How do you transport your bike?

[einnar]

Been trailering mine, was curious if anyone transported theirs in the back of a pickup truck, etc. I used to carry my CB750F in the back of a truck, but that was ages ago, and the memory is kinda weak...

Debating a new vehicle, and waffling between a pickup, or something more fun, but that can still tow a trailer... :P

[BradfordBenn]

I usually ride mine.

However when I last need to move it from Point A to B it was in the back of a 48' Semi trailer. I will say that after having loaded the RT into the semi on a ramp a few times, I would have rather had something lower to the ground. So I think a trailer might be better. Also the truck bed might be a little short for the bike.

[GeoffMiller]

I have a frame that I built that sits in the rear of my F150. The only problem is that the truck is quite a bit highter than a trailer making loading more difficult. I recently picked up a MC trailer from my Dad. Holsclaw, three rails, totally rewired and re-tired it. Works really nice!! :clap

[James.A]

I recently acquired a small enclosed trailer. The main use would be for swap meets. I would take the R27 or maybe the Honda XL125 for running around the grounds at the bigger events. Mid-Ohio, anyone? I towed it home with the Subaru. I would prefer to use the van for serious travel.

It was necessary to scrape the Harley sticker off the back of it.

[einnar]

BradfordBenn, I usually ride mine too, but there are times when I want to take it in for a servicing, and due to dealership hours, vs work hours, that's hard to do. It'd be nice to be able to take it in, drop it off, continue to work, and pick it up later that day or the next.

Geoff, if I went pickup, that's what I was thinking. A front wheel chock in bed, and tie-downs. I vaguely remember the loading into the pickup was relatively easy, it was the unloading that required friends....

woodnsteel, what kind of subaru? If not a pickup, that was the other type of vehicle I was looking at. Curious how the towing capacity, tongue weight, etc fell into play with a small car and a motorcycle trailer. The Trailer I have now is too big for a small car like that.

[James.A]

I'm using a '99 Subaru Outback that I bought used last year. It has about 125K on it. The previous owner had purchased the car new and had a towing set-up put on, but never used it. The dealer/manufacturer kit is kinda like a Reese hitch. I had to take a hole saw to the rear facia to access the reciever for the tounge of the hitch. This car has a 4 cylinder with an automatic. I'd prefer a 6 cylinder with a 5 speed for trailering. The enclosed trailer is a little too much load for the car, but I would short haul with it anyway. The vehicle is tow rated for 1000lb. I think the 6 cylinder/manual transmission version of the car would tug this 1 bike enclosed trailer nicely.

[R100RS]

All relatively recent (any Legacy, Impreza, Forester, Outback, Baja or variation of those) Subaru's have at LEAST a 2000 pound tow rating with a 200 pound tongue weight limit. Any open m/c trailer should be easily pulled, even by the 4-cylinder models.

I tug my heavy 4x8 flatbed with bike with a V-6 manual tranny Camry. If the trailer had suspension, I wouldn't even know it's back there. I regularly pull a 1700 pound pop-up camper with the Camry and it does so easily (even in the mountains at altitude).

[Visian]

I'm using a '99 Subaru Outback ... I think the 6 cylinder/manual transmission version of the car would tug this 1 bike enclosed trailer nicely.

My info may be out of date and didn't have time to check but you can't get a Sooby in this config. Lord knows I'd like one.

It seems that every time they make the flat 6 available in a platform (wonderfully torquey engine, btw) the 5-speed is not an option.

For trailering, I've used a 3-rail Southsport trailer. It has a ramp that slides up into the underside of the bed. Very nice and easy to load. They made a really nice one-railer.

Ian

[kbasa]

F One Fiddy.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/16226289-M.jpg

Usually, though, I ride them. My dealer will give me a loaner bike if I need one.

