should only be rejected if a visual assessment indicates that the tow ball is obviously excessively worn.

Many ‘bolt-on’ type tow balls have accessory devices sandwiched between the tow ball and its mounting flange. These are not to be considered as inappropriate modifications unless their fitment is clearly likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Trailer electrical couplings are tested under Section 1.9.

1. Visually assess the towbar for wear and pull on the
towbar and/or its mountings to check for security,
corrosion, fractures or damage.


2. Check the towbar assembly is attached to the
vehicle structure using mountings, supports and
fixings of an appropriate size and type.



3. Check the presence and security of:
a. retaining devices e.g. nuts & bolts
b. locking devices e.g. split pins, ‘R’ pins.

Note: Some locking devices are not obvious. In such
cases, the vehicle presenter should be advised of any
evidence of disturbance or insecurity.


4. On detachable tow balls:
a. check for play between the tow ball arm and its
receiver socket
b. visually assess the condition of any quick
release mechanism.



5. On height adjustable or swivelling towbars, check:
a. for presence, and security of locating or swivel
pins
b. locating or swivel pins and brackets for
excessive play or wear
c. locating or swivel pin retaining devices for
presence and security.


6. Check the condition of the body and chassis in the
vicinity of the towbar mountings.


7. Check the towbar assembly for any inappropriate repair or modification.
1. A towbar component insecure, fractured or
excessively:
• worn
• corroded, or
• damaged.

2. Towbar assembly is attached to the vehicle
structure using a mounting, support or fixing which
is obviously of an inappropriate size or type.

3.
a. Retaining device missing or insecure
b. locking device missing, insecure, inadequate or
damaged to the extent that its operation is
impaired.




4.
a. Excessive play between a detachable tow ball
and its receiver socket
b. a quick release mechanism that does not
secure the tow ball arm as intended.


5.
a. A locating or swivel pin missing or insecure
b. excessive play or wear in a locating or swivel
pin or bracket
c. a locating or swivel pin retaining device missing
or insecure.

6. Any deliberate modification, excessive corrosion,
damage, fracture or inadequate repair of a load
bearing structure or supporting panelling within
30cm of the towbar mountings, which affects its
strength to the extent that the security of
attachment of the towbar is significantly reduced.


7.A towbar assembly inappropriately repaired or modified such that it is likely to adversely affect the roadworthiness of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Issue Date: 01 January 2012

 

[Shrimp]

We started out with a box trailer, motorbike, and all the things you just know you can't live without!
All that changed, it was a pain in the a.......se!
We are both motorcyclists, offroad/onroad/commuting but riding up over the Mountains in the winter was no fun!
We are soft now with a TOAD!

 

[spitfire]

I've got a Pan. It's a 1991 and apart from a couple of punctures I've had zero problems. We even went to Germany on it last year

We had a Pan but due to re registering problems and the fact that we take on a trailer rather than use it for travel as before we now have a Deauville Love it because at home it gets little use ! Too busy lol But when away with the van we use it loads . We have double joy . Van for touring but bike if we stop over somewhere to enjoy the open road . Such a lovely feeling on the bike

Happy biking to all bikers ))

 

[teensvan99]

Hi. MikeD Van is 2011 so is fine. Thanks for all the up to date info. My local garage told me it is down to the tester and the way the tow bar is constructed and fitted.

steve & ann. ------------ teensvan.

 

[talaris]

Phoenix Big Bike Trailer. Great bit of kit and so easy to load.

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