Just found your video on trailer types and suspension and found it informative. Back in the late ninetys my partner and I wished to go to Phillip Island to watch the motogp and had a crazy thought to build a trailer to tow behind our gtr 1000. Found a design that looked practical, went to a local steel supplier and they cut out the panels and welded it together. After following a few trailers noticed that the springs where not flexing much but the tyres where so made a solid axle with 13 inch tyres 22 psi . Found it to stable at any speed even hitting potholes and kerbs on purpose and found no issues at all . Cheers Wayne
Great info and nice video, I adventure ride my R1150GSA with a trailer. Good tire psi tip. Old feller that fell rolling backwards should’ve Used rear brake or let the clutch out. Rookie mistake thinking a front tire works rolling backwards.
Thanks for this. I'm currently towing a cargo trailer with my 3rd bike, a Honda CTX1300. But I may switch to an adventure bike and was curious about trailer hitches. This has helped me to get some ideas on what to do. I agree with the use of a swivel. If for no other reason, the swivel will prevent the bike from being pulled down if the trailer should flip. This happened to someone when the trailer was hit by a car and flipped upside down, but the bike kept rolling safely.
On a hill you could slip the clutch to keep from rolling backwards. You could even dump the clutch to kill the motor to hopefully keep from rolling backwards. The real lesson is to be aware of this scenario and practice dealing with it.
I have towed trailer’s behind my bike for thousands of kilometres with a standard fixed coupler. I have never had any issues of any kind. In one video it showed doing some extreme lean angles. In my opinion most people riding while towing don’t engage in that kind of riding. There is more than enough lean angle in the standard ball hitch. I believe that if you’re going to ride on aggressive curves you will not be towing. That would take all the fun out of the ride. In all of my years of riding, I have met maybe one or two people that have used the swivel hitch. Everyone else use the standard ball.
I have crossed the road thousands of times never been hit by a car, but it just takes the once, remember that. If you tow behind a large bike, they do not lean enough to have any issues cornering BUT what if your bike falls over? You will twist or break something and you won't be going anywhere! Not everyone rides Harleys or Goldwings I have towed behind Ducatis, Aprilias etc... and I can tell you cornering with a trailer without a swivel hitch is a very stupid decision behind any bike like that. I made this series of videos to advise riders on what's safe and what is not, whether or not you choose to take any notice is a personal choice. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafe I tend to avoid using the word “ stupid “ in referring to anybody’s choices every body has a right to their opinion and the choices they make.
Don't know about an ideas man. Just old with a fair amount of experience. I produced a 3 part series on trailers, hopefully it will help some out. I see quite a few dangerous rigs on the road. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafeI intend on watching your videos, as it seems you know what you're talking about. There's some bad advice on UA-cam land by those who obviously don't have any experience. The sad part is, they can influence those who don't know any better and are looking for proper advice.
@@gregorytubbs3444 yes that is 100% correct and the reason I produced all these videos on motorcycle trailers. The one on tires is especially important.
The Performance trailers you reccomend are actually made in Coffs Harbour NSW. I agree with your comment about the Classic industries hitch, they allow far too much movement. I have towed a Performance trailer from Coffs Harbour to Mildura and back behind a TDM 900 and with a Classic hitch the wear on the rear tyre was extreme.
@@motorcyclecafe Rob Thorman is the designer and manufacturer of Performance trailers and he is my next door neighbor in Coffs Harbour, so yes always made here in Coffs.
@@motorcyclecafe It looks very similar to the Shadow trailer (@5:07 in the video, with the wing) which are made in SA. I have one, and it is quite a good trailer.
In South Australia, I recommend getting the hitch and electrics done by ShadowTrailers. He also makes custom trailers, but I’d make your own very from a Carlex Trailer base, which you can order from Victoria. Safe riding peoples!!!
I bought a small box trailer from carlex . Very well made and comes as a flat pack. I use a tarp and cargo net to cover contents. Get a lot of looks and compliments when I go camping.
