Build a small utility trailer for Zongshen Sierra 200?

Jakhack · 02-13-2011, 01:00 PM

I am interested in building a small utility trailer for my Zong so I can take the camping gear I want, when I go trail riding in northern Minnesota or on a longer backroads trip. I would like advice from anyone who has built a trailer for a light dual sport bike, or built a hitch for one, like the Zong.

I do not want a covered trailer, to keep the weight down - just something with a frame and sides to lash to - that I can put waterproof packs into. It also has to be fairly long for my tent cot (40" to 48"), and narrow for some mild single trail riding.

After looking at various trailer sites, I didn't see anything commercially made that would work, but bicycle trailers come the closest. Then I came across a You Tube video showing a homemade bicycle trailer that looks like it would be a good beginning point for homemade one. The video is entitled " Homemade Bicycle Trailer" and is found at:

If you read the comments section of the video, you will find a link to some plans, but the file type is a .skp file for Google SketchUp. I downloaded and installed the free SketchUp and exported the following .jpg so you can get an idea of what the trailer looks like like:

The hitch is a bit unusual, but looks like it would be lighter than a regular ball type trailer hitch and would work well. But there is no tongue on the trailer. So if anyone has any ideas for designing a tongue that would work well, how to make the hitch for a Zong or similar bike, and lights or has any other suggestions, please post your ideas.

One thing I really like about this plan is that is is a bolt together unit, which eliminate the need for aluminum welding, which I don't do, but would allow for easy and cheap refinements, which usually come after you use something a few times.

Anyway, thanks for any comments or suggestions. And this is REALLY a great site!

FastDoc · 02-13-2011, 01:57 PM

It's doable. One of our members, a guy named Jim, IIRC used a bicycle trailer with some success with his Hondoid/Lifanoid on about a 500 mile trip.

Things to bear in mind:

The 200cc Zong has a practical top speed of about 60 (sustained) and it's giving it's heart to do that so I'd feel more comfortable recommending roads with spped limits in the 55-60 range and never a 70MPH posted speed limit on a highway.

I was almost killed not following this rule.

With a trailer I doubt you'd see the far side of 55, and something like 50 may be more stable.

I'd advise you to look into the proven Spudifications such as gearing changes (VERY IMPORTANT FOR A PULLING APPLICATION), and pipe/jetting recommendations.

These are all in a sticikie in the DS forum.

Can you build the trailer from aluminum? Balsa wood? :P

MICRider · 02-13-2011, 02:17 PM

Another idea is a single wheel trailer that follows precisely in your motorcycles track... One of the members Slimjim503 has one (I think it's a bicycle trailer?). Here is a link to a thread of his with a few pics of the trailer if you scroll down http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ailer&start=60

I really like the idea of the single wheel trailer, it would also offer less rolling resistance than a 2 wheeled trailer. If I was going to build one I would go this route. Please keep us posted on your progress, I think it's a great idea!

Cheers,
Stew

FastDoc · 02-13-2011, 02:30 PM

Slimjim503

That's who I was thinking of!

Thanks MICrider!

MICRider · 02-13-2011, 02:31 PM

Here's another link to single wheeled bike trailers, one even looks like Slimjims... I know they're bike trailers but they might give you a good idea for building something similar... Just have to use a small motorcycle wheel instead of a bike wheel maybe? Thinking out loud

http://greenhomeauthority.com/single...rison-pricing/

SpudRider · 02-13-2011, 03:18 PM

Bill and Stew,

Thank you for your valuable input and willingness to help a new forum member.

I agree with Stew; I think a single wheel trailer might be more appropriate for Jak's intended use, and the 200cc Zongshen engine.

Also, Bill is quite correct; I strongly encourage Jak to purchase a 13T countershaft sprocket if he is going to be pulling a trailer with his Zong.

I recommend the 13T sprocket manufactured by PBI. You can find a thread detailing the Zong sprockets in the Zong Sticky, located at the top of this forum.

Spud

Weldangrind · 02-13-2011, 03:42 PM

IIRC, Barnone pulls a trailer behind a few of his bikes. Perhaps he'll chime in.

