Getting her home

[Fatboyman05]

I believe that I have found a Valk to buy for my first one and I need some input on what I need to do to tow it home 400 miles (if I can't figure out a way to ride it home instead, working on that...) to make a U-Haul trailer work. I've read some threads on adding a wheel chock to the front to be sure it stays upright. I have a wheel chock....

I'd appreciate your input.

[f6gal]

Where are you picking it up & where are you taking it?
Might be someone close enough to help you ride it home.

[Stude]

Where are you picking it up & where are you taking it?
Might be someone close enough to help you ride it home.

 I'll bet you a coffee he wants to get it from the guy he is buying it from and bring it home to his house.
 

[f6gal]

Where are you picking it up & where are you taking it?
Might be someone close enough to help you ride it home.

 I'll bet you a coffee he wants to get it from the guy he is buying it from and bring it home to his house.
 

I'll bet you that coffee will land in your lap! 

[MacDragon]

I believe that I have found a Valk to buy for my first one and I need some input on what I need to do to tow it home 400 miles (if I can't figure out a way to ride it home instead, working on that...) to make a U-Haul trailer work. I've read some threads on adding a wheel chock to the front to be sure it stays upright. I have a wheel chock....

I'd appreciate your input.

I used a U-Haul trailer to get mine home and had no problem at all... just strap her down tight.
I only had to go 200 miles... but could have easily went 400. 
Just compress front shocks from  tripletree and anchor the back so she doesn't shift over bumps.





Never budged the whole trip.

[R J]

Be sure the kickstand is up.

[FLAVALK]

......and turn the petcock to the "off" position

[razor]

Not to hurt anyones feelings, but most of us would say the above picks are an example of the WRONG way to tie one down.  Tie to the engine guards, not the handlebars or forks.

[scoot]

Check with U-Haul. They do have trailers with wheel chocks already in them. They are designed for that purpose.
http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=RT

[Willow]

Fatboy, it appears you're somewhere between Jacksonville and Daytona.  Go get that Valkyrie and ride her home.  If you have to wait a week or two for the weather to clear that will be okay.  Valkyries were meant to be ridden and you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.   

Only a broken Valkyrie should be in a trailer.

Oh, and take the long way home.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Fatboy, it appears you're somewhere between Jacksonville and Daytona.  Go get that Valkyrie and ride her home.  If you have to wait a week or two for the weather to clear that will be okay.  Valkyries were meant to be ridden and you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.   

Only a broken Valkyrie should be in a trailer.

Oh, and take the long way home.

 

The most excellent way to get her home...I was guessing you lived somewhere up north with the  frozen tundra all around....If you get with it you could ride on up to The Great State Of Tennessee and make the " Kiss My Ice Ride " to Mt.Mitchell,North Carolina this weekend on New Years Day....Ride It Like You Stole It 

 

[Walküre]

I towed mine home, because I couldn't find anyone off on my day's off, to help go get it. I'm glad I did, because you can't check EVERYthing you need to check, before you take it on a 400 mile trip. Of course, this varies depending on who you are buying it from, and the circumstances, but mine had low pressure in the rear tire, and I basically ruined it in a 25 mile ride to work a few days after I got it. My mistake, and I DID check virtually every other thing, before ever riding it. Just spaced the tires.

If it has been sitting for a long time, there are probably a lot of things you want to check. If it is a conscientious owner, who knows all the correct maintenance, and DID them, and rode the bike frequently, then you'd probably be good to go, but personally, I'd STILL not chance it.

As for roping it down in a trailer - you'll get as many opinions as there are people on the boards. Seems everyone likes their way best, and can justify why it's best. The main thing is that it makes it home safely, however you do it!

Mine made it just under 300 miles, trussed up like this:



Here's a link to a thread, that talks quite a bit about it:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,18855.0.html

And here's one off Wayne's site, specifically on tie-down for trailering:

http://www.herberts.org/wayne/valk/tiedown.htm

good luck, whatever you decide...

R

[PAVALKER]

Fatboy, it appears you're somewhere between Jacksonville and Daytona.  Go get that Valkyrie and ride her home.  If you have to wait a week or two for the weather to clear that will be okay.  Valkyries were meant to be ridden and you'll thoroughly enjoy the experience.   

Only a broken Valkyrie should be in a trailer.

Oh, and take the long way home.

I agree, but before you depart on your venture home... check oil, coolant and air pressure levels... then motor on.   If you must tow/trailer.... make sure you have a wheel chock, do not compress forks to secure it in a trailer and use engine guards/frame to strap it down.  I have seen some block tires and under frame to support the bike.