The "Heim coupler" is by far the superior coupling system for your trailer as there is no slop in the connection like with a ball and you start to stop and then feel the clunk as the trailer pushes itself up on the ball hitch. I build trailers and ALWAYS use half torsion axles. I will not use a ball coupler, but I will build you a "male Heim" for your bike at no extra charge. The Heim uses a 3/4" (0.75") diameter pin that goes into the female Heim with an approximate .800" diameter hole for the pin to fit in. If you dont have some sort of swivel on your coupling, then you are basically on your knees begging the trailer GOD for a crash...and it will happen. You only need a swivel for 2 wheel bikes as trikes do not need this. One other thing and that is no matter who's trailer or what brand of a trailer...add some extra bright LED lights to the back of it to help you be seen. I am in Joshua, Texas and you can see my adventure videos here... ua-cam.com/users/HondaGoldwingGL1800 and if you have any questions...just ask.
I really like the Performance trailer at video's end. Are they only available in Australia or can you find them elsewhere. I'm US west coast. Thanks for your trailer review!
Hi buddy, Performance trailers are only available in Aussie but I'm quite sure you can find an American one just as good. There's a couple 'more informative' videos on the channel. Thanks for your feedback buddy!
If you go onto the channel there is a 3 part series on trailers for bikes. In part2 it will explain the towing limitations. You can use whatever bike you like as long as the trailer is a suitable size.
I live in Thailand. I have a Honda Forza 350. I would love to find a *very light* small utility trailer and the towing hardware/hitches, to make short trips to the golf course carrying my golf clubs and shoes. I dont need anythings to go camping, or those sorts of things. Just a small utility like trailer and rig setup. I have not been able to find anything really close to what I would like. Maybe your viewers would have a suggestion. Thanks.
I’m confused by the tire pressure comment at 8 minutes: What is “finder”? "If it’s got finder in the middle, your tire is over inflated”. I assume that means no chalk mark in the middle because the tire is too rounded from over inflation and wore the chalk away. Similarly, “Finder on the edges”...Am I miss-hearing? Did you say “finer” as in the chalk mark is thinner or “finer”? Sorry mate... but I do love and recommend your videos. And you helped me build a nice little trailer that trails most excellently.
Fainter buddy not finder. I can't help my accent. There is a video on the channel on trailer tire pressures alone which contains a formula that works 100% accurate for any trailer, even caravans.
@@motorcyclecafe I blame the closed caption and my ears! Your videos are awesome! - I used the formula from the three part series you made, but I was watching this one again - after recommending it to another Yank over here - and I just had to ask. Have a great day, and “best” to your friend, Mick! ;-)
Would a swingarm mounted trailer be ok if it was designed to not only connect at the axle but brace to the shock pivot further forwards so that the ball/joint is solidly mounted. Would pintle hitch be ok on a motorcycle trailer!
Why do you not recommend swingarm hitches? I want to build a trailer and use a swing arm attachment because it will only be used when riding 2 up, and the bike is at maximum preload/weight with me and my bf on the back. Same reason I dont want to just add saddlebags, because the rear bag luggage rack bag has a lot of weight in it. On the swing arm effectively removes any weight on the rear suspension, and the rear tire's braking helps with the trailer since all the weight of the trailer will load onto the rear tire. So now im wondering why I shouldnt use these.
There are many reasons. They add stress to swing arm bushes making them wear, they add to unsprung weight etc etc. There is a series of videos on the channel covering everything about trailers watch them all.
would you agree with this statement? The hitch weight associated with towing a trailer will not have a major impact on the shock adjustment because, when towing down the road, the weight decreases downward force on the hitch itself and is lessened because of forward momentum?
Yes but only while travelling in a straight line on a very smooth and flat road. There is a series of videos on the channel covering all aspects of towing a trailer behind a motorcycle. There are some diagrams which I hope helps to explain things. Your tongue weight can change very dramatically when going over bumps etc due to the transfer of weight.
