Would You Tow w/-"Slick-Wheelie?"

[Paxton]

Would you tow your Valkyrie with this product?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130560070626?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

[sugerbear]

absolutely not!

when the rear tire turns so does the transmission.....unless you disconnect the drive shaft.

[R J]

I wouldn't tow a Valkyrie that way, but that is just me.

I use this air ride trailer.

http://www.adventuresportsproducts.com/

I use it to haul my lawn equipment out to the shop for service.

I've had a lot of trailers and so far, this ole girl is a keeper.
You do not know or remember it  is back there.

A riding buddy of mine borrowed it when his Harley crapped a piston coming home from Rolling Thunder.

He said he loaded the bike, started out and checked the trailer every few miles, stopped for gas, took off down the road and scared the crap out of himself.  He looked in the mirror and thought someone was going to hit him.   He said the 2nd glance was when he came to on the trailer on his truck.

It pulls just as easy and quiet empty as it does loaded.   With the air ride, it automatically adjusts the air bags to the requirement of the pay load.

It is the only truly 1 person trailer I know of.   Lot of them claim it, but this thing is simple.

1.   Pull up beside or near the bike.
2.   Release the air valve so as to lower the deck to the ground.
3.   Ride bike on and park it in the Wheel Chock.
4.   Get off the bike
5.   Put 4 straps on the bike, loosely.
6.   Tighten the straps going from front to rear. 
7.   PS:  I use the lower engine guards and the frames under the saddlebags.    Tie them LOW and let them move up and down if they so desire, but movement will be very minimal.
8.   When you shake the bike and the trailer moves with it without any extra movement, you is ready to travel.

I check the straps after about 40 miles, then again at 80 miles.

When I fill the truck up, I check them again.  If everything is good to go, I don't bother with the straps.   I know then that the Bike isn't going anywhere, but down the road with me.

[alph]

i don't think you'd use it with a Valkyrie, but i'm sure if you go to sturgis you might see a bunch of 'em!!     now those are the guys that would be using it!

[shortleg]

  The only other trailor that you can self load is a
Baxley trailer.
  I have a Gt2000 model and have take the Valk and a
full dress harley with no problem.
  The one R.J. speaks of is better because of the
air and it,s inclosed.
http://www.baxleycompanies.com/
Shortleg[Dave]

[Jess Tolbirt]

if your tranny has oil in it then should be no problem towing your bike...

[doubletee]

Here's another possible option:

http://trailerinabag.com/index.html

[Chrisj CMA]

regardless of transmission damage........why would you put the miles on the rear tire...heavy miles as more weight would seem to be on the back.  Its just not a wise choice IMHO

[Paxton]

Thank you folks for such wonderful suggestions...  ???
I am just wanting to have an alternative for towing the Cruisers in an emergency or otherwise. LOW-bucks is definitely a huge obstacle.  

Here is the deal... Sounds familiar???
Whatever I buy, the use will be limited; at best. It'll probably seat in my garage for years... w/o use...
However, I plan on taking a 6K-mile round trip  next summer. I'd love to ride the Valk to the east coast, but the wife can't do it anymore.  
Yes, I've thought about the issue of the transmission overheating. Indeed that's why I am asking for your input.  

I first have to retrofit my truck with a tow hitch... I already purchased it. It comes with the OEM harness and such.  

The Valk's rear tire is not an issue. I am running a new CT and I'd take a second new one as a spare.

Too bad, the Valk won't fit in my truck's bed.  Even w/-the tailgate open, she falls short by 12." Whatever.
Notwithstanding, given the concerns raised 'bout the transmission, it seems that pulling the Valk with a Slick Wheelie is out of the question.

Another option is to take my '77 GL1000 CAFE RACER instead. She fits in my truck's bed... Got to figure something out...

Here are photos of my three girls:
https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/TheThreeAmigas?authkey=Gv1sRgCIe0wJLpibP_ZQ

[PAVALKER]

Quite possibly in an emergency situation, not often and not for any long periods of time/distance.

There are other options available that make more sense tho.  I have and use a utility trailer for hauling compost, mulch, construction debris etc etc.... and have a wheel chock that bolts to the floor if needed to haul a bike.

[Westernbiker]

I don't see why some Valk owner that lives in your area won't let you borrow a trailer for your bike. Pose the question. Someone in your area has one for sure!

[Ice]

I know this will sound dumb, but have you checked into renting a U-haul trailer? If its only a one time thing, check what the rates are for hauling the bike, it may be the alternative to buying a trailer that you will use once in a lifetime...may also in the end come cheaper...

