Hitch Options

[PAVALKER]

I know there area only a few hitch options, maybe one good one, for the Valkyrie.  I have a Hitch Doc fixed ball hitch on my Green IS and was wondering about receiver hitches or hidden hitches.  In my search I notice a Show Chrome 2-437 that some show as fitting on an Interstate but it appears to be for a Gl1500 Wing instead I'm thinking.

I might not have many occasions to use my trailer, and was looking more for using a carry rack that slides in the receiver.

Does anyone have a good hidden hitch receiver style that they are using? Or know if that Show Chrome hitch will in fact fit on a Valkyrie?

[Joe Hummer]

Hey John,

I have the Hitch Doctor Hidden Hitch receiver type on my 99 IS.  It really isn't that hidden though.  Even without the draw bar installed, you have large silver shiny pieces of metal running down the outside of the fender.  it does look more finished without the draw bar but it isn't really "hidden".

The receiver on this hitch goes vertical instead of horizontal.  There is a catch pin and bolt to hold the draw bar in place.  You will just have to consider that when you build your tray. 

I have seen other hitches that have a horizontal receiver I just don't remember the brand/model of them.  I would think it would be easier to use a tray with them. 

Hope this helps.

Joe

[PAVALKER]

Hey John,

I have the Hitch Doctor Hidden Hitch receiver type on my 99 IS.  It really isn't that hidden though.  Even without the draw bar installed, you have large silver shiny pieces of metal running down the outside of the fender.  it does look more finished without the draw bar but it isn't really "hidden".

The receiver on this hitch goes vertical instead of horizontal.  There is a catch pin and bolt to hold the draw bar in place.  You will just have to consider that when you build your tray. 

I have seen other hitches that have a horizontal receiver I just don't remember the brand/model of them.  I would think it would be easier to use a tray with them. 

Hope this helps.

Joe

Joe,

Yea, I have seen both the one you have and the other horizontal type...and I have the fixed ball type on my Green IS.  You are correct in that they are not hidden per say, and visible along the fenders.  On my Green IS I have an adapter that is under the ball which serves as a receiver of sorts for the basket or rack that slides in.  It's a Rivco accessory I believe....and I would use that on the other hitch if I can find one that I like. 

How does your bag bars fit under neath with that hitch?  I seem to recall that I had to make a spacer on that to use that Hitch Doc hitch, which was already on the bike when I got it. The PO spaced it out with stainless washers to get it to fit.  It works, but I'd like to see if there are other options available...and with these bikes getting long in the tooth so to speak, it might not be easy finding a good hidden hitch option.  Thanks for your input....

[jmann]

I have a fixed ball type reciever on my tourer and I made my own hitch tray after seeing one for Goldwings in a J&P catolog. It has a plate that you mount under the ball that has two round tubes on either side. The tray has pins that slide into those two tubes and are pinned in place. I thought J&P's were high priced so I made my own using angle iron. Added some lights and a license plate holder since when installed you can't see my plate. All in all it cost me about $50. I have an action tracker box I strap to it like an extra trunk. Very handy when you don't want to pull the trailer.

[Chrisj CMA]

I know there area only a few hitch options, maybe one good one, for the Valkyrie.  I have a Hitch Doc fixed ball hitch on my Green IS and was wondering about receiver hitches or hidden hitches.  In my search I notice a Show Chrome 2-437 that some show as fitting on an Interstate but it appears to be for a Gl1500 Wing instead I'm thinking.

I might not have many occasions to use my trailer, and was looking more for using a carry rack that slides in the receiver.

Does anyone have a good hidden hitch receiver style that they are using? Or know if that Show Chrome hitch will in fact fit on a Valkyrie?

You cant beat Hitch Doc, they make a receiver hitch.  It is top notch!  The main part of the hitch is not hidden but its great looking as (as you already know)

[Joe Hummer]

Joe,

Yea, I have seen both the one you have and the other horizontal type...and I have the fixed ball type on my Green IS.  You are correct in that they are not hidden per say, and visible along the fenders.  On my Green IS I have an adapter that is under the ball which serves as a receiver of sorts for the basket or rack that slides in.  It's a Rivco accessory I believe....and I would use that on the other hitch if I can find one that I like. 

How does your bag bars fit under neath with that hitch?  I seem to recall that I had to make a spacer on that to use that Hitch Doc hitch, which was already on the bike when I got it. The PO spaced it out with stainless washers to get it to fit.  It works, but I'd like to see if there are other options available...and with these bikes getting long in the tooth so to speak, it might not be easy finding a good hidden hitch option.  Thanks for your input....

The bag bar does need to be extended for the hitch to be installed...at least I think so.  The paperwork that came with the hitch (if I remember correctly) just said to squeeze the bottom of the bags together.  I didn't like that option because it wouldn't look right.  I was lucky enough to have a machinist friend that made an adapter piece to fit in after we cut the bag bar in the middle.  I believe the adapter was 3/4" long (of exposed metal. 

As for the placement of the bar, it is just below the hitch.  I believe I had to put the hitch on, put the bag bar in place, then put the draw bar in place.  It wouldn't go otherwise.  I can take a picture if you would like...just let me know. 

Joe

[PAVALKER]

Joe,

Yea, I have seen both the one you have and the other horizontal type...and I have the fixed ball type on my Green IS.  You are correct in that they are not hidden per say, and visible along the fenders.  On my Green IS I have an adapter that is under the ball which serves as a receiver of sorts for the basket or rack that slides in.  It's a Rivco accessory I believe....and I would use that on the other hitch if I can find one that I like. 

How does your bag bars fit under neath with that hitch?  I seem to recall that I had to make a spacer on that to use that Hitch Doc hitch, which was already on the bike when I got it. The PO spaced it out with stainless washers to get it to fit.  It works, but I'd like to see if there are other options available...and with these bikes getting long in the tooth so to speak, it might not be easy finding a good hidden hitch option.  Thanks for your input....

The bag bar does need to be extended for the hitch to be installed...at least I think so.  The paperwork that came with the hitch (if I remember correctly) just said to squeeze the bottom of the bags together.  I didn't like that option because it wouldn't look right.  I was lucky enough to have a machinist friend that made an adapter piece to fit in after we cut the bag bar in the middle.  I believe the adapter was 3/4" long (of exposed metal. 

As for the placement of the bar, it is just below the hitch.  I believe I had to put the hitch on, put the bag bar in place, then put the draw bar in place.  It wouldn't go otherwise.  I can take a picture if you would like...just let me know. 

Joe

No pic necessary, thanks.  I had to make an adapter/spacer as well.  I am interested in hidden for the Solo/Super Valk , I like the space between the bags and fender as is.... The hitch pushes stuff out a bit.  I really am curious about those Show Chrome hitches.... Those are all underneath I believe, from what I can tell. 

In the event I do go with the Hitch Doc again, I may just move the one I have over or get a new receiver hitch.

But if anyone has other hitch options..... Chime in and educate me.