A cheap way to haul your bike edit: BUT WATCH IT!

[Trebek]

I don't have room for a trailer where I live, but I need to tow my bike on occasion. I bought one of these: http://www.hhauler.com/ EDIT: I'd go with one of these, they turn with the car and grip the wheel better:
http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/caddy1.html

A few years ago I towed a Honda XR650L from Dallas to Austin using one of these. Make sure you use good ratcheting tiedowns and compress your forks about 1/2 way, tie your tire to the cradle in two places, and don't forget to leave the bike in neutral.

It's a good cheap way to haul a single bike with a car. EDIT! Only use this with a truck or big car with towing hooks on the undercarriage. Do not use the optional tie-down bar or the model for the 1 1/2 hitch reciever, It's just too rickety. END of EDIT

(I did post this on the dirt bike forum, but reposted here since not all enduro readers go there)

[ExtremeModz]

there was a post made on this a couple weeks ago. Most said that they did not like it and would not use it. Personally I would. But I would make one myself as it's a very basic design.

[katoranger]

I would be hesitant to use one. Just don't like the idea of the wear on the bike and how it is mounted. The angle of the steering is wrong and would be putting alot of stress on the straps and the bike.

It may work fine, but just doesn't look safe to me.

I can see it being useful for short trips to the trail.

I have a trailer and space to keep it though too. Actually 3 trailers.

The hitch mounted rail is a good idea for dirtbikes and other lightweight bikes.

If you have used one and it works good then maybe I am missing something. Just hate to have my bike fall off on the road.

I did have on fall over on a trailer when a strap failed. Fortunately it was a wrecked bike and I was 50 yards from home.


Allen

[red2003]

Doesn't look like a bad design for short hauls, but for $159.00, you aren't getting much. $30.00 worth of steel and half an hour in my shop would make one. I guess if you can't make one, it's cheaper then a trailer. I am not sure it would be legal without the lights working on the bike in Vermont.

[maf119l]

I would take the chain off before using it.Would not want it spinning the front sprocket without oiling.Plus the chain could jump and you would not kno it until you stopped and it could have done some damage.

[AZ200cc]

Not a fan of that hauler, These make a little more sense to me.
http://www.mototote.com/

[Trebek]

I'm no longer a fan of these either. I have to use the crossbar (which is too friggin' short) I had it cinched down tight. The first turn I made the bike was on it's side. I've used them before but had a vehicle to tie the straps to. Fortunately the bike isn't messed up too bad.

I guess I'll have to get one of those folding trailers.

[katoranger]

Check this out. http://www.bikelug.com/?gclid=CMXw2Pmx_JMCFRhhnAod2hFfVw

Only downside is the price starting at $1095.

Allen

[Trebek]

Check this out. http://www.bikelug.com/?gclid=CMXw2Pmx_JMCFRhhnAod2hFfVw

Probably costs more than you bike though.

Allen

Yeah, thats what I need. It's collapseable and I can carry two bikes with the deluxe version. Expensive though.

[katoranger]

This may be more affordable.

http://www.motorcycle-trailer.biz/small-motorcycle-trailer.htm

Allen

[TeamCheap]

Its a bit of an overkill but this is what we use now. :lol:
It works OK.

http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/6227/dscf0004bt5.jpg

Different tow vehicle now though.

[AZ200cc]

I'm no longer a fan of these either. I have to use the crossbar (which is too friggin' short) I had it cinched down tight. The first turn I made the bike was on it's side. I've used them before but had a vehicle to tie the straps to. Fortunately the bike isn't messed up too bad.

I guess I'll have to get one of those folding trailers.


That's what I kinda pictured happening, Sorry to hear I was right...Glad the bikes ok....Also seemed like it would put a lot of stress on the front wheel and forks.

[TeamCheap]

My neighbor has one that slides into his hitch and has the ramp and he just rolls in up on there and straps it down.He is in his 70's and the bike is a smaller but still decent sized road bike (cruiser)


Yeah, our solution wasnt cheap by any means but it is really nice. :D

[mrhyak]

I bought one of those hitch carriers on ebay for around $80 and it works great. Very similar to the one used for this sport bike.

http://www.gunlakescooters.com/versahaul/sport/vh-sport-leftrear.jpg

[katoranger]

You just need to have a vehicle stout enough to strap a minimum 350lbs to.

My Jeep is only rated for 300lbs on the rear.

Allen

[Trebek]

Yeah the hitch weight on my Volvo is only 140 lbs.

I'll keep a look out on a used collapsable trailer.

[VinceDrake]

I guess I don't dig it after all.

Sorry to hear that Mr. Trebek. Is the bike Okay? If was darned near new. no?

I'm thinkin' the mfg. should at least get an earful of abuse!

--Vince

[Trebek]

Thanks,

The bike is ok, I stopped the second it fell over. One of the turn signal lenses popped out but can be glued and the huge license plate holder fell off. Couple scratches on the muffler casing but no big deal. It did pour a black mixture of oil and gas on the road, so I changed the oil in case gas entered the crankcase.

Yep, Hopefully the makers of this thing will refund my money. They really do work but not using a small car since there's no hooks underneath to tie it to. A friend of mine once towed his dr650 from Gunnison Colo. to Dallas with one and swears by them.