[MacDragon]

I know this will sound dumb, but have you checked into renting a U-haul trailer? If its only a one time thing, check what the rates are for hauling the bike, it may be the alternative to buying a trailer that you will use once in a lifetime...may also in the end come cheaper...

I think I paid around $100.00 to bring my Valk home one way using u-haul... i dropped off the trailer within 2 days at the local u-haul down the street.  would have been cheaper if I brought it back in one day.



Cheap money for getting it home when it couldn't be ridden.   have very few reasons for a trailer other than once in a great while.  Those few times, I can borrow or rent.

[Hoser]

I use one that was built for a golf cart.  It is low enough that dragging the Valk on the ramp is not a problem.

[John Schmidt]

Some years back I bought a one year old '94 Chariot, single bike, open version trailer. I got it for well under $1000 from a guy that was behind in his alimony and needed cash NOW.    It's low, has a pull out full width ramp, just ride the Valk on and but the kickstand down. Then I can get off and tie it down as I see fit before raising the sidestand. It's a one-person operation, just have to be sure to hook it to the vehicle's trailer hitch first. On the later models that's not necessary, the trailer can be free-standing. When you're done loading, just slide the ramp back in and lock it into place. The front has a builtin wheel chock, the bed has eight different tie-downs available. When you want to unload the bike, put the sidestand down then loosen the right side straps first. As for towing, I run 75 mph without any trouble.

[hubcapsc]

I keep looking at this one, I've got the Mini set up to pull a trailer now, and
I want to be able to load a non-cranking Valkyrie... I'm not much at pushing
Valkyries up ramps 

http://www.razortrailers.com/

-Mike

[olddog1946]

I fail to understand why there is a concern about the transmission when using the slick wheelie thing..
If your trans is in neutral, as it should be, the only thing turning in it would be the output shaft..so towing it on the back tire would not be a concern..Other than tire wear, and the stability of the bike (which would be my biggest concern).  I'd hate to have the bike fall over or off..

[BF]

Here's yet another option.....

 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270838700638&category=33653&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

[hubcapsc]

Here's yet another option.....

 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270838700638&category=33653&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619

That looks like it would do the trick... but not Mini friendly...

-Mike "big Truck friendly..."

[¿spoom]

I fail to understand why there is a concern about the transmission when using the slick wheelie thing..
If your trans is in neutral, as it should be, the only thing turning in it would be the output shaft..so towing it on the back tire would not be a concern..Other than tire wear, and the stability of the bike (which would be my biggest concern).  I'd hate to have the bike fall over or off..

True, but these rear ends were really designed for forward use i.e. spiral cut pinon driving the ring gear, not ring gear driving the pinion. I can't see doing that to a bike on purpose when there are so many other good options. I'd have no problems using that rig with a bike that had it's drive chain or belt removed, but I wouldn't be interested in getting one for a Valk. I bought a Trailer inna Bag a few years ago and picked up the largest diameter wheels & speed-rated tires that fit the bolt pattern at the local Farm & Fleet store. Only used it a few times but it's been a great buy. I toss it in the back of the pickup (broken down into 2-3 main pieces) when I go to looked at a bike, if I decide not to buy it I didn't have to drag an empty trailer around behind me.

[Hoser]

absolutely not!

when the rear tire turns so does the transmission.....unless you disconnect the drive shaft.

If that isn't bad enough, if road debris should kick up and put the bike in gear, BIG trouble!  Hoser

[jer0177]

I fail to understand why there is a concern about the transmission when using the slick wheelie thing..
If your trans is in neutral, as it should be, the only thing turning in it would be the output shaft..so towing it on the back tire would not be a concern..Other than tire wear, and the stability of the bike (which would be my biggest concern).  I'd hate to have the bike fall over or off..

True, but these rear ends were really designed for forward use i.e. spiral cut pinon driving the ring gear, not ring gear driving the pinion. I can't see doing that to a bike on purpose when there are so many other good options. I'd have no problems using that rig with a bike that had it's drive chain or belt removed, but I wouldn't be interested in getting one for a Valk. I bought a Trailer inna Bag a few years ago and picked up the largest diameter wheels & speed-rated tires that fit the bolt pattern at the local Farm & Fleet store. Only used it a few times but it's been a great buy. I toss it in the back of the pickup (broken down into 2-3 main pieces) when I go to looked at a bike, if I decide not to buy it I didn't have to drag an empty trailer around behind me.

Not true.

These transmissions are constant mesh.  This means that not only is your driveshaft and rear ring/pinion turning, but so are all the gears on the output shaft, and since they're turning, so are all the gears on your input shaft.  The only thing that says "it's in neutral" is that none of the shift forks have engaged any of the gears to drive a shaft or be driven by a shaft. 