Enjoy......

[John Schmidt]

I disagree with the "don't use the triple trees, use the engine guards" idea for a tiedown. Everyone has their methods, but I've actually seen the engine guard bolt broken off flush at the frame after hitting a nasty chuck hole. Plus, I feel the guards are too low to stabilize the bike, it leaves the majority of the weight above the tie down point. As for not using the t-trees and compressing them slightly....why not? It sure hasn't hurt my forks one bit.  They're compressed about the same amount when you get on the bike, and are compressed even more as you ride over variations in the road surface. I use a strap on each side of the bottom tree, then tie it off to a ratchet style strap. In fact, I use two on each side in front...one goes out straight to the side, the other goes slightly forward. I then remove the side covers, loop a strap around the frame near the "Y" and tie that off slightly forward. I once watched as a friend was towing our trailer with my Wing inside and he got run off the road in Dallas. Did it to avoid a head-on with another car involved in an accident...it was spinning around after being hit by a delivery truck. My friend headed for the median and came to a stop...finally. Only to have the spinning vehicle come over and hit the trailer broadside and knocking it over on its side. My Wing never moved, although the rear of the trailer was toast and unusable. After that, I decided my tie down method was pretty good.

So, as others have posted: kickstand up, petcock off, don't tie down using the handlebars...they will slip sometimes.

[IamGCW]

Good straps and if the hooks are open then tape them so they don't drop off if your trailer hits a bump and bounces.  I trailer 4,000 miles each year and strap front and rear.  4 up front to the handlebars and engine crash bars.  In the rear to the frame at the passenger peg mounts.  Works for me.   I have a chock for the front wheel.  If the trailer is a wood deck you can nail/screw some 2 X 4 boards along the tires and front and rear to keep the bike from jumping around.  Don't go cheap with the straps.

[Spirited-6]

 I use a strap on each side of the bottom tree, then tie it off to a ratchet style strap. In fact, I use two on each side in front...one goes out straight to the side, the other goes slightly forward. I then remove the side covers, loop a strap around the frame near the "Y" and tie that off slightly forward

Damn John, what part of the Moon are you going ?  Kidding !! I pulled a 1800 Wing and a 1100 Spirit  1200 miles useing the same as you, except for the side covers.

[BF]

Ride it home.  400 miles oughta be just about right to figure out if you can live with the seat that comes on it or not.

Check the gas, oil, water and air and don't forget to stop for gas about every 100 miles or so and enjoy.   

[tybme]

Oh, and take the long way home.

I second that! and would add - take your time on the long way home.

I took the long way but didn't take the extra time when I picked up mine and have regretted it ever since.

[john]

trailers are for boats ...     

ride it home ...       
 weather permiting ...     

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

  I trailer 4,000 miles each year .   

That put a tear in my eye   

[JP in SC]

I thought trailers were supposed to go behind a Valkyrie, not under them. Now I'm confused  .

[Stormrider65]

Hey Bro,  Ride it home.  When I was going to get my Valk, the weather forecast called for possible rain.  I've rode in the rain in the past.  But it has been a while since I rode seriously.  Thank God it didn't rain.  But I had decided early that if it did rain, so be it.  I gotta get used to it again so, bring it on.  Best decision I could have ever made. 

Walt

[Rams]

I ride my Valkyrie "Skunk" every chance I get whether long or short distance but, there are times I want to take the Skunk but need my truck/trailer for hauling another 4 wheeled vehicle.  Those are the times the Skunk gets transported.  

I know I have an event coming up this summer that I'll be transporting two vehicles on my trailer but still want to take the Skunk so I'm building another tandem axle trailer just for the Skunk.  It'll be towed behing the gooseneck.  Sometimes you just have to adjust to the situation.  

blackrams

[Dogg]

I have to trailor fatass cuz my butt falls asleep inside of 30 miles. I can ride LD forever. ride it!!! dont trailor...its humiliating...



this is why I trailor this one...

[John Schmidt]

With those pipes, I can't imagine anything falling asleep on your bike. 

[DDT (12)]

Hey Fatboyman05,

I live just outside Montgomery, AL... can I help you with this? I agree with most of the others in that riding it home offers many advantages... not to mention beginning the bonding process that will hook you as completely as it has the rest of us... Where are you, and where is that Fat Lady you're lusting for?

DDT

[Ice]

I thought Bike trailers were for Harley's only 
The only way my Valk gets on a trailer is if its broke, if it aint broke RIDE IT!!!!!

