Motorcycle Carrier

[Oonrahnjay]

I have been loading and unloading motorcycles for a long time, and the best thing to have if you have a trailer is a full ramp.  (snip) 

     I agree on this.  Also, a rail on the trailer (doesn't need to be a big full rail, sides 1 1/2 inches or so will do) helps -- it keeps the wheels in line, keeps the front wheel/steering/handlebars straight, and stops the bike from sliding sideways if things go a little wrong.  I've never put a bike bigger than about 400 pounds on a trailer but once you have a plan and confidence, it goes pretty easy.  Also, once that bicep ligament is healed you've got a great resource -- your next door neighbor.  Have him steady the bike a couple of times while you try it and "spot" you pointers (such as "OK, the front wheel is in line" or "the rear wheel is just about to start going down the ramp").  Once you have the feel of what's going on, you'll know how to do it.  One thing I'd say is that there are critical times such as when each wheel leaves the trailer and moves onto the ramp or moves off the ramp onto the ground.  The balance of the bike and the feel of things seems to change at those moments. Once you have a little experience and confidence and learn to anticipate those, it's much easier.

     Patrick's advice on using the clutch as a brake is also very good -- most of the weight is going to be on that back wheel and you don't want to slide the front wheel with the brake.

[rgrauto]

Hello Dave,   I own a Goldwing and haul it on a 5x10 tilt bed utility trailer with the side rails, so it gives you a feeling of not being able to fall off when you ride the m/cycle on. The only trick is anticipating the break-over point on and off. A enclosed drop axle trailer with a ramp door will work also . Just my way ,  Glen

[Dave Siegel]

Really as lot of great ideas, thanks guys. I appreciate it.

Dave

[JohnEd]

ZubZub saved any that didn't know that a lot of grief.  "the front brake won't stop a backing bike on a ramp".  It also won;t stop one on sandy pavement or rain slick black top.  I learned this lesson with my 200 pound dirt bike and that was bad enuf and resulted, in one case, in my sliding into a 2 foot deep puddle with the bike on top and my Levi cuff fouled in the shift lever.  Nearly drowned...I kid you not.  Finding out about the front wheel simply sliding out from under you while muscling a 700 pound bike down a ramp adds dimension to learning experience.

Thanks ZubZub,

John

[JohnEd]

OK, Belfert got 7.9 mpg from a series 60 with a B500 trans.  That's good info.

How did you do with your 9V71 and 740 set up, Busswarrior?

Hope others will post their performance for us that have in_quiring minds.

I recall the Clifford is on record as getting 8 from a 8V92 with a 740 in a Eagle but I will let him correct that if I am mistaken.

Thanks,

John