@@motorcyclecafe very interested in this topic and I’ll be looking at all of your videos to get a little bit know’d up on this I’ve been towing my trailer for the last couple of years off and on, but it is a larger trailer. The trailer when loaded weighs roughly 500 to 550 pounds I am towing it with a Harley road king….. interested in how the shocks should be set up for it etc… just got back from a 4000 mile trip and my shocks were completely shot on the rear……
Hey were can I find that trailer that u said was your old setup gray trailer with red bike!! They got a manufacturer name or website still???? !! Might go good with my harley
Swing arm mounted hitches put a substantial extra load and wear on your swing arm bushes. They also add to your bikes unsprung weight, meaning any forces generated by the trailer will be 100% on the bikes rear tire itself. Even if you tongue weight is say 15kgs if you hit a dip in the road that 15kgs could become 50 kgs or more due to weight transfer. Increasing the chances of a blowout. There are other more detailed videos on the channel on this.
yes I have, just have a think about the extra strain and pressure on swing arm bearings etc. Just because they are sold doesn't mean that they are a good idea. There are much better options.
Not sure what you mean by 'hook' any small trailer would be fine the lighter the better. There are some other videos on the channel regarding trailer weight etc... which will answer any questions you have. You'll have to get a tow hitch made yourself though.
@@motorcyclecafe hook is a tow hitch sorry... or thats how we use the term. Right, its not pre made. Ill have to design one my self... Thanks, any tips?
Yes maybe, but I reckon he had both feet down holding the thing up so there wasn't a lot he could do. I had a similar thing happen to me once on a gravel incline.
Von solchen Anhängern können wir in Deutschland nur träumen. Würde gerne auch einen Anhänger mit meinem 350ccm Roller ziehen aber der deutsche TÜV macht sich in die Hose wenn der Roller schneller als 60km/h fährt, der Anhänger könnte ja umkippen.
I have a 200 CC scooter that I have a Harbor freight little 48 by 48 trailer that I'm trying to get a trailer hitch for Jess for just to do my RC boats boats I have the trailer made up for my truck but sometimes it's such a nice day I would like to take the scooter And have some fun going thank you for this video it was very helpful Please Comment back thank you again
Hi, you will have to make a hitch yourself most likely. If you go to the channel there is a 3 part series covering everything that you need to know about towing a trailer behind motorcycles as well as good info on tyres, batteries there is also one on scooters. Thanks for your positive feedback.
Outstanding, excellent post! Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome, there is a 3 part more detailed series on the channel
Just found your video on trailer types and suspension and found it informative. Back in the late ninetys my partner and I wished to go to Phillip Island to watch the motogp and had a crazy thought to build a trailer to tow behind our gtr 1000. Found a design that looked practical, went to a local steel supplier and they cut out the panels and welded it together. After following a few trailers noticed that the springs where not flexing much but the tyres where so made a solid axle with 13 inch tyres 22 psi . Found it to stable at any speed even hitting potholes and kerbs on purpose and found no issues at all . Cheers Wayne
Im glad you found it helpful. Its all about staying safe.
Great info and nice video, I adventure ride my R1150GSA with a trailer. Good tire psi tip. Old feller that fell rolling backwards should’ve Used rear brake or let the clutch out. Rookie mistake thinking a front tire works rolling backwards.
Much appreciate the info, specially the last part of the bike going back because the trailer did not have any breaks.
MostTrailer brakes wouldn't have helped. There is a more detailed videos on this on the channel.
Thanks for this.
I'm currently towing a cargo trailer with my 3rd bike, a Honda CTX1300.
But I may switch to an adventure bike and was curious about trailer hitches. This has helped me to get some ideas on what to do.
I agree with the use of a swivel. If for no other reason, the swivel will prevent the bike from being pulled down if the trailer should flip. This happened to someone when the trailer was hit by a car and flipped upside down, but the bike kept rolling safely.
I do plan on doing a video on trailers for Adv bikes down the track. Their requirements are a bit different.
