Towing anyone ?

[gallowglass]

The idea of being able to take along more gear on an extended road tour has me intrigued.

Does anyone have any experience with towing a trailer behind them and would like to share that knwledge ?

I am particularly interested in the bike hardware side of the equasion and where to purchase said hardware.

Any help gratefully appreciated.

[nevgriff64]

A few good ideas and comments posted here..

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=368178

[johno]

Classic Industries in Brisbane do tow bars for most bikes, and they build trailers as well.

Or, get a sidecar

[drdave_2006]

Same trailer. Different bike







Trailer hitch specs for a DR 650

[LOFTYBOB]

Just had this one made by Shadow Trailers in Glenelg (Adelaide SA)
It's for my 09 R1200GSA,


They also made one for my 07 GSA, which we used for a Tassie trip in 07/08


but they have made towbars for my Harley Ultra Clasic,


and Honda Goldwing.


We have been towing trailers with many bikes as small as a Honda Transalp (650cc V-Twin) to 1,800cc Honda Goldwings. Depending on the bike you intend to use, the effect on the towing bike will vary.
Most noticable will be longer braking distances and slower acceleration (overtaking) times.
Another thing you have to be thinking about is not cutting corners & round a bouts too close with the bike as you will be inviting the trialer to hit the curb and possibly flip the trailer (don't ask me how I know this) but even with the trailer on its roof, the bike remained upright (360 degree swivelling trailer coupling)
Overall, they can add a lot to your touring comfort with the ability to take a lot more gear with you so you can set up a comfortable camp. Then you unhook the trailer and look around at your leasure.
Handling wise, and depending on the bike, I have only had problems with downhill hairpin corners (when doing stupid speeds) with the trailer wanting to push the bike over. But that is pressing on very hard. With normal riding at relaxed touring speeds, most trailer users will say you forget it's on there.
Good luck with your choices and touring, and ask away if you need any more help / advice.
There are about a dozen trailer manufacturers in Australia, and most of them are advertised in Australian Road Rider Magazine.
I only know of two companies that make tow bars, and they are Shadow Trailers in Adealide, and Classic Industries in QLD.
Regards Bob

[gallowglass]

Thanks Bob, I emailed them so now its wait and see.

Thanks also to everyone who replied.

Gerry

[gallowglass]

Well for better or for worse I've gone and done it.

I have lined myself up an Ali-lite trailer at a good price and he's going to include the hitch in the price.

I just need to modifify it a little to fit my bike. Collecting it all on Monday.

I will post pics when I have it all done.

Thanks again for everyones input.

[Bigem]

Another happy ending. Cool. Don't forget pics.
I like to watch!!

[bully1]

I have an Elite camper trailer that I tow with my BMW LT, It makes serious touring that much more enjoyable when you know that when your day in the saddle is finished you are going to have a comfy bed and a cold beer .

I have travelled over and back, up and down several times with this rig and as with a car and trailer you keep aware of the extra length and width you won't have any problems. The rig went exceptionally well on the great Ocean rd and Grampians.

Don't know how the KLR would pull the rig but then again bought that for a back to basics and all terrain type of travel

[johno]

A mate of mine, and myself made 2 trailers years ago, and he has towed his behind his NX650 OK. He usually tows behind a Honda Shadow 1100.

We have found that the stability of the bike is better in windy conditions with the trailer on. Seems to hold the bike straighter.
Fuel economy suffers a bit, but not as much as a sidecar.

Just make sure that the trailer has a decent length drawbar. They dont tow too well with a short bar