How do you guys trailer your bike to the track? Im looking for a new setup w/o breaking the bank. Ive noticed most motorcycle dedicated trailers are quite expensive. So, I assume Ill end up with some type of flat bed utility trailer. What trailer, tie downs or restraints do you use?
Go see Mike or Tom at Tom's Trailer in Menomonee Falls, he's got both new and used trailers for sale - decent place My setup is a 7' x 12' v-nose enclosed (fits like 4 bikes) the base trailer ran like $3500 I think for 5200lb axel with brakes, extra height, and a ramp door - added a bit to it since (pitbull trailer restraint, have a couple sts ones in there too) Might also know a gent willing to part with his 5x8 (I had it on loan for like 3 or 4 years lol) Can maybe get you some pictures of my setup if you really want - not that high class or anything but it works
I have a 5x8 open trailer with a wooden floor and 4' folding ramp attached. It has the v nose and 15 inch tires. I paid $825 for it new. I strap my baxley chock to the front. That way, I can ride the bike right up onto the trailer, into the chock, couple of tie downs and I'm ready to roll.
In my opinion, the Pit Bull trailer restraint is the best way to attach your bike to a trailer. The STS isn't a bad option, but the Pit Bull is even nicer and isn't much if any more money (shop around).
I got a harbor freight 4x8 folding utility trailer. Threw some plywood on it, and a HF chock. Eyebolts in the corners. Canyon dancers with ratcheting straps on the front. Pull-type straps in the back. Pull it with a Honda Civic.
I bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer for $1100 on ebay. it des dual duty as a garage for my bike. everything stays packed up and ready to go. A queen size inflatable mattress fits perfectly in it as well, so I sleep in it at the track, too. I definitely need a bigger one, though.
Go for an enclosed used trailer. Then you can sleep in it too and save on hotels. I've done the 5x8. It works, but you will soon want a 6x10+. Tie down points on the floor and a wheel chock will get you through, but some sort of a strapless stand is where it's at. A fold down back isn't necessary if you have a ramp already. Where you place the bikes will depend on where the axle is. Try to keep tongue weight down. Built in cabinets are awesome. If not, rubbermaid bins are your friend. Don't spend all your money on getting to the track and leave yourself short on tracktime!
the best 'on the cheap' setup is in the back of a pickup...and bring a tent. i ran that way my whole first season of racing.
6' x 10' ghetto looking (but solid) box trailer I got for $400. It is also my hotel at the track. Did the back of the pickup thing for several years, but it is hard to get everything to the track as you start to find more of your "wants" are needs to be comfortable at the track, and not be mooching off of everyone.
Don't forget UHAUL. Looks bad but the trailer rentals are pretty cheap. Take your pic of enclosed or their open motorcycle trailer. I would love to pick up a trailer but I am only averaging about 3-4 track days a year. So, no need to invest in a trailer, upkeep, storage and insurance for now.
6x12 enclosed trailer, bought with like no miles on it. I think it was used once. bought for 2200. I found it like 2 days before i was goingto spend 5 K on a new one. So look around and you can find deals. Pit bull tralier restrant the best way to go. For any one useing it you should put a strap through the front rim(with a rag to avoid scratches) because the front tire does bounce up (like a wheelie) with the bumps on the BQE. Don't forget weight maters alot to not burn a ton of gas or fuel. so if you find a old 18' for 400. it may not be worth it. I have a deisel pick up so I dont even feel the 2500 lbs with 2 bikes and gear. good luck
another thing about an enclosed is if you goto a hotel everything can be locked inside. Also if it is raining and etc your stuff is also dry and it gives you a nice place to relax at lunch.
Whatever you decide on the trailer make sure you strap the bike down on the kickstand and run a strap over the seat.
I agree. sounds like a good way to tear up your seat to me. Wheel chock of some sort in the front to keep the tire from turning. Canyon dancer or soft strap of some sort on the bars to get the straps off the fairings. Two straps pulling the bike forwards into the chock. No need to over compress the front. That is USUALLY more than enough If your trailer shakes a LOT, two straps on the rear mainly jsut to keep it centered and not dancing side to side, and that should be more than enough. Pitbull trailer restraint (too rich for my blood) is an awesome product though. it pretty much does away with all of that. NO straps, no chock in the front. Bike cant sway side to side or anything as far as I gather it (never used one)
thought i'm not against this method....i think you would be in the minority for both the kickstand and the strap over the seat. the norm is straight up and down, front wheel in a chock, handlebars tied down. probably 50/50 split on people also strapping the back. and then another split on people strapping to points other than the bars (ie, triples, points on frame, solid pit bulls, etc)
WHAT YOU NEVER WANT TO HEAR AFTER HITTING A BIG BUMP. Dude..!!! The good news is MY bike is still on the trailer!!!!
I know a guy who tossed his off the trailer going down I-75. The issue was the trailer, not the strapping method though. Damn thing was so cheaply made it would twist and flex WAY too much with the weight of a bike swaying on it. The angle iron it was made of was just too thin it seemed. He put two bikes on...... it twisted so much, that one of the straps came out of its hook, and his bike jumped off the side of the trailer. Not cool