On a hill you could slip the clutch to keep from rolling backwards. You could even dump the clutch to kill the motor to hopefully keep from rolling backwards. The real lesson is to be aware of this scenario and practice dealing with it.
Just found this video..looking to build myself a mono wheel trailer for my DR 650 ..this was really interesting and helpfull
@@bradarawa8522 there are other far more in depth videos on the channel. In 3 parts. Cheers!
I have towed trailer’s behind my bike for thousands of kilometres with a standard fixed coupler. I have never had any issues of any kind. In one video it showed doing some extreme lean angles. In my opinion most people riding while towing don’t engage in that kind of riding. There is more than enough lean angle in the standard ball hitch. I believe that if you’re going to ride on aggressive curves you will not be towing. That would take all the fun out of the ride. In all of my years of riding, I have met maybe one or two people that have used the swivel hitch. Everyone else use the standard ball.
I have crossed the road thousands of times never been hit by a car, but it just takes the once, remember that. If you tow behind a large bike, they do not lean enough to have any issues cornering BUT what if your bike falls over? You will twist or break something and you won't be going anywhere! Not everyone rides Harleys or Goldwings I have towed behind Ducatis, Aprilias etc... and I can tell you cornering with a trailer without a swivel hitch is a very stupid decision behind any bike like that. I made this series of videos to advise riders on what's safe and what is not, whether or not you choose to take any notice is a personal choice. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafe I tend to avoid using the word “ stupid “ in referring to anybody’s choices every body has a right to their opinion and the choices they make.
@@sydpetersen467 True
Mate you sound like a proper ideas man.
Don't know about an ideas man. Just old with a fair amount of experience. I produced a 3 part series on trailers, hopefully it will help some out. I see quite a few dangerous rigs on the road. Cheers.
@@motorcyclecafeI intend on watching your videos, as it seems you know what you're talking about. There's some bad advice on UA-cam land by those who obviously don't have any experience. The sad part is, they can influence those who don't know any better and are looking for proper advice.
@@gregorytubbs3444 yes that is 100% correct and the reason I produced all these videos on motorcycle trailers. The one on tires is especially important.
The Performance trailers you reccomend are actually made in Coffs Harbour NSW.
I agree with your comment about the Classic industries hitch, they allow far too much movement. I have towed a Performance trailer from Coffs Harbour to Mildura and back behind a TDM 900 and with a Classic hitch the wear on the rear tyre was extreme.
Crikey, NSW ay? Oh well just proves the fact I have nothing to do with them. Were they originally made in SA at some stage coz I'm pretty old.
@@motorcyclecafe Rob Thorman is the designer and manufacturer of Performance trailers and he is my next door neighbor in Coffs Harbour, so yes always made here in Coffs.
@@motorcyclecafe It looks very similar to the Shadow trailer (@5:07 in the video, with the wing) which are made in SA. I have one, and it is quite a good trailer.
@@dragonstaff62 they do look similar. Both are great aussie made trailers!
@graemeherbert285
Do you have a Web address for performance Trailers please? I can't find anything about them. Ta. Frank
Thanks for a great video and the series
you're welcome buddy, it's all about staying safe!
In South Australia, I recommend getting the hitch and electrics done by ShadowTrailers. He also makes custom trailers, but I’d make your own very from a Carlex Trailer base, which you can order from Victoria. Safe riding peoples!!!
Yes, a very good tip. I have seen his hitches they are extremely well designed and made.
I bought a small box trailer from carlex . Very well made and comes as a flat pack. I use a tarp and cargo net to cover contents. Get a lot of looks and compliments when I go camping.
Great Job 👍.
@@Lastcallrepent thank you. There are a few videos on the channel re motorcycle trailers.
