Motorcycles with reverse and pulling a trailer

[mcduf]

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Hey...Thinking of upgrading the Vulcan Classic to a tourer that I could pull a trailer with. Would like to do something different than a Goldwing though. I was wondering what other bikes out there that are offering a reverse gear? I know that Victory was and not sure if BMW are still offering it as well. Anyone have experience with trailers? Kinda gathering as much info as possible. Thanks for your comments.

 

[Gummiente]

Harley offers a reverse gear for their touring models, Ural comes standard with it (plus a sidecar). But I don't understand why you think you need one for trailer towing... I haul a 19cu ft Starlight cargo trailer with my Road Glide (shown in my sig pic) and have never needed a reverse gear. Yes, you need to be more aware of slopes and soft surfaces when you park, but the main trick is to pull into spots that allow you to pull straight out.

Aside from that, what else would you like to know about trailers?

 

[m.breen]

For trailer pulling, ignore anything anybody says who does not pull with a bike. Go to "Motorcycle trailer towing Delphi forums". Again, ignore those who do not tow, they do not know. Have fun.

 

[mcduf]

Thanks for your help. I was told by a Goldwing rider that he preferred the flexibility of the reverse. I will also try that Delphi forum. Thanks so much

 

[Gummiente]

Thanks for your help. I was told by a Goldwing rider that he preferred the flexibility of the reverse. I will also try that Delphi forum. Thanks so much

I bought my trailer from ForBro in Newmarket, they're not that far from you. Give Steve a call, he'll answer all your questions.

 

[m.breen]

I got my hitch from hitch doc, through Steve. He let me check out the 2 trailers he had there.

 

[kiterider]

I pull a single wheel by third wheel trailers. It's the larger model (650) as it offers an extra cubic foot of space.

I found it a bit weird the first time, it but got used to it in 20 kms or so. The nice feature about a single wheel is that it tracks with the bike on curves.

 

[Gummiente]

The nice feature about a single wheel is that it tracks with the bike on curves.

And that's what almost swung my decision. Almost. The two wheeler will actually track several inches left or right at the tongue, depending upon how far the bike is leaned over, which can accelerate tire wear. In the end it was the ease of an off-the-shelf trailer hitch purchase (as opposed to getting a custom made hitch and receiver made for the one wheel Cyclops) that had me go with the Starlight instead.

 

[kiterider]

And that's what almost swung my decision. Almost. The two wheeler will actually track several inches left or right at the tongue, depending upon how far the bike is leaned over, which can accelerate tire wear. In the end it was the ease of an off-the-shelf trailer hitch purchase (as opposed to getting a custom made hitch and receiver made for the one wheel Cyclops) that had me go with the Starlight instead.

Nice! but would you be able to get a 19 cu ft trailer with a single wheel? Mine's only 6.5 but carries most of my kiteboarding and camping gear.

 

[Gummiente]

Nice! but would you be able to get a 19 cu ft trailer with a single wheel? Mine's only 6.5 but carries most of my kiteboarding and camping gear.

Yes, the Cyclops has a 19cu ft model. It requires a bit more patience and a black belt in Tetris to stuff everything in there, though.

 

[kiterider]

Yes, the Cyclops has a 19cu ft model. It requires a bit more patience and a black belt in Tetris to stuff everything in there, though.

I only see a 7.9 on the website. Not that I'd pull anything bigger than a 6.5 with a busa right now. I barely feel like I'm pulling anything, but it does take away from the handling when passing and when trying to corner a little more aggressively.

 

[Gummiente]

I only see a 7.9 on the website.

It was three years ago when I was shopping for trailiers, it's possible Cyclop no longer offers it in that size. An old Army buddy of mine runs a sidecar business (R&T Motorrad) just north of Belleville, he also deals in Cyclops and it was at his shop that I checked out the 19cu ft model.

 

[kiterider]

It was three years ago when I was shopping for trailiers, it's possible Cyclop no longer offers it in that size. An old Army buddy of mine runs a sidecar business (R&T Motorrad) just north of Belleville, he also deals in Cyclops and it was at his shop that I checked out the 19cu ft model.

Oh ok. Would've been interesting to test one out. Thx for the info.

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