Motorbike Trailers. Great for luggage, camping, towing a bike, anything really. Let’s take a look at the many types of motorcycle trailers.
Motorcycle Instruction
While teaching as a Motorcycle Instructor, it was necessary to tow a small bike behind my large bike. This allowed me to take the learner bike to the student, who was not yet confident to ride with traffic. I would then ride with the student in the car-park until they had perfected the skills necessary to enter traffic.
I chose the Honda Shadow 750 for two main reasons.
- It has a radiator, perfect for practicing slow speed maneuvers on hot days.
- It has a low seat. This allowed short students to obtain a large bike license while being able to keep flat feet on the ground.
I chose to have the Tow Bar fitted to the Honda’s chassis and rear fender. This provides a much smoother ride. A local engineer fabricated this with stainless steel square tubing. Very strong indeed and the silver matches the chrome.
The alternative (which I chose not to follow), is mounting the tow-bar on the swing arm. Example below.
The Towing Experience
Towing a motorcycle behind a motorcycle is not scary. I will explain how it feels.
Towball Movement
Little bumps that feel like the front wheel is going over potholes are caused by the towball moving in the tow hitch socket. Very slight and not anything to be concerned about.
Width
You have to constantly remember you are wider than riding solo. Therefore, you ride in the center of your lane (between the car tire tracks), and watch your trailer does not cross the center line on bends, (watch your mirror). Also, remember to turn corners wide to prevent your trailer tire riding over the curb.
Take-off
You will have to ride your clutch for longer and increase the revs, due to the extra weight. If you are confident performing Hill Starts, you should be fine.
Trailer Lock
I chose to put a trailer lock on my trailer while I was out riding with the student.
There are many types available…
To give you an idea on the sort of weight a motorcycle can tow, I have added some photos below.
Japanese tows American – the Shadow 750 easily towed an 883 and swag.
Japanese Tows Italian – Ducati 750. What a good Old Workhorse.
Carrying Cargo
My motorcycle trailer is also great for carrying heavy loads. Has kept my family warm for many winters.
The trailer’s Independent suspension performed extremely well while towing the trailer through off road bush tracks.
I have even towed horse manure for the garden.
And I used my trailer to carry a 140 kg sidecar to the weighbridge for licensing.
I don’t think I could live without my Erdie Motorcycle Trailer from Tourlite.
You may be surprised what a motorcycle is capable of towing….
I think I will always have a tow-bar on my motorcycle. You never know what you might have to move.
Motorcycle Trailers
The term “Motorcycle Trailer” can be confusing as it can refer to a trailer to be towed by a motorcycle or refer to a trailer towed behind a car to carry motorcycles.
Of these two types of motorcycle Trailers, the smaller trailer is used to tow a motorcycle, luggage or camper behind a motorcycle. The larger trailers are designed to be towed by a car carrying multiple motorbikes. Here are a few examples.
Oceanic Custom Trailers
Aluminium Trailers
Here is an example from Aluminium Trailers designed to carry multiple bikes.
Motorcycle Cargo Trailers are available in many styles and designs.
Folding Motorcycle Trailers
If your garage lacks storage space for a trailer, perhaps you should purchase a folding trailer.
This folding trailer arrives in a kit and will require assembly.
FMT Folding Multi-use Trailers
Luggage Trailers
Luggage trailers provide that extra space for the cargo that will not fit into pannier or saddle bags. Here are some examples.
Mad Max Motorcycle Luggage Trailers
Classic Industries Motorcycle Luggage Trailers
Car Replica Motorcycle Trailers
And if you want a cargo trailer that will stand out in the crowd, complement your bike and look sexy, then you will love these trailers.
Bushtec Motorcycle Luggage Trailers
These manufacturers provide many options for both style and size.
Motorcycle Boat, Kayak and Canoe Trailers
Some people like to tow a boat to enjoy water activities after a ride. Motorcycle Boat Trailers are also available in folding options.
Motorcycle Camp Trailers and Cot Tent Trailers
If your going to “get away”, you might like to take a comfortable camper with you.
Motorcycle Tow Hitches
And finally, a motorcycle trailer is of no use to you, without a tow hitch. Here are some ideas.
Remember: Trailers add width to your ride, so be careful to turn corners wider, and remember to slow down earlier to allow your brakes time to pull up the weight. Ride Safe!
Haul N Ride website was created to explore Innovation and Human Creativity with a focus on Interesting, Rare and Unusual Motorcycles and Accessories. Haul N Ride welcomes the sharing of projects and ideas, creating an enjoyable and educational online resource. We like to hear from readers so please leave a comment below and let us know if this post helped you or if you have any questions.
Thank you for visiting Haul N Ride. Dave
Hi Alex, I am glad you enjoyed learning about the many varieties and uses for motorcycle trailers. Thank you for your kind feedback on the website. Have an awesome day. Dave
Great information here on bikes, thank you so much for posting this since I didn’t know much about motorcycles and this was very informative. Appreciate this & I love your website 🙂