[jshuck]

I've hauled many bikes in the back of my GMC full size. Here are some hints
1. get 2 ramps, one for you and another for your bike. I used to use a 9 ft. 2X6 in my younger days and just jump in while the bike rolled up the ramp..no more
2. Get soft ties. This gets the metal part of the tiedown away from turn signals, fairings.
3. Compress the front springs of the bike with the tiedowns. Getting something to hold the front wheel in position is a good idea, but pulling equally with the tiedowns and the wheel straight will work fine.
4. Get decent anchors in your bed pockets. The rubber expander kind are fair.
5. Take your time. I've loaded and unloaded Wings with no problem. Use a slight hill to decrease the angle of the ramp.
6. Get decent tiedowns..Ancra, etc. I hate those little ratchet handle thingees.
7. Always tie down your loose ends. Nothing drives me crazy more then flapping tie down ends...

Always stop in 4-5 miles to check you load. Lost an R90S to one side when the tiedown pulled the throttle off. I hate that...

[einnar]

All good advice so far, thanks! The subie I'm looking at is the wrx, and I'm leaning towards the wagon config. Nice to know it's rated for at least a bike back there. (can't think of anything else I'd want to tow, to be honest.) If I don't get that, I'll probably go pickup again. (although driving them and parking them are not my faves. ;) )

Got a link to a good premanufactured trailer, 1 or 2 rail?

[Visian]

All good advice so far, thanks! The subie I'm looking at is the wrx, and I'm leaning towards the wagon config. ...

I've got the WRX sedan. Trust me... it will pull your bike *just fine!* :burnout

Ian

[einnar]

Poifect!!

Thanks all! :)

[lorazepam]

When I moved up here in December, I hauled my bike up in an S10 pickup. I had the short bed version, and the bike was fine inside. Just used a strap over the telelever, and a couple H2W straps in the back. Made the 3 hour trip in fine fashion. I hate to haul a bike anywhere, but since I couldnt tow the truck with the bike, I had no choice during the move.

[hdd3md]

i thought you were not supposed to compress the front forks/springs...


http://www.ascycles.com/pdf/Tiedown2.pdf

i thought that damages the telelever and springs....

[SuperMoto7]

I throw my track bike in the bed of my pick up truck. It only weight 200 lbs. The BMW on the other hand gets hauled by a Kendon trailer.

[sgborgstrom]

I try really hard to not have to transport my bikes but every once in a while something comes up.
I once towed a K100RS 2000 miles on a homebuilt trailer behind our 4 cylinder tercel, slow but we made it just fine. Right now I have a 5x8 utility trailer that tows nicely behind my subaru powered VW vanagon...

Steve

[BubbaZanetti]

I used to carry my CB750F in the back of a truck, but that was ages ago, and the memory is kinda weak...

been there done that with a couple of those, i usually borrow my dad's ram 1500. being a high truck and only having his snow blower ramps makes getting the bike in interesting to say the least, i usually look for a raised piece of land. luckily i've only had to put the oilhead in the back once (when my starter crapped out) but when putting bikes in trucks the more the merrier, lots of people makes it a snap........

[PacWestGS]

Got a link to a good premanufactured trailer, 1 or 2 rail?

I'd go with a 5x8 lawn/garden trailer with the fold-up wire-mesh ramp. Three rail bike trailers are just that, 'Three open rails'. Had one, had to put down plywood between the rails so's that I wouldn't fall through.

'IF' I was going a long, long way, yeah I'd throw my GS in my P/U. But that would be quite some work these days, not get'n any younger.

Dirt bike, still no problem, throwing 220lbs up there.

Last thing, what are state laws on speed limit. California for one is 55 with any trailer. Just a thought.

[Alanz]

I agree that the Subarus do a fine job of hauling a bike on a trailer.

Last year I used my Forester to tow my Cruiser (on a Trailer-In-A-Bag modified with a Condor chock) from NJ to the Gaspe' Penninsua in Canada (about 800 miles each way).

When we got to Canada, we disassembled the trailer, loaded it into the back of the Subaru, parked the car and rode the bike for a week. When we got back, we reassembled the trailer, loaded the bike and drove home (through some rain).

