Trailing yer bike

[banquo]

Now I know it's anathema to mention sticking yer bike on a trailer, but there are times when it would be really useful, like when (for other reasons) you have to go where you're going by car or van, and want the use of yer bike at the other end, breakdowns, or taking the bike for work over the winter, etc.
I'd fancied getting a bike trailer, but recent experience suggested it might not be as easy as it looked.
A mate's '03 Softail's gearbox packed in a few weeks back, and he had to call for a relay back home. Guy turned up with a 4x4 and trailer, and it was a complete pig to get the bike on there, even though it had a cradle for the front wheel, and a winch to draw it up on to the ramp.
Once up there, it felt really unstable, and even 4 ratchet clamps didn't inspire any confidence (not that there's much for them to hold on to).

A lower towbar might have helped in this case...
Does anyone have any experience of trailing their Harley, and can anyone recommend a trailer that's not only man enough for the job, but also relatively easy to get the bike on and off, and comfortingly stable once it's up there?

[Ming the Merciless]

Jake, as you are a born warrior... er worrier, trailering is deffo not for you. Can you picture yourself driving along while constantly looking in your mirrors, checking to see if your baby was okay? You'd be off the road in no time!

[banquo]

Ah well Ming, I'd already decided to cover the rearview mirror with a photo of a clear road behind....
Definitely more worrier than warrior right enough though...

[Stuarty]

It can take a wee while tae get used tae trailering a bike. Always used 4 straps (at least ) when probably 2 would do. Mind you a Harley may need the 4

[willy_warmer]

I bought a trailer of Ebay for £300 from somewhere in the Bristol area( i can find it if you want ) and have taken it to France and other places loads of times with just 2 heavy duty racket straps on the front forks.It never ever moves.Got the idea from a BMW mechanic who transported all his bikes that way and never had a problem.Mind you my first trip involved stopping every few mile just to check

[CrazyIvan]

I don't know about trailers but your mate has got a lovely looking bike there

[banquo]

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

your mate has got a lovely looking bike there

Stock Anniversary FXST (same as mine - even the colour ;) ) with just the long forks and raked yokes. The tall sissy bar and the stainless fishtails were custom made. Sits a bit high at the front, so could do with some frame stretching, to get the rake right.
The minimalist seat you're looking at is his waterproofs, protecting everything from the straps and the stock seat's in the back of the 4x4..

[banquo]

Originally Posted by willy_warmer

I bought a trailer of Ebay for £300 from somewhere in the Bristol area( i can find it if you want )

That would be great WW. This is the kind of thing I've been looking at:

[Steppenwulf]

carnoustietrailers.co.uk do a trailer rated upto 450 kg for £320, probably a bit more local than Bristol?

[banquo]

Nice link SW, and especially as I've been trawling all over the place looking for a cheap box trailer for work, and never come across these guys before!
Thanx!