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MITCH
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« on: April 10, 2009, 08:02:49 PM » |
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Those of you pulling a trailer with your Valkyrie, how does it effect your fuel millage and handling? I ride two up so that would be a factor also I would think. Please tell me your experiences and advise.
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TWT
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« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2009, 08:08:11 PM » |
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My Brother and I both ride Busa's and we're close tot the same weight.
We did some testing with him riding with the Trailer and I wishout, and at the end of the tank, it cost him one dollar more to fill the fuel tank.
That's not a lot I think.
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NiteRiderF6
Member
Posts: 559
Doug n Stacy
Mississippi
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« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2009, 08:20:46 PM » |
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It is added drag on the Valk to pull a trailer, but she has plenty of power to get the job done.
You will suffer about a 2 - 3 MPG difference, but the added space is sometimes important if you take a longer trip.
The most important part is getting accustomed to having the trailer behind you, slow speed handling (until you get used to it) and swinging wide enough at curbs and gas pumps.... It only takes one time to wake you up, but the Valk is the perfect bike for pulling a trailer if you don't overload it. Pay close attention to the weights left vs right side and secure your load so it can't shift on you and watch your tongue weight.
The other consideration is getting into situations where you need to back up, as with the curbs, it only takes once to get tuned into that. Good Luck!
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1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate - SuperValk Mod - SS - Lots of Chrome!  |
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Steven W.
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« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2009, 08:28:56 PM » |
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Linda and I have ridden well over 100,000 miles towing a trailer. My normal mpg is around 36, goes down to around 31-32 mpg with the trailer, and we load it heavy, usually for a 2-3 week trip cross country. You usually can't even tell it's behind you, just allow a little more room when stopping. Even better if you have a car tire on the bike.
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15220
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2009, 08:38:22 PM » |
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Watch yourself on a downhill curve if the trailer is loaded heavy. Don't brake hard in that situation, going around a curve and hitting the brakes will often cause the trailer to push sideways on the rear end of the bike. Not a good feeling.
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ptgb
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« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2009, 08:42:52 PM » |
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 Only have about 3000-4000 miles towing a Harbor Freight rig, so I am no expert, but yes, fuel mileage will drop somewhat. I ran a '97 Standard two up with the trailer on highways. I had a belly tank, so that kept stops for fuel somewhat respectable. With the belly tank, got over 200 miles to a tank with no trailer, with the trailer would have to stop for gas around 175-185... that equals somewhere around 27 mpg instead of the normal 32-35 mpg. As far as handling... especially with the medium sized Harbor Freight, just got to remember it is back there... you are adding upwards of 500lb.. behind you... have to pay attention to stopping more than anything. Next, be aware of your width when turning, don't cut corners too shallow, or don't get too close to gas islands or toll booths. As far as pulling and power, you won't feel that much of a difference unless you are in the twisties. Lastly, whether you ride single or two-up you won't feel any difference with the trailer. Keep in mind that your rear tire will wear faster if you run a lot of super-slab, two-up, with a trailer. Rear tire looked great when we left home, 800 miles later in Montreal:   That ended up being a $600 day! Beggars can't be choosers when it comes to towing the valk & trailer ($75 extra to tow the trailer), finding a tire in stock, being 800 miles away from home, where everybody speaks French!  |
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« Last Edit: April 10, 2009, 08:56:24 PM by ptgb »
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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ChromeDome
Member
Posts: 2175
Aurora, IL.
60 miles West of Chicago!
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« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2009, 08:54:42 PM » |
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Not sure what kind of trailer you have or plan on getting and I think that has a lot to do with the way it effects the handling of the bike. I've got a BushTec Roadstar and I love it   Running around 70mph and I give up about 3 mpg. The only time I notice that I have the trailer is starting and stopping, that's when I will feel a little extra pull or push. Most of the time I don't even notice it is back there ... so I end up checking my mirrors more often. The BushTec has an air suspension system so every time you load it you have to re-check the system. I've put about 7000 miles, maybe more, on it and have never had a problem. Hope that helps. |
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CajunRider
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« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2009, 09:07:04 PM » |
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I pull a Uni-Go trailer (single wheel trailer). It's about the same width as the Valk and sits right in the slip stream. I get exactly the same mileage with and without the trailer with a light load. A heavily loaded trailer causes me to lose about 1 mile per gallon.