So, what's the potential commercial dialog?----
Windshield wipers - $11
Trailer In a Bag - $1100
Having your wife say (during a rainstorm) "Boy am I glad we're trailering the bike" --- PRICELESS

http://www.zenreich.com/ZenWeb/motorcycle/images/condor8.jpg

[IAMBOB]

Been trailering mine, was curious if anyone transported theirs in the back of a pickup truck, etc. I used to carry my CB750F in the back of a truck, but that was ages ago, and the memory is kinda weak...

Debating a new vehicle, and waffling between a pickup, or something more fun, but that can still tow a trailer... :P
Whats a Harley Owner doing in a BMW forum??

What ever happened to the sticker "If this bike is on a trailer of in the back of a truck it's been stolen, please callt he local PD."

[einnar]

Whats a Harley Owner doing in a BMW forum??

What ever happened to the sticker "If this bike is on a trailer of in the back of a truck it's been stolen, please callt he local PD."


A CB750F is a Honda, and that was years ago. I drive an R1100R now. (see the link in my sig.)

[mrmaico]

Here is my vehicle of http://images.fotopic.net/ycvy20.jpg choice for bike transport, having back problems I can't take more than 4 or 5 hours a day in the saddle so this works great for me. I spent a week in Colorado last month for $350 and $250 of that was for gas, and it's more comfortable than any motel bed I've ever slept in. :) Plus I had my choice of bikes depending on the days ride, RT for the longer rides or R65 for the twisties. Also if, heaven forbid, one had given me problems I always had another bike to ride. BTW....both bikes ran great all the way up to 12,000 feet. 5X8 lawn and garden trailer, about $500. The ramps make it super easy to load by myself, I can just roll the bikes right up the ramps.

One bit of advice, I always use some masking tape to tape shut the hooks on my tiedowns just for a little added piece of mind in case you hit some nasty bumps.....it insures the tiedowns can't get slack and get unhooked. I use a Canyon Dancer bar harness to keep the tiedowns away from the fairing on the RT. Some people don't recommend it but I just used the bag mounts for tieing down the rear ends and didn't have any problems over 2000 miles.

Barry

[einnar]

I love this forum... :)

[CustomSarge]

I run a Ford Ranger 4.0 V6 5 speed manual to a wedge nose 6' X 10' aluminum enclosed trailer. Got front wheel lock-ins after having a problem with fork turning. Whole setup works great, but working on better ramps. Tried a 4 cyl; couldn't use 5th, 4th on level, 3rd (or worse) up Any hill. <<<)))

[Whiplash]

Been trailering mine, was curious if anyone transported theirs in the back of a pickup truck, etc. I used to carry my CB750F in the back of a truck, but that was ages ago, and the memory is kinda weak...

Debating a new vehicle, and waffling between a pickup, or something more fun, but that can still tow a trailer... :P

Maybe I'm blonde (no offense) , but I don't get it? :dunno
I have never trailered my bikes accept after a crash or mechanical problems.

[einnar]

I live alone, and when I have to take it in for servicing I need some kind of trailer, or I'm stuck at the dealership until they're done. (Unless I sucker someone into driving about a 90 mile round trip there, not counting whatever milage it takes them to get home and back from my place, etc. - FWIW, steak dinners are a good incentive to get this kind of favor..)

Plus, I'm planning on getting in the Anonymous next year or so, and it'd benefit me to have a trailer of some kind if the phone ever rings. (I wasn't going to initially, then I got my first Anonymous book this year, and realized how it was organized, how helpful it is, etc.. Now I'm kicking myself for not being in it. :P )

[dancogan]

I have a Kendal single bike trailer, that we pull behind the motorhome. It's also handy for service trips to the dealer, especially in the winter. I don't mind the cold, but no thanks to ice and snow.

[bmwrider@beer]

How do I transport my bike?
With another bike of course..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/zare/TowingBiked.jpg


And when we're really lazy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v434/zare/TagAlong.jpg

[CustomSarge]

That has to be good for an AMAZING number of WTF looks. <<<)))

[kbasa]

Maybe I'm blonde (no offense) , but I don't get it? :dunno
I have never trailered my bikes accept after a crash or mechanical problems.