So you've got all that spinning going on in there, without any oil being pumped, slung or sloshing onto the gears.  That could be very, very bad.

On a bike that you could pull the chain or belt, yeah, no problem - the wheel bearings will be fine.

Rent a u-haul trailer, borrow a trailer or pick up one of the small "full-support" type trailers - don't take the chance.

 

[JerryB]

I use this from R&R Trailers..........Ramp pulls out the back.Weighs 450 lbs. It is the handiest trailer I have ever had...........JB

[Willow]

Even without considering the issues of tire and transmission wear with the "wheelie", how are you going to lift the front end of the Valkyrie to get it on there and how do you think your vehicle will manage having 400 pounds hanging off the rear bumper?

I'm sure that's a nice system for a light weight recreational bike, but it doesn't look Valkyrie friendly to me.

[czuch]

No foolin around here. I have a dual axle car trailer. The only hassle is unloading. That takes three men and a boy.n I screw 2x4 as a chanel and runner up. Tie the baby down and try to remember not to throw anything out the window. Like funky lettuce of my sandwich.

[Chrisj CMA]

Even without considering the issues of tire and transmission wear with the "wheelie", how are you going to lift the front end of the Valkyrie to get it on there and how do you think your vehicle will manage having 400 pounds hanging off the rear bumper?

I'm sure that's a nice system for a light weight recreational bike, but it doesn't look Valkyrie friendly to me.

I totally agree Willow......not so Valk friendly, however, to get it up, there is a crank......you drive the front wheel into the devise and strap it then crank it.......still I would never

[Willow]

I totally agree Willow......not so Valk friendly, however, to get it up, there is a crank......you drive the front wheel into the devise and strap it then crank it.......still I would never

Oops!  I guess I should have actually read the description instead of just looking at the pictures.      And it does say up to 1000 pounds.

I just wouldn't do it.

[PAVALKER]

I keep looking at this one, I've got the Mini set up to pull a trailer now, and
I want to be able to load a non-cranking Valkyrie... I'm not much at pushing
Valkyries up ramps 

http://www.razortrailers.com/

-Mike

Mini as in Mini Cooper??  Curious what the tow capacity of a Mini is?   My Saturn Aura with a V6 is only 1k MAX?  Trailer and Valk is too much.

[F6BANGER]

Paxton,

Have you thought of flying your wife to the east coast and you riding out there? You could ride as long as you like, take breaks whenever you need them. You can sight see what you want to, if you want to.
Then you pick her up out there, hopefully she packs light.

Besides, how does that saying go....... "Silly Biker, Trailers are for boats"..........LOL

[CajunRider]

Tire / transmission / bearing / etc. wear aside... that thing just doesn't look like it has enough meat on it to hold up a Valkyrie over any bumps...

Personally, I'd use it in emergencies... ONLY if it were built MUCH heavier. 

[hubcapsc]

I keep looking at this one, I've got the Mini set up to pull a trailer now, and
I want to be able to load a non-cranking Valkyrie... I'm not much at pushing
Valkyries up ramps 

http://www.razortrailers.com/

-Mike

Mini as in Mini Cooper??  Curious what the tow capacity of a Mini is?   My Saturn Aura with a V6 is only 1k MAX?  Trailer and Valk is too much.

1400 lbs is what my max is supposed to be...

-Mike

[Paxton]

Yes, I flew the wife out to the right coast, but after I had 10 weeks of solo-riding-fun under my belt, err... my ass!.
But then, she still could not ride. So, when she arrived we rented a car to go out together.

For the final two weeks, I parked the bike and drove around instead. That summer I rode the '75 GL1000, gone but not forgotten. 

Ultimately, I think I might build a bed wood floor that'd extend passed the open tailgate. The truck is a  2007 Chevy Colorado
Crew Cab (3.7L / 5-Cylinder).
For said floor, I'd use four pieces of 2" X 12" X 7.'   
They would be held together with two cross members and bolted down through the bed floor. The open tail gate would have a 15" overhang,
sufficient to accommodate the full length of the Valk. 

To load it into the truck, I would take it to a local motorcycle shop and paid them to load it. When I arrive at the destination,
I'd go to a shop in town and have them unload it.

[Moonshot_1]

Looks like the bike is just hanging out there to get creamed.
Don't like the set up at all.
Clearly the bike's tail light isn't connected to the vehicle's brake system.

Just seems like the bike would be really hard to see in traffic.

Would this work in an emergency? Maybe in a limited way.
Obviously, if you have a rear go flat on you, this would be useless.
If you had a problem with your final drive or transmission you couldn't use it either.