I'm guessing that the wind drag makes most of the difference... not the little bit of weight that gets added.
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Sent from my Apple IIe
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Earl in Pensacola
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« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2009, 09:21:29 PM » |
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I've pulled my 20 cubic foot CycleMate with my '97 Tourer (that has 200K on it) about 7 or 8000 miles. Absolutely no problems created by the extra weight of a fully loaded trailer. Just be sure and adjust your tire PSI up a little (I have Progressive 416 air shocks set @ 70psi when pulling & 42 in the rear tire) and pay attn. to "close" areas, acceleration and stopping as above noted. Be sure that your spline and drive/flange gears are properly lubed. I usually lose about 4 or 5 MPG when pulling.
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3fan4life
Member
Posts: 6958
Any day that you ride is a good day!
Moneta, VA
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« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2009, 09:46:34 PM » |
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I've discovered that pulling a trailer is surprisingly easy. A few adjustments do need to be made though: You do need to allow more stopping distance. Slow down sooner and more for a downhill curve. Remember that you are "longer" and allow a little more room for turns. "Never" park where you will have to back up. It is possible but, it isn't "easy". As a matter of fact it's very *%$#!*^# hard!!!!!  On the highway I can forget that the trailer is behind me. Fuel mileage does suffer. Two up with a trailer I usually average 30-31mpg. Also, the first time that I pulled my trailer I lost the alternator. I don't know if it was related or just a coincidence. But, as a result I did install one of the boxes that isolates the trailer wiring. I figured that $50 was much cheaper than a new alternator. |
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1 Corinthians 1:18  |
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fudgie
Member
Posts: 10613
Better to be judged by 12, then carried by 6.
Huntington Indiana
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« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2009, 06:05:16 AM » |
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My trailer pulling is alittle different then those have posted. I cannot tell its back there but my mileage was way down. Coming home from Cheaha mileage wasn't bad. Our Sturgis trip my mileage kinda sucked. I was getting mid to late 20's with a 8 miles reserve. (Don't ask!  ) lol I was filling up every 110 miles or so. The ride home had the worse mileage. This was 2 up, loaded trailer, full saddle bags, and T-bag on back. It was also windy and we stayed around 80-85 mph most of the time. I took the trailer to work in Indy (100 miles) and the trailer was way to squirrly. All I had in it was a tent, sleeping bag, and clothes. Couldn't go over 65 mph. I blame this on a loose reciever. This year we have a little luggage rack that is hitch mounted for Sturgis. I will be using the trailer for a few little nearby rallies.  |
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 Now you're in the world of the wolves... And we welcome all you sheep... VRCC-#7196 VRCCDS-#0175 DTR PGR |
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Crazyhorse
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« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2009, 06:56:37 AM » |
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The Dragon Wagon is a 1993 Bushtec trailer. My first bushtec trailer was a roadstar made the mistake of selling it. You can travel, camp and go shopping with it  . .jpg) |
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12606
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #12 on: April 11, 2009, 08:11:32 AM » |
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 mileage just a few less than without the trailer but its nice the wife can carry it all with her Mostly I just put a bag on the trunk cause I like to travel light if I would have gotten 34 riding solo then with a loaded trailer and 2 u I get 30mg never got to ride with the car tire and trailer and its one of the reasons I got the car tire Maybe I will have it mounted on a spare wheel one of these days just in case we want to take a cross country trip with the trailer |
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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sandy
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« Reply #13 on: April 11, 2009, 09:02:25 AM » |
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I agree with one poster who said the windage made more difference than the weight. I lost 9-10 MPG with my Roll-a-Home tent trailer. Weight about 425lbs. Stopping in wet conditions was a bit white knuckled a couple of times.  |
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Old Geezer Richard
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« Reply #14 on: April 11, 2009, 07:14:30 PM » |
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Pete are you running 12" tires on your trailer ? I was thinking about swapping out the original 8 " tires but I wonder if the wind would get under the trailer and cause it to get squirrely if I got caught on a windy day with the taller tires ..... also does running the taller tire ( 12" ) help the trailer pull better or what would be the advantage ? I had checked with harbor freight and they do not carry a 10" tire just 12" and its a 5 lug rim pattern , how involved is it change out from a 4 lug to 5 lug rim pattern .... Thanks Old Geezer
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If you don't care where you're going, then you ain't lost , Murphy's Law because wherever you are going to , it ain't going nowhere .... San Antonio,Tx.