Sometimes, you can get somewhere faster if you have two bikes in the back of a truck and can split driving duties. Think 24 hours a day of transport time with a team at the helm. As an example, let's say you lived in Boston and were going to vacation in the west. It takes a couple/three days to get to Denver for most folks. On a two week vacation, that means that you've spent almost half your vacation just getting to and from the place you want to be on your vacation. I've crossed the plains a few times and after about the first time you do it, the thrill is gone. A truck trip with two drivers can get you to Denver in just over a day, which leaves you 4 to 6 additional days or riding time where it's fun.

Some folks can't sit on a bike for extended periods of time either, due to their health.

The reasons people put their bikes on trailers and in the back of trucks are as varied as the reasons people ride them in the first place.

YMMV, of course, but not everybody has the time or ability to ride everywhere, though they still love motorcycles. :D

:bikes

[GeoffMiller]

Dave, of course you are correct! Can we still make fun of HD's? Please? :D

[kbasa]

Dave, of course you are correct! Can we still make fun of HD's? Please? :D

:ha

[AZ Greg]

This past month I moved from VT to AZ and could not transport both a car and a motorcycle independently. Extensive research on this forum and elsewhere led me to discover the proper tiedown points (4 of them) for the bike as recommended by BMW, and a wheel chock (LA Chock) made by Baxley Trailer Company (www.baxleycompanies.com). I affixed the chock to the bed of a UHaul 6' x 12' enclosed trailer with two 3/8" bolts, along with the remaining space filled with personal items.

Never having to trailer a bike before (always riding), I was very concerned about my decision to make the 2,800 mile trip. However, after checking the bike numerous times over the first two days of the trip, I didn't check after that for the bike was never in jeopardy.

I now have the chock in my garage in AZ and it's a pleasure to use, besides I now can ride every day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scootstado]

I just bought a ramp from Discount Ramps.com. I got the "Black Widow" or some such name. Three piece folding ramp. They fit behind the seat in an extended cab K1500. Don't haul that often so a trailer with tags, property tax and storage space was not practical/cost effective. Ramp works well. I can put both feet down as I come down or going up. Load and unload by myself.

[Montana]

The largest Subaru engine is available as "H-6" but the turbo four is great, too, and more fuel efficient. However, even if the load is small, I'd stay away from the auto trans if you intend to tow much or often. You should be able to order the manual shift with a turbo four; we have the non-Outback 2005 wagon version with this combo and it's great for this type of load.

[rinty]

What about those trailers with the little 12 inch wheels. Do they hold up? Can you pull at 70 mph without overheating them?

Rinty

[mrmaico]

What about those trailers with the little 12 inch wheels. Do they hold up? Can you pull at 70 mph without overheating them?

Rinty

Not a problem. I've hauled an R65 and R80RT together for 3000 miles at 70 to 80 mph without problems.

Barry

[crazydrummerdude]

When I first got my BMW, I had to pick it up with a homebuilt trailer with 12" wheels, no lights, expired plates, no chains, and no gate.. towed from my old (sold) S10 Blazer. I miss the Blazer, and gave the trailer to my uncle (after all, his dad built it years ago).

I've hauled bikes/4-wheelers in the back of my Silverado C1500 with no problem, but now I just use the lawncare trailer. 6?x12 with full size wheels. I wish it was enclosed, though. I'm not that rich yet..

A word of advice to everyone, though.. the mesh metal gates.. you're going to have to weld in a lot more supports or something. I have the mesh gate on mine, and (although I use it everyday) I have to take a hammer or 2x4 to the mesh to slam it back into place because it starts to sag. If it gets too bad, sections will disconnect due to weather/abuse/rust, and it's just dumb. Have re-welded it a few times now.

