Enclosed Trailer / front wheel tie down - Suggests

[Tech]

I have used a large 3 rail Holsclaw open trailer for 30 + years (& many thousands of miles) to tow dirtbikes. I have occasionally used it to transport streetbikes.

This style trailer does not require a large vehicle or impact gas mileage significantly as it is light. Mileage penalty is approx 10% using a 06 4runner V8 for towing w/ two bikes.

Open trailers have a security issue. I carry locks & cables to reduce theft risk.

Enclosed trailers have a significant mileage penalty but have many other advantages.

Open or closed, I would recommend you seriously consider an aluminum trailer, if you can source one within your budget.

 

[Wintston]

Aluminum it will be, that much I have decided. Thanks for input.

 

[SupraSabre]

I too have the MCL highway pegs, good to see how you hooked up with them in place. How do you / where do you tie to the rear of the ST? Thanks for pictures a day info

I haven't come up with the best for the back yet. When I didn't have the lower Sidecovers, I would place them through there. Lately, I have changed to looping through the rear peg area. When I go to pick up my 2010 from the stealers (if it's ever coming home... I'll take a picture how I'm doing it and post it here. Not sure when that will be yet.

 

[T_C]

How do you / where do you tie to the rear of the ST?

You can search the tie-sown threads for pictures, but for me the most secure spot on the rear is the fram. Loop the strap[ through by the saddlebags and you can crank it as tight as you like.

Don't compress the front suspension very much as you want it to work over bumps.

Now I can't say I have tons of experience towing my bike, a bit but not lots. But when towing cars on a trailer, the last thing I want is the car suspension working very much. You get the car bouncing and swaying on top of the trailer suspension bouncing and swaying and you end up with the hind end of the tow vehicle bouncing and swaying all over the lane you are trying to stay in on the highway.

 

[Wintston]

I use a product called super clamps to tie down my snowmobile, they make tie down so easy. Not like trying to secure an ST. Superclamp.net so easy.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I used the one in the link above from Princess Auto

I was thinking of getting one of these for my motorcycle lift. As I have never seen this one and you have experience using it do you think that it would be suitable for this application?

Thanks.

 

[KTD1911]

I have the trackside roll on wheel chock from cycle gear and when they are on sale they are $69.99 U.S. I have it mounted to my table lift and it holds tight!!! I believe they have a cycle gear in Canada?

 

[SupraSabre]

I have the trackside roll on wheel chock from cycle gear and when they are on sale they are $69.99 U.S. I have it mounted to my table lift and it holds tight!!! I believe they have a cycle gear in Canada?

Something like this?

 

[vi vin]

Now I can't say I have tons of experience towing my bike, a bit but not lots. But when towing cars on a trailer, the last thing I want is the car suspension working very much. You get the car bouncing and swaying on top of the trailer suspension bouncing and swaying and you end up with the hind end of the tow vehicle bouncing and swaying all over the lane you are trying to stay in on the highway.

There's a big difference in weight between the two and I've never towed a car before. If you completly compress the bike suspension you risk blowing the fork seals. I like to compress the Wing's forks about a inch and haven't had any problems yet.

 

[vi vin]

I was thinking of getting one of these for my motorcycle lift. As I have never seen this one and you have experience using it do you think that it would be suitable for this application?

Thanks.

I have no experience using it on a lift but in the trailer it worked great. It mostly would depend on the width of the lift.

 

[Wintston]

Thanks for the 1 inch compression rule, I have read to be aware not to over compress and blow fork seals as you said. Good rule of thumb start for me.