Wednesday, November 9, 2016

How to Purchase the Best Motorbike Trailer

If you enjoy motorbike driving, possibilities are you will want to bring that motorbike with you anywhere you need, and anytime you travel. Though sometimes, it is not possible riding the motorbike to your destination. In these times, having a trustworthy motorbike trailer is exactly what you require. But what type of a motorbike trailer should you have? With a lot of different companies on the market, it can be quite complicated, but don't worry. It is very simple picking out the best motorbike trailer.

motorbike trailer

The first thing you need to do while choosing your motorbike trailer knows just where you will be traveling using your brand-new trailer. If you are traveling to your destinations with the harsher environment, like off-road parks or camping areas, you need to take this entire situation into your consideration. In those cases, you'd need a motorbike trailer which is built for that specific terrain.

A 2nd decision you need to fix before purchasing your motorcycle trailer knows the amount of weight the vehicle you will be using is. Normally you can see this info in your trailer owner's guidebook, or weighing your motorbike on a heavy vehicle scale.  Also, you can normally find this important information via online.

After figured out exactly how much weight your motorbike is, and how many you can tow, you will also need to decide that how much cargo you will be taking.  You need to decide how much area both the motorbike and the cargo will fill up, and size your motorbike trailer to that.  It is recommended leaving you lots of room for cargo.  You will never know that in future how much be taking on your motorbike trips.

motorcycle trailer

Now that we have got the real size of both trailer and motorbike, the following step is to make a decision if you need a closed or open trailer.  Having your motorbike exposed to the components may be okay based on your motorbike, but we suggest what's appropriate for you. You will also need to decide if you wish to lock doors on your motorbike trailer, and the level of extra security you want.  If you will be taking your motorbike through leading cities, it's advisable.

Once you have found your motorbike trailer and you are ready to touch the highway, ensure to pack your motorbike trailer evenly.  With any load, you do not want to have your motorbike trailer weaving on overall the road, due to off-balance places.  Also be careful to check the trailer tire inflation, especially if you have not used your motorbike trailer for some time.  Also check for any needed lights, to ensure that you are legal.


Keep in mind, safety first while you purchase a motorbike trailer.  If you follow all these steps I have given, and confirmed the correct weights, you will be soon on the way to an excellent motorbike trip!

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Trailers for Buyers

open-motorbike-trailer

There are numerous types of motorcycle trailers that can be used to transport them and there are also several types that the motorcycle can tow. There are simply a dozen choices to go through when considering how best to tow a motorcycle either across town or even across the country.

If you intend to get a trailer that can pull just one motorcycle then a kit you can put together will cost you a few hundred dollars while an enclosed carrier with custom options and paint will cost you over $11,000. Motorcycle trailers typically require either class 1, 2 or 3 hitch. These range from what could be installed in a small SUV or a small car to what you could find in larger pick-up tracks or SUVs.

Under federal law, the trailer needs to have tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, side marker lights as well as side and rear reflectors that are operable. Most trailers come with back-up lights as well. You could check with your state for deferent requirements and when traveling, inquire about the state you are going to. For instance, most of the time brakes are only needed for a loaded weight exceeding 1,500 lbs.

According to Featherlite trailers’ advertising and public relations specialist Nicole Ausdemore, The fuel economy, durability, and resale value all depend on what the trailer is constructed of. While most trailers are made of steel or alloy and steel combinations accompanies by fiberglass tops, Featherlite trailers are constructed using strong, light and non corroding aluminum apart from highly stress areas where steel is really needed.

The next thing that makes a difference is where you mount the motorcycle in regards to the trailer axle or axles. If you position the weight too forward for instance, it will overweight the tongue and back of the towing vehicle, which means it could un-weight the front wheels to an extent of affecting handling and braking. According to Ed Heard, the co-owner of Ironhorse Trailers in Morrison, Tenn, If you have unbalanced loading or having a trailer that is too long for a towing vehicle could possibly cause “explosive oscillations” that could lead to a “jackknife” on the road.

The next thing you need to place in consideration is to think twice before you attempt to protect your motorbike using a tarp or a fabric cover if the trailer is open. The wind could flap the cover, making it chafe the bike’s finish and it could be blown or shredded off.

Open Flatbed Trailers


These are the more general utility trailers or those that are intended for power sports but with added wheel chocks as well as tie-down points. One of the best things about these general purpose trailers is that you can use them to haul anything. For instance, contractors could use them for work during the week then use them for play during the weekends. One of their downsides is that in an open trailer, the motorbike will not be protected from weather elements or the grit kicked up by the tow vehicle. Certain trailers come with a frontal barrier to overcome this.

Open Rail Type and Specialized Motorbike Trailers


Most of these come designed for one or two bikes. They are usually lightweight but like flatbeds, they offer very little protection from weather or chips but at least they are less expensive. Some of them even come with rails to accommodate trikes while some are foldable and others semi-foldable. If you have minimal storage then you need to consider a foldable trailer or at least one you can disassemble. Of course, it is best you check the designs before you purchase anything.

