Flat towing an 82' XJ750 - Could it be done?

Hi guys,

I'm about to move from CO to CA. I have a towing attachment that enables me to raise and secure the front wheel of my bike and tow it on its rear wheel behind my SUV. This works well with chain or belt driven bikes (just take the chain/belt off and you're good) and I don't want to spend money renting a trailer. In fact, U-haul doesn't even have one available fr this kind of move. I'm not sure about the shaft driven XJ. Here are my questions.

If I tow it as it is, would I damage the transmission, rear hub etc due to lack of oil pressure?

Can I remove the drive shaft and tow? Do you think the rear wheel would still be stable without the drive shaft in place?

Is there any other easy way to isolate the rear wheel so the rest of the drive train won't turn?

While towing, can I have the engine running at a certain rpm (~2000) to make sure there is oil pressure and the drive train is well lubricated? In this case, cost of gas would still be less than that of a trailer.

Thanks.

 

Not really sure so I look forward to some of the wizards replies.

I would think you could remove the drive shaft (mark the orientation on each end first), the rear wheel should remain stable without the shaft in place.

Alternatively you could store the bike at a friends house until after winter and then fly/ hitch/ train/ ride-share back, and ride that scooter to its new home on the coast.

 

If bike is in Neutral and oil level is correct in engine and the differential , should not be a problem .

 

stumplifter,

I'm sure the old girl could handle the 1400-mile-trip just fine but I'm not exactly the "iron-butt" type who enjoys holding onto the handle bars for his dear life for hours and hours and hours... So, flying-back and riding to CA is not an option.

Jetfixer,

I thought the same at first but after reading at honda goldwing forum, I changed my mind. They say goldwing transmission relies on oil pressure for proper lubrication. having the transmission turn at 65-80 mph without proper lubrication would cause damage. I'm trying to see if my XJ also needs oil pressure in the tranny. I would appreciate if somebody with a proper factory service manual look it up an let me know.

Thanks.

 

I would pull the driveshaft out.

 

Thanks Hoggfiddles.

Is the following correct?

"To remove the drive shaft: 1) pull the boot to the side to expose the u-joint and the c-clip. 2) remove the c-clip 3) remove the 4 bolts securing the drive shaft to the rear hub. 5) pull the rear hub away from the rear axle and remove the drive shaft."

I never removed the drive shaft before and I'm a little still skeptical about how stable the rear wheel will be without it. I guess we'll see.

Also, once I take the drive shaft off, the rear hub still stays on the bike, right?

 

That's the correct pocedure, excpt the rear wheel needs to be removed first (don't forget about the rear brake rod, and rear brake stay).
You will need to reinstall the final drive (rear hub) or there won't be anywhere for the rear wheel to go back onto.
The drive shaft has no bearing on the stability of the rear wheel. The wheel is fully supported by the final drive housing, and the final drive is fully supported by the swingarm.

 

Back in 82 i did just that what you are wanting to do. My yamaha dealer told me to make sure the oil level in the diff is full and make sure it is in neutral. They made a suggestion of not driving the highest speed you can go and make more stops . Went from st. louis mo to houston tx with no problems.

 

Thanks k-moe.

So, the drive shaft can be removed from its housing and the "empty" housing can be put back in place, right? I didn't know drive shaft would simply slide out of its housing. Also, should I expect lots of oil spillage while doing this.

Thanks Door dude.

That still could be an option. I do have the engine and diff fluid topped off. However, I still wouldn't tow it without running the engine. I might be too much of a "bad-case-scenario" kind of guy but I think a few bucks spent on gas would be worth the peace of mind. Nonetheless, I'm glad it worked out for you.

 

Oil will only leak out if the seal is bad.

 

Bad idea.
1. it's not an automatic transmission, so there is no risk of damage to the transmission from lack of oil circulation, as would be the case in a automatic.
2. Should there be a problem, how will you, a. notice, and b. shut the engine off quickly?

 

U-Haul motorcycle trailers are $14/day. Just sayin'.

 

i used to that with a dirt bike with the chain off, worked well. a word of advice, don't try to back up

 

I looked it up but did not see one for $14/day. In fact, I saw none. I'd appreciate if you could provide a link that shows $14/day from colorado springs, CO to san francisco, CA on January 10-11, 2018.

 

How about towing the car with the bike?

 

Uhaul are $14 a day if you hire and return to the same place. Otherwise it’s more to hire.

 

Scottie is right, i just got off the phone with u-haul to rent a bike trailer to go from des moines iowa to st. louis missouri one way. $92.00 They do allow me to keep it for 3 day for that price.

 

my area the regular trailers are around 14$ to 19$ local rental for motorcycle trailer is 24$. remember to get the insurance.

 

you should put it on the centerstand to avoid breaking the sidestand

 

Should be tied down on a trailer with the side and center stand up. Having either down puts unnecessary stress on the frame and a properly tied down bike won't need either. I can't imagine trying to get a bike on a trailer in the right spot with the center stand either.

 

+1 to that

 

1985 - Moved my xj550 from Chicago to Wisconsin in the back of an 18 foot uhaul truck. Loaded the household items first (after a year of marriage we didn't have a lot), left one spot in the rear along one side. Drove the bike up the ramp, strapped to the side walls, and off we went.

Rolling it backwards down the ramp was an interesting experience. Very careful use of front brake...