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #15 on: April 11, 2009, 07:21:30 PM » |
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most all the spindles are the same size, i think all you would have to do is change the hubs out,,,
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ptgb
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« Reply #16 on: April 11, 2009, 07:40:33 PM » |
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Pete are you running 12" tires on your trailer ? I was thinking about swapping out the original 8 " tires but I wonder if the wind would get under the trailer and cause it to get squirrely if I got caught on a windy day with the taller tires ..... also does running the taller tire ( 12" ) help the trailer pull better or what would be the advantage ? I had checked with harbor freight and they do not carry a 10" tire just 12" and its a 5 lug rim pattern , how involved is it change out from a 4 lug to 5 lug rim pattern .... Thanks Old Geezer
The original rims on the Harbor Freight trailer (that I switched out for chrome) are 12" 4-lug rims... they are sitting in my garage, I just checked 2 minutes ago. I think Harbor Freight, might be wrong about what they are carrying. If you Google "12" trailer wheels 4 lug" you will get many sites that carry 12" 4 lug rims and/or rims and tire sets. I have never run an 8" tire-ed trailer, but my understanding is the 12" pulls much better for a few reasons, mostly that the tongue is more level with the hitch, instead of running upwards. It has always been my understanding that you want the tongue level or slightly tilted downward toward the hitch. If it goes upward to the hitch, under hard braking, it can cause the rear-end of the bike to lift up very slightly, but on a wet road that could be a very bad thing. As previously said, I have only a couple three thousand miles under my belt towing, but I never had any problems on a windy day. In fact, I never once had any kinds of stability issues at all while pulling the trailer. I think it is because I am very picky about weight distribution, tongue weight, and how much stuff we are loading up in the trailer. |
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« Last Edit: April 11, 2009, 07:46:37 PM by ptgb »
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Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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ptgb
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« Reply #17 on: April 11, 2009, 07:47:40 PM » |
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« Last Edit: April 12, 2009, 08:15:11 AM by ptgb »
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Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #18 on: April 12, 2009, 06:25:09 AM » |
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If you just want a taller tire you can stay with the 8in rims a put a taller 8in tire on it. I'm not at home to see what I have on mine but it is almost as tall as the 12in tire and is alittle wider than the 12in. Seems its a 5.6 X 8in if my brain is working right. I got them at wally world pretty cheap.
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #19 on: April 12, 2009, 06:49:20 AM » |
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These are the ones I've got on my trailerhttp://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200330366_200330366
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Slyk Willy
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« Reply #20 on: April 12, 2009, 07:16:21 AM » |
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Both my utility trailer and my camper trailer pull very well behind my I/S. I find that the braking is the issue more than anything else. give yourself LOTS of stopping time/space. Handling? no problem...Gas mileage? takes a hit (of course). I was concerned r/e the trailer lights going out so I added the 2-B-Seen lights on my handlebars. (all appropriate disclaimers) I thought...If my trailer's lights are gone, for whatever reason, people behind me would'nt be able to see my or my bike's lights.  |
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« Last Edit: November 14, 2010, 03:39:20 PM by Slyk Willy »
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Slyk Willy VRCC # 16194
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doily57
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« Reply #21 on: November 14, 2010, 08:49:27 AM » |
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Looking for a pattern for a Hitch Doctor Hitch??