[Hoser]

OK pups, as I get older I know my distance capabilitys will become less, If it comes to staying home if where I need to go is beyond my limits, I will trailer and do my riding when I get there.  Same goes if the missus wants to go.  45 years on bikes precludes me from takin any guff about a trailer queen.  Back in the day when we were both young, we pretty much lived on a bike.  I also will not hesitate to get a trike if it keeps me on the road.  Yah don't expect me to just quit, do you?       hoser
This a Kansas romeo group I am meeting with for lunch  today
 

[R J]

I thought Bike trailers were for Harley's only 
The only way my Valk gets on a trailer is if its broke, if it aint broke RIDE IT!!!!!

Hey little buddy, when ya get over a MILLION miles on a motor, then sound off about trailer queens, until then I'd say ya might want to rethink, on how you think we haven't or don't ride.................   I've been on motors since 1944, and have had something to ride including my CHP bike(s) ever since.    I believe that is like 67 years.

So when ya can match it, I'll take your insults, till then you are just a minority, thanks for listening.

Hi Willow, I tried to keep it clean.................

[Fatboyman05]

I should have been more specific about the situation. I am off "work" until the 18th. I can get the bike on Tuesday (3rd) if I trailer it, otherwise I have to wait until that weekend to have someone ride up there with me to drive my truck back home. The seller has graciously volunteered to bring her to me that weekend (8th) provided the wether is not bad. (some guys will make any excuse to get a weekend in Florida )

On a separate note (can I hijack my own thread.....?) when I sold the Fatboy 4 years ago I sold most of the gear. I still have the factory seat and the passenger backrest / rack.  I still have a half helmet but have decided to go to a full face, possibly a modular. I was never happy with the gloves and my cold weather gear was a layering approach with a heavy leather jacket that I no longer own.  My boots and chaps are good to go.

Back when I sold her was the last time I rode. I am looking forward to riding again. I intend to borrow a friends bike, hopefully this weekend, to re-aquaint myself before riding the FatLady

DDT, I appreciate the offer.

To everyone, thanks for your comments and if I can arrange it, I will be riding her home and I do believe that is the way it should be.

[MP]

OK pups, as I get older I know my distance capabilitys will become less, If it comes to staying home if where I need to go is beyond my limits, I will trailer and do my riding when I get there.  Same goes if the missus wants to go.  45 years on bikes precludes me from takin any guff about a trailer queen.  Back in the day when we were both young, we pretty much lived on a bike.  I also will not hesitate to get a trike if it keeps me on the road.  Yah don't expect me to just quit, do you?       hoser
This a Kansas romeo group I am meeting for lunch with today
 

+1

Just the right attitude!  Keep on biking, no matter what it takes.

MP

[Valkahuna]

Ditto Mr. Schmidt...

I disagree with the "don't use the triple trees, use the engine guards" idea for a tiedown. Everyone has their methods, but I've actually seen the engine guard bolt broken off flush at the frame after hitting a nasty chuck hole. Plus, I feel the guards are too low to stabilize the bike, it leaves the majority of the weight above the tie down point. As for not using the t-trees and compressing them slightly....why not? It sure hasn't hurt my forks one bit.  They're compressed about the same amount when you get on the bike, and are compressed even more as you ride over variations in the road surface. I use a strap on each side of the bottom tree, then tie it off to a ratchet style strap. In fact, I use two on each side in front...one goes out straight to the side, the other goes slightly forward. I then remove the side covers, loop a strap around the frame near the "Y" and tie that off slightly forward. Sidestand up. Gas valve off.

I must agree! I always use the triple tree. That and a U-Haul 5 x 9 ramp trailer will let you haul the Fat Girl anywhere you want. I just brought my girl from CT to FL in November, and she never moved. Make shure she is upright, with the forks compressed at least half of the way, and throw a strap around the rear wheel to keep it from moving. Easy towing as well.

Good luck!

[HotRod]

OK pups, as I get older I know my distance capabilitys will become less, If it comes to staying home if where I need to go is beyond my limits, I will trailer and do my riding when I get there.  Same goes if the missus wants to go.  45 years on bikes precludes me from takin any guff about a trailer queen.  Back in the day when we were both young, we pretty much lived on a bike.  I also will not hesitate to get a trike if it keeps me on the road.  Yah don't expect me to just quit, do you?       hoser
This a Kansas romeo group I am meeting for lunch with today
 

+1,take here where you want when you want how you want,nobodies bidness.

[highcountry]

If you trailer it, pull over and check all the straps after the first 20-30 minutes and adjust as necessary.  Towing my ATVs, I find that the straps usually need readjustment after the first 20 minutes or so.

Congrats!