And, I personally would never use the trailer in a bag, or probably any rail type trailers. To each his own. I just think that if one little variable broke on the smaller trailer, the result to your bike would be proportionately larger.. as compared to a fuller sized trailer.. I guess the price of the plates/licensing is enough to deter some people, though.

[jmunsey]

Being an old time airhead and now also a diehard Harley rider I feel uniquely qualified to discuss trailering a bike!
;-)

I was faced with this dilemma going to Daytona Bike week a few years ago. I figured I was on vacation and most of that would be in Daytona. Additionally, my wife was not used to long distance rides especially in the rain. I went out and bout an 8x12 double motorcycle trailer with the ramp in tha back. It sure makes laoding and unloading super easy. Chocks already in place and all with plenty of additional room for whatever and still room to buy a lot of stuff while there.

Additionally, my drop dead gorgeous Heritage Softail had never been outside of the garage over night. So every evening in Daytona we loaded both bikes back into the "mini-garage" and backed it up to something. Every morning we took them out of the "mini-garage". It was a great vacation down there!

Jim
Robertsdale, AL
:nyah

[dougfollett]

I have two Harbor Freight, steel ramps that I got for $35. I stand on one as I guide the bike up the other in to the back of my 3/4 ton Chevy long bed pick up truck. I first thought I would back the truck into a slight rise in my back yard where the ramps would not have to be so steep and then just ride the bike up into the truck. Great idea but if you blink or hesitate for just a fraction of a second, you are totally screwed. I decided to do it more cautiously and worked the hand brake and clutch as I walked up the extra ramp with the motorcycle running. Pretty simple actually. I did try the "go for it" technique last month when I was trying to get my R80Rt up on my new home made shop stand. It is about twenty inches off of the floor and has a ramp. I got on the bike and took a run at it. As I got up on the ramp I started to brake but applied too much force and came to a stop in the middle of the ramp. Looking around I realized that there was no where to put a foot down to catch my balance. The bike went over with me on it. Unbelievably there was no damage to either me or the bike. Fortunately there was no one watching.

[rinty]

Here's my dream transporter:

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/applications/webgallery/webgallery/includes/images/800-600/Pilatus-PC-12-NG-02.jpg

Available with a 53" cargo door!

Fungus, here I come!

Rinty

[einnar]

I think one of the older pilatus porters would be a lot of fun.

And, since I started the thread over 2 yrs ago, an update might be fun. :)

I ended up with a Subaru Forester, but never got a hitch or trailer for it. Haven't had to tow a bike in the last 2 yrs either. I have, however, gone through a few bikes.

Sold my 85 Honda vt700c Shadow to a friend.
Sold my 97 R1100R to another friends son.
Bought a 2003 R1150RT from a gent in Fort Lauderdale. Flew down, rode it back, enjoyed it for about a year, then sold it to a coworkers brother. (Great bike, but not exactly what I was looking for)
Bought a 2005 F650GS from a gent south of Indianapolis, flew down, rode it back. (It's not a developing trend, I promise)

I've put about 5k miles on the GS in just a few months, and am enjoying the heck out of it. Been out to CO and back, and it tours well, but unlike the RT will let me do goat trails with confidence. (And about 200 lbs less than the 1150RT I was considering.)

:bikes

[swall]

Most imaginative bike haulage scheme I ever saw was in Florida in 1994. A guy had a dirt bike, maybe a 125cc, on the roof and back of a Geo Metro. Bike was vertical, with tie down straps to the roof rain gutters and a piece of plywood over the rear glass. Wish I had taken a picture.

[flymymbz]

So, what's the potential commercial dialog?----
Windshield wipers - $11
Trailer In a Bag - $1100
Having your wife say (during a rainstorm) "Boy am I glad we're trailering the bike" --- PRICELESS




How do you like the TIAB? I borrowed a friends flat trailer last year to bring the R45 up from Modesto, CA. It sucked to have to pull the stinkin' thing almost 1000 miles down there with nothing on it. I was thissssss close to picking up one of them, but the better half talked me out of it. Sure would have been nice to have something I can "toss" in the back of the car.