[fpmlt]

I'm seriously toying with the idea of building a single rail motorcycle trailer so that I can tow my Yamaha WR250R behind my LT.
The only thing I could find in searching trailers is that about 350 lbs is the max I should consider. Bike weighs 280 or so.
If I were to do it, considering that the WR is fairly tall (dualsport bike), should I be using taller tires? And since the "load" is already sprung, would the trailer also need suspension? I wouldn't want to go any wider than the mirrors on the LT, but would that be stable enough?
Be interested in hearing some thoughts.
Thanks,
Frank

 

[Dick]

How about one of these? Or similar.

 

[fpmlt]

Thanks Dick. Sort'a answered the question about tire size and suspension, didn't it!
If I were to go through with this, I'd build my trailer a bit lighter considering I won't be hauling a lump of outdated iron on it.

 

[fpmlt]

OK, based on the lack of response, is this:

A) a really bad idea
B) a really dumb idea
C) not been done by anyone on this board
D) all of the above

 

[JATownsend]

OK, based on the lack of response, is this:

A) a really bad idea
B) a really dumb idea
C) not been done by anyone on this board
D) all of the above

Frank, who CARES what others might think?!? Lots of LT guys, including me, have towed heavy trailers all around the country. Is that so different than towing another cycle? I don't think so. If the weight works out to be in your favor, go for it.

Keep us posted on how it trailers and handles. You may be the start of a new trend!
:dance:

Good luck!

 

[PMitchell]

Haven't pulled a trailer yet but just thinking that the COG on the trailered bike may be higher than the typical bike-trailer load.

Not sure how this would affect handling.

 

[bobst2]

i think you would want to build it slightly diffrently than the bag trailer. a bit of a drop axel
to lower c.o.g. and axel placement will be critical so make shure i is adjustable to control hitch weight.
i have also seen on the computer those bike rigs that only haul the front tire of the bike
like a car dolly, but have no idea if they work

 

[Realmccoy]

I don't recall the technical details but it has been done. Years ago while at a vintage race in Canada I spoke to one of the competitors who arrived at the track on a Gold Wing towing a rail trailer with his competition bike onboard. He told me he also towed a small fishing boat occasionally.