Great looking plans! I'm inclined to agree with the single wheel idea, and I presume that the trailer would benefit from a side stand.

Jim · 02-13-2011, 03:47 PM

With a single wheel you will need to be careful to load evenly I assume?

Weldangrind · 02-13-2011, 03:52 PM

Probably, but you could create a shallow v-shaped section to hold the tent so it doesn't move around.

Barnone · 02-13-2011, 05:59 PM

Here's mine and it works like a champ.

Probably have about 1k miles behind my XT225, SYM scooter, and Pitster Pro 125.

It's a ASOM bicycle trailer.
http://www.aosom.com/index.php?main_...products_id=46

I had two of the trailers and just needed one so I sold one to a buddy in WNC who rides a liquor scooter as his only means of transportation so he really gives his a workout. Here is is just fooling around.

SpudRider · 02-13-2011, 08:27 PM

Thanks for posting the photos, Bar.

After being reminded of Barnone's trailer, I think I might rescind my vote for the one-wheel trailer.

Having two wheels must certainly facilitate loading, and towing the trailer.

Spud

Barnone · 02-13-2011, 08:34 PM

Spud,
You are welcome and don't forget chuckklr who towed a overloaded ASOM trailer like mine from LA to NC and back.
http://planetminis.com/f14/mighty-mi...ay-152642.html

MICRider · 02-13-2011, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for posting the photos, Bar.

After being reminded of Barnone's trailer, I think I might rescind my vote for the one-wheel trailer.

Having two wheels must certainly facilitate loading, and towing the trailer.

Spud

Plus, you can pick up chicks!

I have the exact same bicycle trailer from when my son was young... It has an enclosed canopy on it though, did you cut it down or make a new box? I recall it pulled super easy, even behind the cheap old (heavy!) mountain bike I had at the time.

SpudRider · 02-13-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MICRider

Plus, you can pick up chicks!

...

Spud

Barnone · 02-13-2011, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MICRider

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Thanks for posting the photos, Bar.

After being reminded of Barnone's trailer, I think I might rescind my vote for the one-wheel trailer.

Having two wheels must certainly facilitate loading, and towing the trailer.

Spud

Plus, you can pick up chicks!

I have the exact same bicycle trailer from when my son was young... It has an enclosed canopy on it though, did you cut it down or make a new box? I recall it pulled super easy, even behind the cheap old (heavy!) mountain bike I had at the time.

The only change I made was to put heavy duty tubes and kevlar BMX tires on my trailer.
ASOM has many different types trailers on their web site.

02-13-2011, 01:00 PM	#1
Jakhack Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: North Central Minnesota Posts: 42	Build a small utility trailer for Zongshen Sierra 200? I am interested in building a small utility trailer for my Zong so I can take the camping gear I want, when I go trail riding in northern Minnesota or on a longer backroads trip. I would like advice from anyone who has built a trailer for a light dual sport bike, or built a hitch for one, like the Zong. I do not want a covered trailer, to keep the weight down - just something with a frame and sides to lash to - that I can put waterproof packs into. It also has to be fairly long for my tent cot (40" to 48"), and narrow for some mild single trail riding. After looking at various trailer sites, I didn't see anything commercially made that would work, but bicycle trailers come the closest. Then I came across a You Tube video showing a homemade bicycle trailer that looks like it would be a good beginning point for homemade one. The video is entitled " Homemade Bicycle Trailer" and is found at: If you read the comments section of the video, you will find a link to some plans, but the file type is a .skp file for Google SketchUp. I downloaded and installed the free SketchUp and exported the following .jpg so you can get an idea of what the trailer looks like like: The hitch is a bit unusual, but looks like it would be lighter than a regular ball type trailer hitch and would work well. But there is no tongue on the trailer. So if anyone has any ideas for designing a tongue that would work well, how to make the hitch for a Zong or similar bike, and lights or has any other suggestions, please post your ideas. One thing I really like about this plan is that is is a bolt together unit, which eliminate the need for aluminum welding, which I don't do, but would allow for easy and cheap refinements, which usually come after you use something a few times. Anyway, thanks for any comments or suggestions. And this is REALLY a great site!
	0

