Towing a Harley / Questions

[Lucky]

I tow my BMW 1200gs on a motolug trailer, the bike weighs around 250 kgs, I cannot safely load it on my own, and definitely wouldn’t relish the prospect of loading/ unloading a Harley that weighs a fair bit more.
The best bit as you mention is that they break down into smaller parts so I can store it in the garage, but if I was to tow a Harley I would look for one of those trailers that have a ramp that lowers to the floor when loading.

This is invaluable advice. Do not buy any trailer without first hand experience of loading your bike.

I had a Motolug (they have a cult following) and sold it after one use. Pushing (or clutching) a heavy bike, up a 25% slope, arms outstretched at head height, whilst standing on one leg as you step across the axle rail is a thrill a minute. Should you lose balance, just once, the consequences are obvious.

For me (without a second strong individual to help load and unload), a full width platform to walk along side the bike is essential.

 

[Lucky]

This box trailer is my solution. More expensive (at about £2-2.5k) than a flatbed trailer or similar but it keeps the bike clean, away from thieving eyes, carries all our kit on our travels, goes to the dump with garden waste, facilitates small house moves etc ?

 

[tuscancouple]

This box trailer is my solution.

Couldn't agree more as it keeps the Harleys clean when travelling and when on site it provides the extra secure storage space

Mick

 

[goldwinger]

Have a look at Debon motor bike trailer not cheap but one of the best to carry your Harley and keep it clean and safe, we got one last year.

 

[dipsie]

JAY,
I note you are from Somerset, I don’t know what part, but I have used Bridgwater Trailers for years and find them very helpfull, towbars or trailers. The guys there seem knowledgable .

BernieT

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[WESTY66]

Have a look at Debon motor bike trailer not cheap but one of the best to carry your Harley and keep it clean and safe, we got one last year.

I note from your side thingy you’re from Snaith, if its the Yorkshire Snaith I hope everything is ok at home, it’s really not good for that village, the floods have ravaged some of the streets there, it’s not good, been following it on BBC Radio Humberside and Calendar, it must be heartbreaking?

 

[glenn2926]

Just do it. Harleys are used to being towed. I read an article saying 97% of all the Harley’s ever made are still on the road. The other 3% made it home.???.

 

[C33JAY]

Blimey Thanks everyone for the replies and advice

Ive toured all over Europe on this Bike and now its time for it too travel first class without the wear & tear lol

 

[Lucky]

Ooh, shiny ?

 

[southernscouse]

Hi want to tow a trike on small wheeled dolly now I know these are for recovery only because of the braking rules The trike becomes a trailer if it has brakes they must work so my plan is to mod the towing dolley so the rear trike brakes work would this then be legal The dolley wheels will still be unbraced the total weight will be below 300 kg Thanks Tom

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[glenn2926]

Blimey Thanks everyone for the replies and advice

Ive toured all over Europe on this Bike and now its time for it too travel first class without the wear & tear lolView attachment 365596

Isn’t it a bit draughty in the assless chaps?

 

[tuscancouple]

The trike becomes a trailer if it has brakes they must work so my plan is to mod the towing dolley so the rear trike brakes work would this then be legal

Personally I'd put it on a proper trailer! Why increase the bike wear or risk damage for the sake of not using a trailer?

Mick

 

[scally]

I towed this behind a transit conversion with a front wheel pocket, back wheels on road. Didn't have a problem. You can get these pockets for bikes much lighter than a trailer.

 

[scally]

Hi want to tow a trike on small wheeled dolly now I know these are for recovery only because of the braking rules The trike becomes a trailer if it has brakes they must work so my plan is to mod the towing dolley so the rear trike brakes work would this then be legal The dolley wheels will still be unbraced the total weight will be below 300 kg Thanks Tom

If it's below 750 kg all up it does not need brakes according to trailer regs. Indicative does not use the brakes cos it weighs less than 400 kg. The nose weight is about 80kg

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

If it's below 750 kg all up it does not need brakes according to trailer regs. Indicative does not use the brakes cos it weighs less than 400 kg. The nose weight is about 80kg

I would check that. My understanding is that if it has brakes they must be operational regardless of weight.

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[southernscouse]

Like your trike scaly but have been told on this very forum that the wheel pocket like the front wheel tow dolley are for recovery only regardless of weight I have in the past used a pocket that clipped onto the tow bar but did not like the weight pushing down the back of the car hence I now use a tow dolley and to comply with the reg (if it's got brakes they must operate regardless of weight) I want to mod it so the rear brakes on the trike work Cheers Tom ( I have no more room for another trailer)

 

[addoaddo]

I agree trailer regs state that if brakes are present they must be working. Also they most be set up so as not to come on when reversing

 

[southernscouse]

Note to The Two of Us yon must have wrote your post as I was writing mine cheers

 

[southernscouse]

The mention of reversing will this have to be autmatically or can it be engaged manually

 

[scally]

Like your trike scaly but have been told on this very forum that the wheel pocket like the front wheel tow dolley are for recovery only regardless of weight I have in the past used a pocket that clipped onto the tow bar but did not like the weight pushing down the back of the car hence I now use a tow dolley and to comply with the reg (if it's got brakes they must operate regardless of weight) I want to mod it so the rear brakes on the trike work Cheers Tom ( I have no more room for another trailer)

I can only say that I did not once get stopped or questioned at all on that particular trip so I did intend doing the same this year but, taking on board your comments, I will look into it further. I will add that I have done this between Boston and Colchester several times on the back my C max again with no problems mechanically or legally

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[The Dotties]

I’ve got a virtually as new 750kg unbraced car trailer available. Bought for a smartie but cat too heavy. Complete with hand winch, ramps and tie down hooks. Solid bed.