I want to make one out of Stainless Steel and I need a pattern??
Can some one HELP????
I need one side and the cross piece ( part with Ball hole).
Cardboard or paper! I will pay for the help!!!
Doily57
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junior
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« Reply #23 on: November 14, 2010, 01:50:43 PM » |
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i aint trying to hyjack or anything ........but who was it that built a single wheel trailer. was it fnsmoks or tropic traveler? i would vary much like to talk to them.
tia
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scoot
Member
Posts: 909
Lifes too short Ride it hard
Grand Rapids Mi.
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« Reply #24 on: November 14, 2010, 02:07:35 PM » |
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I've pulled my trailer with the Valkyrie for quite a few miles. Pulled through alot of different conditions. Biggest thing to keep in mind is the added weight. Going down the road (highway or back roads you'll hardly know it's there. But when it comes time to stop you'll notice it. As long as it is set up correctly and loaded right you will enjoy every minute with it. Don't try to scimp on the set up. You will most likely end up spending more money again to do it right. If you haven't pulled a trailer before, once you have one hokk it up throw some stuff in it and pull it around town. When you are comfortable with it get your passenger and go for a little ride. It will handle different each time, but with a little practice you will get used to it and know how to handle it. I loose about 1 or 2 miles per gallon when pulling. I don't usually pull it around once I arrive at my destination. (I will chain it to a pole, parking curb, or just run cable though the wheels to make it imobile) Here is a good site for alot of information on towing a trailer with a motorcycle http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTrailertowing/start |
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 Some like to ride Fat boys, I think I'll stay with the fat lady |
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BuzzKill
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« Reply #25 on: November 14, 2010, 03:16:52 PM » |
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We have a Starlight Trailer. Mileage: Always 2 up. Without trailer, 30ish MPG. With trailer 26ish MPG. Trailer with alot of crosswind, 22ish MPG. Wind played a big deal in our trip to South Dakota. I got as low as 21 mpg with 40 mph crosswinds. I was usually going on reserve around 110-120 miles. Carried a gas can on the cooler rack, and the cooler inside. It is kinda a boxy trailer, so that might make it a tad worse than some. Handling: I have to remind myself its back there. Make sure you got plently of brakes before any long trip of course. It will follow you in any twisty you take it in, just be mindful of where your trailer tires will track. Mine has a swivel hitch. I've heard people with straight hitches have no issues either. Wear: If you plan on trailering alot, and have thought about going Darkside, might think a little more. They can eat the tires. Watch your pressure closely. I would probably put about 2 lbs more than usual. Got a friend in another group who had to replace 2 tires in 2 trips to Arkansas. One was nearly brand new.  |
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Molasses
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« Reply #26 on: November 14, 2010, 03:42:08 PM » |
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This one's worked pretty well for us so far:  We did get the worst mileage I've gotten to date while pulling it in Montana a few years back: 21mpg. It was just over 100 degrees, with a stiff headwind, going somewhere over 70mph, two-up and with the trailer, a big tank bag and a bag on the luggage rack, so it might not've been all the trailer's fault. |
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Bugslayer
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« Reply #27 on: November 14, 2010, 03:51:35 PM » |
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There are some good lookin trailers. Some I haven't seen before. I think a head wind messes with my gas mileage more than my trailer does.  |
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mikeb
Member
Posts: 311
vrcc-29271
dansville mi by lansing mi
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« Reply #28 on: November 14, 2010, 04:40:28 PM » |
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pulling a trailer did not lower my fuel mileage a bit .. cause my wife pulls it !!!
we both run out of fuel at the some time .. with or with out the trailer.. we run at 75/80 mph on the hiway i think a cartire is the way to go ..i was worried last summer when we left for a week of riding the blueridge park way but she handled it like a real trooper she said she knew the trailer was there but had no issues with it pushing her down the hills or hold her back going up and said there was no need to even down shift going down or climbing the hills .. load it even dont drive like an idiot and smile and wave alot!! the valk did not care that the trailer was there and she did not care either
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i dont care what you ride just ride mike & kari mivrcc capital city leader s.s.d.d.  |
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f6rider
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« Reply #29 on: November 14, 2010, 05:35:40 PM » |
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Bugslayer
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« Reply #30 on: November 14, 2010, 05:58:55 PM » |
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Good looking trailer.
