Before you decide if you want to pull a trailer with your motorcycle or even if you have already decided, here are some safety tips to remember
You must perform a safety inspection every time, before you get on your bike. Make sure of that.
*Make sure the ball is secure to the hitch plate
*Make sure the trailer hitch and all hardware is securely attached with no missing parts.
*Check that the hitch receiver on the trailer is secure, with no cracks in the welds.
*Check that the springs on the trailer are secure and no parts missing.
*Check the tongue weight with a bathroom scale. The tongue weight should be about 10-15 percent of the trailer weight.
*Check the safety chains are connected securely.
*Check the electrical plug and check the operation of all lights on the trailer.
*Check that the trailer is securely closed.
*Check anything attached to the top of the trailer, such as lawn chairs or bicycles.
Please remember that a motorcyclist towing a trailer, has the same responsibilities as an RV driver or even an 18 wheeler.
If your trailer and motorcycle are properly matched they will perform safely under a variety of driving situations.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
Cruisers and Trailers
Just about every kind of vehicle has towed a trailer at one time or another, so why not a motorcycle?
Way back in the early 1900's when motorcycles first hit the road, a trailer was used to transport a rider's ladyfriend behind his motorcycle. Because of poor hitch connections, etc. the ladies were frequently lost. The rider had to constantly look over his shoulder to ensure she was still there. They had to stop quite frequently to clean off mud and manure, because the streets were not paved and also had to be shared with teams of horses.
Then they tried to put the passenger carrier in front, like a shopping cart. This proved to be too scary for the passenger. Another solution was to put the carrier beside the motorcycle. Thus came the sidecar!
With bigger and sturdier motorcycles, the passenger was moved to the pillion position, behind the rider and the trailer wasn't used for a long time.
With Honda coming to the America's and motorcyles becoming more reliable transportation, the trailer slowly became more popular. Now CustomCruiserChrome.com has over 180 motorcycle trailer hitches for just about any motorcycle make or model.
I will endeavor to give you more information about Motor Cycles, Trailers and Hitches so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to tow a trailer with your bike.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Vstarvic
Way back in the early 1900's when motorcycles first hit the road, a trailer was used to transport a rider's ladyfriend behind his motorcycle. Because of poor hitch connections, etc. the ladies were frequently lost. The rider had to constantly look over his shoulder to ensure she was still there. They had to stop quite frequently to clean off mud and manure, because the streets were not paved and also had to be shared with teams of horses.
Then they tried to put the passenger carrier in front, like a shopping cart. This proved to be too scary for the passenger. Another solution was to put the carrier beside the motorcycle. Thus came the sidecar!
With bigger and sturdier motorcycles, the passenger was moved to the pillion position, behind the rider and the trailer wasn't used for a long time.
With Honda coming to the America's and motorcyles becoming more reliable transportation, the trailer slowly became more popular. Now CustomCruiserChrome.com has over 180 motorcycle trailer hitches for just about any motorcycle make or model.
I will endeavor to give you more information about Motor Cycles, Trailers and Hitches so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to tow a trailer with your bike.
I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Vstarvic
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)