Side Loading Motorcycle Trailer

[SteveH]

Just wondered if anyone had any expereince with side loading motorcycle trailers? Our prefererred option was to fix the bike to the back but I am coming to the conclusion that isn't going to work with a 180kg bike. We are looking at armitage trailers at the moment but if anyone has any other recommendations they would be appreciated. Also if anyone has any experience towing trailers in France and Spain that would be helpful also. The reason we wanted to mount the bike was because of reduced speed limits and other restrictions.

 

[Legin]

A conventional towbar mounted one isnt going to work due to the nose weight. I have seen some side access ones in germany that triangulate to the chassis with two rods, the only realistic option.
When I used to put my KTM on the back of a shogun the stability wasnt good so now given up and use a trailer. Its a 180kg bike plus the weight of the rig so 200kg easily.

 

[sidepod]

Why side loading?

 

[westfalia]

This one looks wheely good.

http://www.sawiko.com/uk/universal-trailer-wheely

 

[Trebor]

Just wondered if anyone had any expereince with side loading motorcycle trailers? Our prefererred option was to fix the bike to the back but I am coming to the conclusion that isn't going to work with a 180kg bike. We are looking at armitage trailers at the moment but if anyone has any other recommendations they would be appreciated. Also if anyone has any experience towing trailers in France and Spain that would be helpful also. The reason we wanted to mount the bike was because of reduced speed limits and other restrictions.

SteveH We have one of these . It’s an Anssems VT2 Keeps the bike clean . Last year took bike from Cornwall to London when it was snowing and lots of salt on roads . Bike was was spotless .

 

[sidepod]

I’ve seen those short stubby ones. Some have a winch type arrangement that allows loading without any ramp.

They would virtually impossible to reverse I would imagine.

 

[Legin]

Is this what the OP is asking
46325-cate_adapter_vw_t5

 

[B J G]

Is this what the OP is asking
46325-cate_adapter_vw_t5

I would think that the combined weight of the rack and bike would use up most of the Cali's payload leaving no people or luggage capability. Not to mention the tailgate opening procedure needed.

I agree with sidepod as regards reversing due to the trailer axle being close to the towball and tending to 'whip' round and jackknife.

 

[SteveH]

Why side loading?

Looking at side loading because they are easy to store in the garage, cost less on ferries and are easier to tuck away on tight pitches. Less moaning from caravan club wardens.

 

[SteveH]

Is this what the OP is asking
46325-cate_adapter_vw_t5

The Cate adapter is exactly what we wanted to do. I think it would need to mount directly to chassis because of tow ball load limits. It's usually just me and the better half so not loaded with bodies but we would be carrying a good amount of stuff if going to Europe. Anyone know the rear axle and total load limits for t6 beach?

 

[B J G]

Looking at side loading because they are easy to store in the garage, cost less on ferries and are easier to tuck away on tight pitches. Less moaning from caravan club wardens.

Brittany Ferries; Trailers cost the same up to 3 mtrs so no potential saving with them.

 

[Legin]

This is what i use.

 

[SteveH]

I actually just found an old post that listed the beach as having 677kg payload so it looks like I already have more than enough room to manoeuvre there. I imagine I just need to put the heavy stuff up front if I want to mount a motorcycle at the back.

 

[Legin]

Just priced up that cate stuff as you got me thinking. Not cheap for the whole set up about £1300. All the bits are seperate, brackets, platform, channels. Also you have to drill two holes through the bumper case.

 

[sidepod]

Are you looking for something like this or a trailer?

 

[sidepod]

If it’s this type of thing then Reimo do one with quite a high load rating.

 

[Legin]

If it’s this type of thing then Reimo do one with quite a high load rating.

They do the cate one I referred above for a mere £1300.

 

[sidepod]

....which is why i made my own

 

[Legin]

Is that a picture of yours. If so I assume you put a box section attached to left and rhd chassis rails ? loving the Grom btw.

 

[SteveH]

Are you looking for something like this or a trailer?

View attachment 41990

View attachment 41991

I am looking for something like that but if not possible I will go for a trailer. Definitely not willing to drill holes in the bodywork

 

[sidepod]

Is that a picture of yours. If so I assume you put a box section attached to left and rhd chassis rails ? loving the Grom btw.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/scooter-moped-options.25940/#post-309228

 

[SteveH]

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/scooter-moped-options.25940/#post-309228

Good job sidpod. Even though I am an apprentice served mechanical engineer I don't think I would like to take on the responsibility of making sure my other pride and joy didn't end up on the road in traffic

 

[Legin]

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/scooter-moped-options.25940/#post-309228

Nice job. Maybe I should get the calculator and welder out as well. Also would need to get a smaller bike as my R9t would push the boundary somewhat.

 

[sidepod]

Probably wise. It's been tested to the south of France and back. I'm not sure I'd like to go any heavier, the Grom weighs in at 90kg. You don't notice it at all on the nose.

It depends on what you will use the bike for I guess. If it's to go out and ride for pleasure then that's different. I use the Grom just to pop to the supermarket or into the local town in the evening. I'm looking at swapping for a Bultaco Brinco R to do the same job, 38 kg so it should go on the normal bike rack.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

I'm looking at swapping for a Bultaco Brinco R to do the same job, 38 kg so it should go on the normal bike rack.

I'd like one but I spoke to a rep from fullycharged.com who said Bultaco have gone into administration.