The "Heim coupler" is by far the superior coupling system for your trailer as there is no slop in the connection like with a ball and you start to stop and then feel the clunk as the trailer pushes itself up on the ball hitch. I build trailers and ALWAYS use half torsion axles. I will not use a ball coupler, but I will build you a "male Heim" for your bike at no extra charge. The Heim uses a 3/4" (0.75") diameter pin that goes into the female Heim with an approximate .800" diameter hole for the pin to fit in. If you dont have some sort of swivel on your coupling, then you are basically on your knees begging the trailer GOD for a crash...and it will happen. You only need a swivel for 2 wheel bikes as trikes do not need this. One other thing and that is no matter who's trailer or what brand of a trailer...add some extra bright LED lights to the back of it to help you be seen. I am in Joshua, Texas and you can see my adventure videos here... ua-cam.com/users/HondaGoldwingGL1800 and if you have any questions...just ask.
Yes they are indeed the best connection to a motorcycle.
Thank you
I really like the Performance trailer at video's end. Are they only available in Australia or can you find them elsewhere. I'm US west coast. Thanks for your trailer review!
Hi buddy, Performance trailers are only available in Aussie but I'm quite sure you can find an American one just as good. There's a couple 'more informative' videos on the channel. Thanks for your feedback buddy!
Great video 🇨🇦
Thank You, there are 3 more detailed ones on the channel
I'm looking to get a 50/50 street legal dirt bike and trailer, I'm here in the U.S. East Coast... Great video!
Any recommendations on motorcycle?
I intend to do much off roaring yet still must take blacktop roads to get there.
Motorcycle can be used in fact I kinda insist.
If you go onto the channel there is a 3 part series on trailers for bikes. In part2 it will explain the towing limitations. You can use whatever bike you like as long as the trailer is a suitable size.
I live in Thailand. I have a Honda Forza 350. I would love to find a *very light* small utility trailer and the towing hardware/hitches, to make short trips to the golf course carrying my golf clubs and shoes. I dont need anythings to go camping, or those sorts of things. Just a small utility like trailer and rig setup.
I have not been able to find anything really close to what I would like. Maybe your viewers would have a suggestion.
Thanks.
You can get small trailers for 4 wheelers like a garden trailer but you would prob need better wheels and bearings. Just a thought.
Very informative, thank you !!!
You are welcome, comments like yours make all the time worth it, thanks!
I’m confused by the tire pressure comment at 8 minutes: What is “finder”? "If it’s got finder in the middle, your tire is over inflated”. I assume that means no chalk mark in the middle because the tire is too rounded from over inflation and wore the chalk away. Similarly, “Finder on the edges”...Am I miss-hearing? Did you say “finer” as in the chalk mark is thinner or “finer”? Sorry mate... but I do love and recommend your videos. And you helped me build a nice little trailer that trails most excellently.
Fainter buddy not finder. I can't help my accent. There is a video on the channel on trailer tire pressures alone which contains a formula that works 100% accurate for any trailer, even caravans.
@@motorcyclecafe I blame the closed caption and my ears! Your videos are awesome! - I used the formula from the three part series you made, but I was watching this one again - after recommending it to another Yank over here - and I just had to ask. Have a great day, and “best” to your friend, Mick! ;-)
Thanks Mick, from your name i assume you are a shooter. Me too. Cheers!
Would a swingarm mounted trailer be ok if it was designed to not only connect at the axle but brace to the shock pivot further forwards so that the ball/joint is solidly mounted.
Would pintle hitch be ok on a motorcycle trailer!
Did you try the Matchbox one?
Not yet buddy 😉
Why do you not recommend swingarm hitches?
I want to build a trailer and use a swing arm attachment because it will only be used when riding 2 up, and the bike is at maximum preload/weight with me and my bf on the back.
Same reason I dont want to just add saddlebags, because the rear bag luggage rack bag has a lot of weight in it.
On the swing arm effectively removes any weight on the rear suspension, and the rear tire's braking helps with the trailer since all the weight of the trailer will load onto the rear tire.
So now im wondering why I shouldnt use these.
There are many reasons. They add stress to swing arm bushes making them wear, they add to unsprung weight etc etc. There is a series of videos on the channel covering everything about trailers watch them all.
Awesome run down
Thanks buddy appreciate your positive feedback!
would you agree with this statement?
