Need to tow the GS500 with car

[tussey]

2000 VW TDI Jetta. I'm getting a Class 1 hitch and I need to tow the bike. What's the easiest (CHEAPEST!) way.

http://www.trailerhitches.com/trailer-hitches/trailer-hitches/hiddenhitch60963class1hitch.cfm?source=gbase&gbid=Hidden_Hitch_60963___Class_1_Hitch
My Hitch

[coll0412]

I have a Class 1 on my 98' Escort and tow it with a harbor freight foldable trailer


Your TDI will tow that no problem at all.

[bobthebiker]

Whatever way you do it, you need the whole bike off the ground unless you want to burn up bearings in the transmission because theres no oil lubing anything.

the HF trailer shown above is probably the cheapest and best way to do this.   I've also seen a little shelf thing kinda deal that looks like what you'd see a medical scooter on, but I'm not sure if those require a heavier duty hitch or no.  they're perfectly acceptable methods of transit as well.

[Roadstergal]

Those hitch carriers typically need a class C.  You're best off with a regular trailer.  Make sure you have it balanced - tongue weight is limited with that class A hitch.  200lbs, IIRC.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Aye, the HF route would be best imho

[tussey]

Guess I need this one.
48" x 96"
$289 (yikes!)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42709

or maybe I could use this one

40" x 48"
$199 (yay!)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42708

This gives corner to corner distance of 63.25"

The wheel base of the GS500 is 55" according to the wiki. If I turn it sideways it will fit.

Thoughts/comments?

[chipster]

 I was told when buying a boat, to buy the next size bigger than you think you need. I have owned several trailers over the years and have found this to be true of them as well.  If you have a place to store it and can swing the extra $$, I would go with the bigger trailer. 

[flyingmachine]

I have used that 40x49 to trailer a racing kart for years, I doubt it'll work well for a motorcycle.  The 48x96 is definitely the way to go.

[Esteban]

Whatever way you do it, you need the whole bike off the ground unless you want to burn up bearings in the transmission because theres no oil lubing anything.

So, you're saying this would be a bad idea? http://www.hhauler.com/index.html
I have a Honda CR-V with a class 3 hitch and would rather avoid all the hassles of a trailer in NJ (registration, storage, etc.)

[The Buddha]

Naaaa ... just tow the car with the bike ... come on ... you know you want to ...  ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[scottpA_GS]

If you only need it a few times rent it from Uhaul CHEAP 

[Xyloft]

If you only need it a few times rent it from Uhaul CHEAP 

yeah.  i think the rentable trailers are dirt cheap in comparison to buying.  and you don't have to store it. 

[Roadstergal]

The wheel base of the GS500 is 55" according to the wiki. If I turn it sideways it will fit.

Thoughts/comments?

Get one that's a bit longer than you need it to be loading the bike straight front-to-back.  You want to have a little room to work with, especially when it comes to balancing the weight on the trailer to keep the tongue load reasonable.

And get a Baxley sport chock.  This is the best thing ever made for bike transport.  We have two, and they're worth their weight in gold.  We've used them for trackbikes, streetbikes, supermotos, dirtbikes, you name it.

http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Sportchock.html

[The Buddha]

Baxley is gonna be mad ... their stuff is being sold at harbor fright for 40 bucks. OK OK its a cheapss copy ... but still 40 bones ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[tussey]

The wheel base of the GS500 is 55" according to the wiki. If I turn it sideways it will fit.

Thoughts/comments?

Get one that's a bit longer than you need it to be loading the bike straight front-to-back.  You want to have a little room to work with, especially when it comes to balancing the weight on the trailer to keep the tongue load reasonable.

And get a Baxley sport chock.  This is the best thing ever made for bike transport.  We have two, and they're worth their weight in gold.  We've used them for trackbikes, streetbikes, supermotos, dirtbikes, you name it.

http://www.baxleycompanies.com/Sportchock.html

dang!!! I'm trying to save money. I can't justify $230 for a wheel chock!!!!

I just need a trailer to tow the bike around for road trips. I'm going to Ft Bragg, NC for three months and want to bring the GS. In June 2010 I get back from Iraq and have to move so I'll need to tow the bike again.

[Roadstergal]

If you're only going to be doing one bike on the same trailer, you can get one of the cheapass chocks, find the right place for it, and bolt it down.

But the cheapass copies don't work as well as the Baxley.  I'm a cheap bastard, but those chocks are simply worth the money in the long-term, especially if you transport different bikes regularly.  They're great trackside, too, if you have bikes without sidestands, so you don't have to fumble with rearstands and MX stands.

[simoniz]

Don't mess about - do it this way! 

http://www.dpccars.com/motorcycle-08/11-29-08page-How-not-to-transport-a-motorcycle.htm

[makenzie71]

Bad pic, but it's the only way to do it simply and safely.   50 state legal, safe for the bike so long as you disengage the drivetrain (remove chain for the GS), and it has a lot less effect on your car than a trailer (in weight and simplicity...no lights and shaZam!).

However, it's important to note that your reciever HAS to be able to handle a tongue weight equal to the bike's front weight distribution when suspended (about 175lbs with my GS750).  Most store bought receivers exceed this easily.  You can see above that I have a strap going into the trunk...that's because the receivers for E36's suck and can't support the weight so I had to do something to compensate...long story.

Second, you may want to run an old wheel/tire on the rear.  It's easy for me, but I always have a spare wheel with the right axle diameter...it doesn't have to be the "right" wheel for the bike, it just has to fit in the swingarm.

Third, don't skimp on straps.  Get the good ones.  Also get loops as you don't want to rely on strap hooks holding your bike down.  Safety chains are also a must.

Anyway, I used to sell these...$150 a piece.  VERY sturdy construction and made to fit whatever size receiver.  If interested, I can look into materials supplies here in Lubbock and get back with you.

I, personally, have put about 15,000 miles on eight different motorcycles using this hitch, and I sold to fourteen people out there who have not given anything but praise since I sold them in 2005.

[Tang]

obviously ya'll dont' know what ya'll are talking about this is how u tow a bike

http://cache.jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/04/El_Civico_494.jpg

[yamahonkawazuki]

RFOL i remember that one. and tussey, again, thank you for your service. but when are you goin to bragg?, id say jsut rent a trailer. unless its more than the HF purchase, hell buy one, get it there, and then sell the trailer. upon your safe return, ( we KNOW youll make it back 110%) repeat. with wherever you go to. when you get back, i owe you a drink. of your choice., or if youre coming along I40 lmk, ill buy before you get to bragg