Motorcycle towing alternative

OK guys, here it goes. I am prepared to get roasted on this one if it come to that but please take a look. What do you guys think about this alternative to a trailer for towing our bikes around? I would think, if your tow vehicle was properly equipped with a class III receiver, and you were handy with a welder, this could be modified to take two bikes side by side.

A class III hitch is rated to handle up to 5,000# with a tongue weight of 500#. I don't think the tongue weight of two VFR's towed this way would come close to 500#. The only thing that might concern me is the "free wheeling" of the chain and sprockets while you are motoring down the highway. If it is not suitable to tow our bikes for long distances, then naturally I would not even consider it.

Has anyone seen this type of towing system studied in any of the reputable Bike Magazines?

Motorcycle Hitch Hauler Tow Towing Carrier No Trailer for Honda Yamaha Suzuki | eBay

 

:hss:..........:crazy:
Why would I tow the bike when I can ride them....?
Randy need a job....... ound:

 

I agree with you Long. But on a recent tour, I got out voted 2 - 1 to trailer the three bikes to Spokane. Maybe if we had ridden the whole way, that accident with the deer may not have happened.

 

I've seen those being used, kinda weird to me, but get the idea. Ride it, or get a truck. Never been a fan of trailering a bike like this or in an actual trailer open or not. I only tie em down in the back of a truck or service van.

 

Hell, I'd love to take my bike down to Florida with me this March but I would never consider using something like that. Even if it didn't break the bike I couldn't imagine the condition of it when I arrived, let alone the squared off rear tire. I could maybe see using it to get across town but I'm sure I would be able to borrow a truck or a trailer.

 

I have a truck. But that is further to fall off while loading. No need for you to know why I know this though. But then, you probably know I know you know, you know.

 

Yeah, I'm not liking it, Randy. Maybe you should spend your money on a better ramp system. If you put 4 ramps together, you won't be so afraid of it falling over.

 

I saw that and started looking for the duct tape and Budweiser cans...
Seriously... no way I would tow my bike like that.

 

Why not just use a bike trailer if you already have a tow hitch & a truck to dump the trailer in ? A friend of mine advised that if you ever get a bike trailer, ALWAYS buy a 3 bike one, so you can tow a single bike in the middle or 2 bikes on the outer racks ! There's never room for 3 !

 

3 bike trailer, FTW.

 

Saw this in the chat box, looks like your best option:

Fold Stand Up Dual Bike Two Motorcycle Toy Hauler Towing Trailer Kit | eBay

 

Those used to be pretty popular for dirt bikes back in the '70's, but I wouldn't use one to haul a good street bike more than just a few miles. Seems like it would also stress the head bearings more than just riding. JMO of course.

 

I personally wouldn't use one unless there was no other alternative. I also assume you would need to remove the chain to prevent wear/damage on the transmission and sprockets?

Rollin

 

Good point. I had forgotten that the transmission will get minimal lubrication without the motor running. One more negative.

 

Looking around some there are several versions of this type rig. Yep, alternative would be a truck or a trailer and yep the chain should come off. Headstock bearings on VFR's are cheesy to start with and this might allay any fear of wear and tear by a simple replacement of same.

Might could be that the various manufacturers of these rigs supply instructions for loading and towing. Not that anyone should look cause that wouldn't be mucho macho.

For the bucks is nothing else, a rig like this might be good for transporting a bike to a shop when all else fails and the sucker ain't running. Having a tow rig hired and hauling a bike maybe 50 miles might cost as much a buying one of these rigs. Or like the dude from Houston who got stuck by his insurer who would only transport his bike to a "dealer" on the "official" list.

Also these rigs are really cool at places like Daytona and Sturgis..

Randy at Sturgis??? LOL

 

Thanks so far guys. Stress on the bearings and the chain / sprocket / transmission seems to be the biggest concern. I was concerned about the chain and sprocket too to be honest but wanted to run it by some of you. Never really thought about the bearings. Ideally I would get a trailer (not the fold up kind) but a fixed one for the bike but I think I can do without. If I go for tours again with those who want to trailer to a certain point, I will say fine. Find the trailer and I will pull it. I just as soon ride myself. I am hesitant about the strength of that folding trailer. Seems to me that any movable part or link, is where the weakest point on the trailer is.

Guess I won't be contributing to the trailer economy soon.

 

Had to look up meaning in the dictionary. Shit my pants.

I went through there last summer in the fifth wheel. Good nuff....

 

Pass on this one. Get a trailer, you already have a truck. You may not like to trailer enclosed or open, but it beats something like this, or fall over getting into your truck.

 

What?.....When?......whoooooo?......MEEEEE? You can dislocate ribs doing that don't you know. It is definitely easy to push these things up the ramps with two people. I am sure I can make two bikes fit in the back of a full sized PU but then I haven't tried....yet.

 

Macho dudes crappin thier nappies? Not here I hope...

Fifth wheel at Sturgis? Bet ya fit right in.. Ya know a fella could make a bundle there by creating a parking concessions for tow rigs of all kinds. A few grunts, some ramps. jumper cables a shitter or two and all the harleydoods could ride in the last few miles and no one would be the wiser... I bet there would even be a few bucks schlepping some of that Sweethogs Road Grunge in a can.