Where to find ST1300 trailer hitch?

LadyEJ

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OK, so when I got home I did some digging and found the original installation instruction. It is from the the USA Trailer Store, which as you noticed looks just like the Bushtec hitch. Yes it does use the muffler mounts on the sub frame. I will send the instructions with the hitch. I up sized the holes to match the original bolt sizes where it mounts. I will also include a Bushtec safety chain bracket as I somehow ended up with a couple of these. The hitch was originally power coated gray, but I sprayed it black. It can use a new paint job.

Hitch 1.jpg

Hitch 2.jpg

Hitch Instructions.jpg
How do I obtain install instructions? How many bolts attach to the muffler mounts? Is the muffler mount the only location that attaches to the hitch? I'm looking at purchasing this hitch.
 

Willsmotorcycle

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How do I obtain install instructions? How many bolts attach to the muffler mounts? Is the muffler mount the only location that attaches to the hitch? I'm looking at purchasing this hitch.
Although I was surprised I could not find the instructions on the site, a quick email to them will do it I'm sure. They replace the two bolts on each muffler, it was fairly easy. Use lock tite, and consider an Isolation relay for the wiring.
 

David Fyffe

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I have the exact same hitch on my 2010 ST1300.
I tow a Colmen Caboose with it, previosuly used behind my 1978
gold wing.
So far no problems.
Definitly buy yourself an isolator kit wired to a relay for +12v. You can hide it under the rear seat.
The wires on your ST appear to be around 22ga.maybe 24ga. very small, will not carry large current loads.
Good luck
 
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Sadlsor

Sadlsor

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I haven't trimmed mine either, and although it is a different manufacturer, I have contact at the corners of the bottom edge.

20230808_162715.jpg20230808_162704.jpg
 
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This is the photo that I was referring to posted by "mlheck" on 05/06/2021. It appears trimmed to my eyes, or maybe it's a different fender altogether.

20160928_182141.jpg
 
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Sadlsor

Sadlsor

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Who made your hitch?
I have forgotten, but it seems to be identical to the one you pictured in your Post #30.
Same mounts (at the 2 muffler bolts, each side) and same profile.
This one I found used here in the For Sale section a year ago. I've seen the name mentioned in trailer threads around here.
 
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I'm told that Bushtec once made a hitch for the ST1300 but that USA Trailer Store essentially copied their design and now have the Chinese making it. Of course, now it's sold for less as well. Is that why Bushtec discontinued production for this hitch, or is it because it's now outdated?

It's referred to as the Truman-hitch.

Disclaimer: I've not tried to verify the accuracy of this claim. Don't hold me to it!
 
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Sadlsor

Sadlsor

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9065
I would think Bushtec no longer makes their hitch for the same reason they no longer make the ST1300-specific trailer isolation harness.
That would be time, age, and low demand.
I doubt they sold a truckload of them, even when the 1300 was still in its production years.
I can count on no hands and no fingers, the number of 1300s pulling a trailer that I've personally seen.
However, I checked with Todd at Bushtec, and they do make the hitch for BMW 1250 GSs and GSAs.
Come to think of it, I've seen the same number of 1250 GSs with a trailer hitch...
Guess I need to get out more.
 
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