Enclosed Trailers


enclosed-motorbike-trailers
These are the general cargo trailer or a “toy hauler”, which is a long trailer that comes with a rear garage to load toys. Some toy haulers come with certain camping amenities like a kitchen, beds, shower, TV, toilet and anything else you might like. Of course, they could be heavy and will certainly need powerful tow vehicles. An advantage of general cargo or similar designs is similar to that of open trailers, you can move anything else like lumber with them. In addition to that, you will have no problems with precipitation, chipping rocks or even bugs while the bike will be inside and will be out of sight from potential thieves.  Most enclosed trailers come with square sides and on open roads with crosswinds and tractor trailers passing by affects handling. Others come as V-shaped in order to help with fuel economy.

Specialized Enclosed Trailers


There are some manufacturers catering to the affluent baby boomers as well as those who want special treatment for their motorbikes but do not need the trailer for other general purposes. For trailers with the capability of holding one to two bikes, these are quite expensive but they come with some unique features as well leaving a curve on the market niche. For instance, when it comes to the Ironhorse brand, a “clamshell” designs that are made of fiberglass come with low roof height. Heard claimed his trailers could fit in a standard garage.

There are more aerodynamic shapes that could actually allow about 60% improved fuel economy comparing them to square enclosed trailers. Their tie-down points and the balance of the bikes are quite ideal as well. These designs are also very light weight, quite easy to back up and handle very well. Retro-esque or Swoopy styles are also a selling feature.

Trailers That Motorbikes Can Pull


bike-pulling-trailer
Larger motorcycles could also make excellent tow vehicles according to Andrew Preston, the general manager of Bushtec Trailers in Jacksboro, Tenn. Instead of using the trailer ball that attaches to the special hitch on the bike, the Bushtec designs use a 360-degree swivel pin coupling. They use two 16” motorbike wheels on a special suspension that keeps the unit from bouncing.

In most cases, the riders report not even noticing the trailer behind them. Other designs come with one wheel on each side while others come with single inline wheels. Some manufacturers say that their designs only remain stable at speeds of 130 to 150 miles per hour. People with small sports cars are advised to buy two wheeled trailers because they have more capacity than single wheeled ones. Some trailers can also pull canoes while others can pull dogs like horse trailers.

Conclusion



Regardless of whether you want to pull your motorcycle or are using it to pull, there are numerous options available including degrees or sophistication for suspension. You could have either leaf springs, torsion bars or rubber suspensions depending on your brand and style. Some major trailer manufacturers like Featherlite with over 400 employees and supplying race car trailers to about 85 % of NASCAR teams manufacture some of the best trailers. 

Monday, November 7, 2016

Only Sixty Seconds: Motorbike Unloading and Loading on a Truck or Trailer

The act of unloading or loading a motorbike generally takes less than sixty seconds.  Motorbike loading is a crucial exposure with the inherent risks which are more different than driving. It needs different knowledge, skills, and the proper equipment.

Reality Check Out: Serious vehicle injury, damage, and death can and happens in the process of unloading and loading a motorcycle on a motorbike trailer or a pick-up truck. This happens rapidly!  Even expert riders have had accidents when loading and unloading motorbikes.

Motorbike loading on a Trailer
Motorbike Loading on a Trailer

An excellent laugh on occasion is great!  But when you are done laughing, keep in mind that there's nothing funny all about dropping your motorbike or getting injured.  Unloading and loading a motorbike is secure when everything done accurately.

Understand the Science: It is simple to forget the huge impact on balance and stability when the motorbike is moving. The gyroscopic impact of the tires and the drivetrain are more powerful forces which tend to hold the motorbike straight. Actually, it is quite challenging to knock any moving motorcycle over. While pushing a motorbike up a ramp, you're balancing inactive weight. You miss almost all stability and balance from your gyroscopic forces. You've zero assists with the motorbike balance.  Transformation: Loading any motorbike is physically challenging and more difficult than riding a motorbike. It requires a various skill set compared to riding.

Lessons of Practical Experience (it's not a clinically proven study, it is observations from practical experience): Unable to control the balance and falling the motorbike in the unloading and loading process is top of the list. A nine hundred pound cruiser can't be held up by a single person once it becomes beyond the tipping point. Steeper the loading any ramp angle mixed with the enhanced weight of a motorbike mathematically creates the balancing act extra hard. 1-foot slip can easily prove to be a tragedy. Make sure of your every footing! The leather-based sole on a moist metal deck doesn't make for any positive footing. The slippery ramp mostly guarantees for a dropped motorbike. Just use full-loading ramps which are secured to the truck or trailer so it cannot slip sideway. Kindly do not let's see you making use of a wooden plank. Invest some money to get the best equipment!

Motorbike unloading from a Trailer
Motorbike Unloading From a Trailer


Take the Common Sense and Knowledgeable Approach:
In case anything feels dangerous or makes uncomfortable, simply STOP and get the help. You are probably correct; listen to your impulses. Regularly use the spotter, possibly two, based on your energy and weight of the motorbike. Carefully read owner's guides for your loading ramp and/or your trailer. Exercise with your motorbike and trailer, your ramp and truck with 2 spotters. Uncover with this security net and understand how your equipment really works. There are an unlimited number of factors on motorbikes, motorbike ramps, and trailers. Realize your equipment and motorbike. Know that motorbike unloading and loading has a risk. Dangerous things can occur in an issue of seconds. They're avoidable. Be careful!