02-13-2011, 01:57 PM	#2
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	It's doable. One of our members, a guy named Jim, IIRC used a bicycle trailer with some success with his Hondoid/Lifanoid on about a 500 mile trip. Things to bear in mind: The 200cc Zong has a practical top speed of about 60 (sustained) and it's giving it's heart to do that so I'd feel more comfortable recommending roads with spped limits in the 55-60 range and never a 70MPH posted speed limit on a highway. I was almost killed not following this rule. With a trailer I doubt you'd see the far side of 55, and something like 50 may be more stable. I'd advise you to look into the proven Spudifications such as gearing changes (VERY IMPORTANT FOR A PULLING APPLICATION), and pipe/jetting recommendations. These are all in a sticikie in the DS forum. Can you build the trailer from aluminum? Balsa wood? :P __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-13-2011, 02:30 PM	#4
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Slimjim503 That's who I was thinking of! Thanks MICrider! __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

02-13-2011, 03:18 PM	#6
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Bill and Stew, Thank you for your valuable input and willingness to help a new forum member. I agree with Stew; I think a single wheel trailer might be more appropriate for Jak's intended use, and the 200cc Zongshen engine. Also, Bill is quite correct; I strongly encourage Jak to purchase a 13T countershaft sprocket if he is going to be pulling a trailer with his Zong. I recommend the 13T sprocket manufactured by PBI. You can find a thread detailing the Zong sprockets in the Zong Sticky, located at the top of this forum. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

02-13-2011, 03:42 PM	#7
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	IIRC, Barnone pulls a trailer behind a few of his bikes. Perhaps he'll chime in. Great looking plans! I'm inclined to agree with the single wheel idea, and I presume that the trailer would benefit from a side stand. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

02-13-2011, 02:17 PM	#3
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	Another idea is a single wheel trailer that follows precisely in your motorcycles track... One of the members Slimjim503 has one (I think it's a bicycle trailer?). Here is a link to a thread of his with a few pics of the trailer if you scroll down http://chinariders.net/modules.php?n...ailer&start=60 I really like the idea of the single wheel trailer, it would also offer less rolling resistance than a 2 wheeled trailer. If I was going to build one I would go this route. Please keep us posted on your progress, I think it's a great idea! Cheers, Stew
	0

02-13-2011, 02:31 PM	#5
MICRider Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 3,274	Here's another link to single wheeled bike trailers, one even looks like Slimjims... I know they're bike trailers but they might give you a good idea for building something similar... Just have to use a small motorcycle wheel instead of a bike wheel maybe? Thinking out loud http://greenhomeauthority.com/single...rison-pricing/
	0

02-13-2011, 03:47 PM	#8
Jim Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Abbotsford, BC, Canada Posts: 4,880	With a single wheel you will need to be careful to load evenly I assume? __________________ "Be excellent to each other" "We are all human. Let's start to prove it!"
	0

02-13-2011, 03:52 PM	#9
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Probably, but you could create a shallow v-shaped section to hold the tent so it doesn't move around. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

02-13-2011, 05:59 PM	#10
Barnone Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,357	Here's mine and it works like a champ. Probably have about 1k miles behind my XT225, SYM scooter, and Pitster Pro 125. It's a ASOM bicycle trailer. http://www.aosom.com/index.php?main_...products_id=46 I had two of the trailers and just needed one so I sold one to a buddy in WNC who rides a liquor scooter as his only means of transportation so he really gives his a workout. Here is is just fooling around.
	0

02-13-2011, 08:27 PM	#11
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Thanks for posting the photos, Bar. After being reminded of Barnone's trailer, I think I might rescind my vote for the one-wheel trailer. Having two wheels must certainly facilitate loading, and towing the trailer. Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

02-13-2011, 08:34 PM	#12
Barnone Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,357	Spud, You are welcome and don't forget chuckklr who towed a overloaded ASOM trailer like mine from LA to NC and back. http://planetminis.com/f14/mighty-mi...ay-152642.html
	0