Luggage Trailer.

[sprintster]

Has anyone used a luggage trailer on their bike? I'm starting to think it sounds like a good idea.Me and my girlfriend both enjoy hillwalking but there's not really space on the bike for carrying two lots of hiking gear as well as the usual biking and camping stuff and we both fancy a walking holiday in the Dolomites next year.Watching YouTube videos they don't seem to affect the handling much but I would be interested to know if anyone has any experience with them.And also where in the UK you can buy them.I would also need someone to make a one off tow bar for me.

[92kk k100lt 193214]

I have a tow bar for mine but haven't fitted it yet.

The principle very much appeals to me and a less laden bike and correctly packed trailer is much nicer to ride than an over weight bike.

Depending on the bike you have there may be a tow bar already designed, worth a look. Trailers come up from time to time and there is debate over one or two wheel trailers.

Legal size is 2.50m from centre of rear axle to end of trailer, width max 1.00m, weight 2/3rd of bike up to max 150kg.

We have our trailer frames being made in aluminium in Finland.

[sprintster]

Keep me updated how you get on,please.My bike is a Triumph Sprint RS so not much chance of towbars being available for it.It's early days yet but I do know a retired welder who might fancy a project.

[92kk k100lt 193214]

I was browsing one day and saw one of the UK sidecar makers also make trailers and towbars.

I was going down that route when one appeared in western Australia. Over a 24 month period it made its way from there to here in personal luggage of various bike folk. Saved me reinventing the wheel.

[lmac]

Pm Devon John, he's built his own trailer if I remember rightly and tows quite a bit.

[Sanqhar]

I towed a trailer behind a FJR 1300, never knew it was there. Did it to carry extra stuff when camping, proper air beds etc.

I got my towbar from Watsonian Squire many years ago. Freewheel in North Walsham will custom make towbars.

With the FJR I have travelled at what would be highly illegal speeds in this country, the bike didn't know it was there. The trailer did show up the inadequacies of the OEM shock so I had to fit something decent.

Downsides are the 60mph speed limit (ahem!) and not being allowed in the third lane on motorways. You see lots of caravans and other trailers being towed above 60mph, I did stay out of the outside third lane however.

Altogether I had a good experience towing. I only sold the FJR because the wife stopped pillioning and age caught up with me!

Tom G

[sprintster]

Thanks Tom,I'm still just pondering the pros and cons just now.I think it really depends on what kind of holiday you want.For the holiday we're thinking of next year where it's basically blast down the autobahns to get to the Dolomites as quickly as possible and then spend 7 days hut to hut trekking I think a car would be better since not only could I not use the outside lane but I'm not supposed to even filter in Germany so there isn't really any advantage.
For a touring holiday with a bit of walking it makes sense though.

[AlanHolt]

https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-motorcycle

[sprintster]

I've just sent an email to Freewheel asking for prices of trailers.Looking at their website it say towbars custom made and fitted with electrics in 4 hours for £300.That sounds pretty good to me!
www.freewheeluk.net

[AlanHolt]

Do motorbike towbars need to be european type approved the same as car towbars? Can people who don't have b+e on their licence tow a trailer behind a category A vehicle?