Towing question

I have been looking into trailers and ways of occassionally towing my cycle (82 maxim 750). When I remembered having a "hitchhiker" cycle towing unit in the garage (younger people out there may not remember these LOL) It is a way to tow the cycle by the front wheel and attaches to you trailer ball. Has anyone here used one of these? I remember as a kid my father towed a 60 or 70's something suzuki from NY to MN when we moved, with no problems. But I also remember my brother using it and ruining something on his, beleave it shifted into gear instead of neutral. Was wondering if this way of towing will be safe on mine or any precautions to take so it does not shift out of N. thanks

 

a newer version of I am talking about can be seen here http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/caddy1.html

 

Generally I'm not keen on them, or the other Hitch Carrier systems which have you park the bike on a rail.

(The later Marc dropped/dragged his rs50 from when a tie down snapped)

My personal favorites in order are:
1) ride it
2) tie it in the bed of a truck/van
3) trailer behind a car/truck


Yes - if it was in gear you'd make a huge mess... even in neutal some things will turn - at least as far as the clutch. I guess you could take the clutch lever in.

Still - I'd save up for a different device - even buy a used utilitity trailer if you have the space

 

Thanks woot, I agree totally with you list I am trying to get my camper along with my cycle (towing with suburban, bike wont fit in rear doors) down to a camp ground later this month and where I am you can not pull two trailers but they allow you to pull camper and "hitchhiker" device. I am starting to lean heavily on not using it thou. I also found some more info on this that says if the shaft drive has a pump that needs the motor to run DO NOT USE. Not sure if this cycle has a fluid pump like they mention or not? might have to make two trips to the camp ground LOL dont want to leave either toy

 

Your final drive is immersed in it's own lubrication bath, so that shouldn't be a problem. This will however turn the shaft and I'm assuming here that the bike will be tilted with a nose up angle, allowing a greater than normal amount of oil in the crankcase to pool up in the rear part of the transmission, lubricating the shaft drive gears. I do not see a problem with this set up other than not having a hitchhiker myself! Just keep your speed at a reasonable clip (ie slowly) and you should be ok. There is my two cents.

 

For some reason I can't view the above link.

 

Try this one Richard.
http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/caddy1.html

 

That one worked.
Thanks Hired_Goon
This type of hauler was discussed on the xj-owners mailing list some time back.
Someone wanted one, and there was a big discussion on how everything was going to get lubricated. I'll try to find it in there archive and post it.

 

I think I remember that - that was a long time ago!

 

Here's the link. http://micapeak.com/archives/xj-owners/index25.html
Topic starts on page 25 of the archives.
You'll have to register to veiw the archives

 

Thanks to all, Sno I was thinking the same thing this whole weekend, I have gotten many mixed opinions about this hauler which has just made it a harder for me to choose to use or not, but I would feel very comfortable with the back wheel off as well, I started to work on making something just like you mentioned, and will keep you posted on success or failure. So far plan is basic using the hitch as designed to lift front wheel, then a simple axle with two trailer tires, a rack for the back tire welded to it, then a solid bar on each side with a hook system to connect it to the chain loops of the hitch, the bars then could also be used to secure the cycle with straps on the sides. will see if this is workable LOL

 

I wanna see pictures when your done!! Keep a thought on cost for building them for profit too, will you?

 

ok will do