I suppose if your headlight went out this would come in handy.

Yea, I would look for a much better alternative.

[Valkahuna]

Some years back I bought a one year old '94 Chariot, single bike, open version trailer. I got it for well under $1000 from a guy that was behind in his alimony and needed cash NOW.    It's low, has a pull out full width ramp, just ride the Valk on and but the kickstand down. Then I can get off and tie it down as I see fit before raising the sidestand. It's a one-person operation, just have to be sure to hook it to the vehicle's trailer hitch first. On the later models that's not necessary, the trailer can be free-standing. When you're done loading, just slide the ramp back in and lock it into place. The front has a builtin wheel chock, the bed has eight different tie-downs available. When you want to unload the bike, put the sidestand down then loosen the right side straps first. As for towing, I run 75 mph without any trouble.

John,

Those Chariots are sweet! I have a friend that has one, so I started looking for one. When I found one, I was shocked at how expensive a new one is. I'm keeping my eyes open!

[sugerbear]

Yes, I flew the wife out to the right coast, but after I had 10 weeks of solo-riding-fun under my belt, err... my ass!.
But then, she still could not ride. So, when she arrived we rented a car to go out together.

For the final two weeks, I parked the bike and drove around instead. That summer I rode the '75 GL1000, gone but not forgotten. 

Ultimately, I think I might build a bed wood floor that'd extend passed the open tailgate. The truck is a  2007 Chevy Colorado
Crew Cab (3.7L / 5-Cylinder).
For said floor, I'd use four pieces of 2" X 12" X 7.'   
They would be held together with two cross members and bolted down through the bed floor. The open tail gate would have a 15" overhang,
sufficient to accommodate the full length of the Valk. 

To load it into the truck, I would take it to a local motorcycle shop and paid them to load it. When I arrive at the destination,
I'd go to a shop in town and have them unload it.

or two 4X8 sheets of 1/2- 3/4 plywood screwed together. notch for the wheel wells(if needed)
bolts through the floor with eyelets to strap the bike to.

[Rams]

I have several trailers, but all are way too big to consider using as a bike hauler.  I could use my 30 foot gooseneck flatbed/dovetail car hauler but, I think that's overkill.  Having said that:

Although I haven't needed to use it for my Valkyrie, I know the day is coming when I'll need to trailer my bike.  Knowing that, I went ahead and built my own from an old boat trailer.    I searched for a tandem axle because I know folks always use trailers for more than they were ever intended and the tandem axle provides a much nicer ride for the bike.    I bought the old tandem axle boat trailer, cut it up to meet my size requirements and welded it back together.  Then I built a light weight slide out ramp that goes all the way across the back of the trailer.

I haven't needed to use it yet for the Valkyrie but, it's seen a bunch of use for other transport needs.  The "old" boat trailer only cost me $200.  I used some old boat dock galvanized metal for the floor supports that was free.  Cutting and welding was on me.  The most expensive part of the build was the steel floor.  That diamond plate flooring cost me more that the entire trailer.  I then went to Lowes and bought a couple of quarts of Rustoleum paint and painted the entire trailer bright white to prevent corrosion. 
The trailer is very easy to move by hand and pulls like a dream.  I now have a very usable and stable utility trailer that cost me less than $550 total.   

I have  a friend that built a similar trailer based on one that Harbor Freight sells.  It's only a single axle but, performs wells as his bike hauler.   Consider your options.

BTW, if anyone on here needs something transported, contact me.  That's the way I make a little extra cash to support my other hobbies.   

[Paxton]

sugerbear;
I like your idea of the two sheets of 3/4" plywood bolted together.

[hubcapsc]

To load it into the truck, I would take it to a local motorcycle shop and paid them to load it.

That seemed like a good idea to me too, until I tried it 



-Mike

[Cruzen]

I know this will sound dumb, but have you checked into renting a U-haul trailer? If its only a one time thing, check what the rates are for hauling the bike, it may be the alternative to buying a trailer that you will use once in a lifetime...may also in the end come cheaper...

In October of 2010 when the back tire on my Valk came apart and left us stranded on the Indian reservation the people who came up and got us used a U-Haul trailer specifically outfited for 2 motorcycles.  It ran me $17 per day so if you have the thing for say 10 days that would be $170 unless they offer a discount for weekly prices which they may do.

By the way, a coworker has a short bed pickup and all he does when transporting his HD is bolt a piece of grated material covered with metal plate onto the bed which extends 18 inches beyond the tail gate then he rides his bike up onto that.

If it was me though I would buy her a plane ticket to your destination and have her meet you there.