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PAVALKER
Member
Posts: 4435
Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213
Pittsburgh, Pa
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« Reply #31 on: November 14, 2010, 06:14:23 PM » |
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Looking for a pattern for a Hitch Doctor Hitch??
I want to make one out of Stainless Steel and I need a pattern??
Can some one HELP????
I need one side and the cross piece ( part with Ball hole).
Cardboard or paper! I will pay for the help!!!
Doily57
This should be quite close....   |
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John  |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #32 on: November 14, 2010, 06:22:48 PM » |
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I cannot speak to trailers. However, PTGB, this may be the worst tire I have ever seen on or off a bike. Holy shoot!! |
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ptgb
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« Reply #33 on: November 14, 2010, 07:09:07 PM » |
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I cannot speak to trailers. However, PTGB, this may be the worst tire I have ever seen on or off a bike. Holy shoot!! Yes sir, that tire wear snuck up on us. As stated, it looked good when we left home. Knowing a little bit more about tires now then I did then... I might have been a bit more suspect of it, but probably would have still figured it would be alright. Luckily, even though we were on the freeway riding 70+ mph ... the Valk just started to slightly sway back and forth... gave us plenty of warning that there was a problem. It's ended up all good... except for the $600 it cost for towing and tire. |
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Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #34 on: November 14, 2010, 11:34:16 PM » |
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Pavalker, I built that hitch years ago and if I had to build another I would either make it alittle longer on the 13.25 measurement or I would flip the sides so the bottom flange would be pionted out instead of in and make the cross piece longer to make up the added width. I used 3/8 carriage bolts to attach the bottom piece and the heads are very close to the bottom edge of the fender. Not a big problem just close. Also I would tack weld the bolts to the bracket so no backup wrench is needed.
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scoot
Member
Posts: 909
Lifes too short Ride it hard
Grand Rapids Mi.
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« Reply #36 on: November 15, 2010, 09:37:50 AM » |
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I pulled my Kompact Kamp to Daytona this year 800 miles round trip. My back tire had 16K miles on it before the trip (see pic) and it has 18K miles on it now........it looks the same, cant see a difference. Maybe its tongue weight or tire presure I run 44 on the back when the trailer is on   I would have'ta tend to agree with you on the weight on the tongue. I have pulled alot and never noticed excessive wear like that. If it is loaded properly there shouldn't be that much more weight on the hitch. |
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Some like to ride Fat boys, I think I'll stay with the fat lady |
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pitbull
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« Reply #37 on: November 15, 2010, 10:57:04 AM » |
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I get very little difference when pulling my trailer,I even had one trip where I got an EXTRA 20 miles before going onto reserve,strange. Pitbull  |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #38 on: November 15, 2010, 12:03:36 PM » |
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I pulled my Kompact Kamp to Daytona this year 800 miles round trip. My back tire had 16K miles on it before the trip (see pic) and it has 18K miles on it now........it looks the same, cant see a difference. Maybe its tongue weight or tire presure I run 44 on the back when the trailer is on Oh, I run the tongue weight a bit less than I have been told is normal.......somewhere between 10 and 15 lbs I dont actually measure it I just check how "heavy" it is to lift the tongue as Im loading the trailer.......way light-put some weight up front.....getting heavy-weight in the back.......I base my judgement on how it feels compared to lifting my 15lb dumbell....try to get it the same or close...and I get 30 (or so) more miles out of a tank if I dont have the trailer.....not too bad, but it is less mpg pulling for sure |
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« Last Edit: November 15, 2010, 12:43:56 PM by Chrisj CMA »
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