The hitch weight associated with towing a trailer will not have a major impact on the shock adjustment because, when towing down the road, the weight decreases downward force on the hitch itself and is lessened because of forward momentum?
Yes but only while travelling in a straight line on a very smooth and flat road. There is a series of videos on the channel covering all aspects of towing a trailer behind a motorcycle. There are some diagrams which I hope helps to explain things. Your tongue weight can change very dramatically when going over bumps etc due to the transfer of weight.
@@motorcyclecafe very interested in this topic and I’ll be looking at all of your videos to get a little bit know’d up on this I’ve been towing my trailer for the last couple of years off and on, but it is a larger trailer. The trailer when loaded weighs roughly 500 to 550 pounds I am towing it with a Harley road king….. interested in how the shocks should be set up for it etc… just got back from a 4000 mile trip and my shocks were completely shot on the rear……
Hey were can I find that trailer that u said was your old setup gray trailer with red bike!! They got a manufacturer name or website still????
!! Might go good with my harley
They were an Australian manufacturer called Ali-Lite sadly they are no longer in business. Sometimes 2nd hand ones come up for sale.
Good info thanks.
Thanks there are other much more informative videos on trailers in the channel if you look. Cheers
Why do you not recommend a swingarm mounted hitch?
Swing arm mounted hitches put a substantial extra load and wear on your swing arm bushes. They also add to your bikes unsprung weight, meaning any forces generated by the trailer will be 100% on the bikes rear tire itself. Even if you tongue weight is say 15kgs if you hit a dip in the road that 15kgs could become 50 kgs or more due to weight transfer. Increasing the chances of a blowout. There are other more detailed videos on the channel on this.
Have you seen the pasq av1 it looks pretty good even though its the style you said to avoid lol
yes I have, just have a think about the extra strain and pressure on swing arm bearings etc. Just because they are sold doesn't mean that they are a good idea. There are much better options.
@@motorcyclecafe not in the americas really, pivot trailers arnt common at all
What the brand of hitch shown at the 50sec point of the video?
Kuryakyn they are American made.
Hey man, can you recommend a hook and a trailer for a CB500X?
Not sure what you mean by 'hook' any small trailer would be fine the lighter the better. There are some other videos on the channel regarding trailer weight etc... which will answer any questions you have. You'll have to get a tow hitch made yourself though.
@@motorcyclecafe hook is a tow hitch sorry... or thats how we use the term. Right, its not pre made. Ill have to design one my self... Thanks, any tips?
Are there trailers with a seat for a passenger ?
No, not one!
Riding in a trailer is illegal pretty much everywhere on earth.
Unless you are a horse or livestock.
Richard should have used his back brake instead of locking the front and he wouldn't have fallen off.
Yes maybe, but I reckon he had both feet down holding the thing up so there wasn't a lot he could do. I had a similar thing happen to me once on a gravel incline.
If your not able to take a fall don't pull a trailer.Most times it will not be your fault with distracted driver's.
Von solchen Anhängern können wir in Deutschland nur träumen.
Würde gerne auch einen Anhänger mit meinem 350ccm Roller ziehen aber der deutsche TÜV macht sich in die Hose wenn der Roller schneller als 60km/h fährt, der Anhänger könnte ja umkippen.
It'd probably be better to make your own hitch. I can't even imagine how overpriced they'd be to buy.
I have a 200 CC scooter that I have a Harbor freight little 48 by 48 trailer that I'm trying to get a trailer hitch for Jess for just to do my RC boats boats I have the trailer made up for my truck but sometimes it's such a nice day I would like to take the scooter And have some fun going thank you for this video it was very helpful Please Comment back thank you again
Hi, you will have to make a hitch yourself most likely. If you go to the channel there is a 3 part series covering everything that you need to know about towing a trailer behind motorcycles as well as good info on tyres, batteries there is also one on scooters. Thanks for your positive feedback.
@@motorcyclecafe You are very welcome I'm going to look at my Scooter now to see how I can build something Thank you very much again for this video