Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: kidsmoke on April 29, 2022, 07:50:51 AM
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Interested in your critique of this bike hitch. New take on an old idea. The owner is in process of taking this from a garage hobby to an actual brick and mortar business with employees. Overwhelming response from buyers so far. What do you think?
Welded stainless
600# bike max weight
The two video links are my youtube channel....no danger. less than a minute combined between the two
https://youtu.be/MgCH9q6JykY
https://youtu.be/3W50-2Rbtm8
(https://i.imgur.com/pUoTdyg.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/yYF701j.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/oJ9y1SQ.jpg)
fire away.
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Interesting and cool are my immediate thoughts.
I'd be interested to understand the dynamics for what it might do the forks/tree to drop the front wheel into a pothole at 50MPH.... going backwards. IOW, those parts are set up to handle stresses with the bike traveling forward, not backwards. Might be nothing though.
But you left out a key piece of information; the ballpark price shipped.
That said, it looks a lot easier than towing a trailer.
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That looks crazy dangerous to me.. imagine a tank slapper if the tie downs got even a little loose.
But what if the front wheel had a little platform with wheels strapped on? I know, just a goofy idea.
(https://i.ibb.co/H44x2Fb/4-E10-C703-7-B74-4-AC9-8-CCF-2-EDF895-AF0-A0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/H44x2Fb)
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There are already competing products out there.
I guess if you have limited garage/yard space and an economy car and need to get your bike to the shop a lot it might be useful.
How many tows to the shop will it take before you start saving money?
I met a guy who has something similar that he uses to tow a KTM Supermoto to the mountains. I think I would just trade in the SUV or car for an economy truck.
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Wouldn’t forcing the front forks to steer straight cause scrubbing or worse, significant lateral forces against the forks or steering linkage and bearings?
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Here is a link of a google search I did.
https://www.google.com/search?q=bumper+towing+a+motorcycle&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwi4u4imrrn3AhV1r3IEHaRoBvYQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=bumper+towing+a+motorcycle&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoHCCMQ7wMQJzoICAAQgAQQsQM6BQgAEIAEOgQIABBDOgcIABCxAxBDOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToGCAAQBRAeOgYIABAIEB46BAgAEB5QoUxYgH1giYABaAJwAHgAgAGmAYgBjB-SAQQwLjI3mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=5uVrYriwJfXeytMPpNGZsA8&bih=643&biw=1366
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Build it, they will sell. I might even be goaded into it myself. I've considered this method for years.
Road grime is an issue.
Negative caster is an issue towing from the rear.
This was not uncommon practice for racers back in the 50s-60s.
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If you have a truck, put bike in the bed.
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If you have a truck, put bike in the bed.
unless you don't have a truck, or unless the bed is full.
and it's pretty dangerous getting a 500# bike up and, more importantly, down, by yourself. Risk of damage and injury are pretty high.
My interest was taking the bike on vacation with family and stuff....having the bike along and no trailer to mess with. Bed isn't an option.
Here is a link of a google search I did.
https://www.google.com/search?q=bumper+towing+a+motorcycle&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwi4u4imrrn3AhV1r3IEHaRoBvYQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=bumper+towing+a+motorcycle&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoHCCMQ7wMQJzoICAAQgAQQsQM6BQgAEIAEOgQIABBDOgcIABCxAxBDOgsIABCABBCxAxCDAToGCAAQBRAeOgYIABAIEB46BAgAEB5QoUxYgH1giYABaAJwAHgAgAGmAYgBjB-SAQQwLjI3mAEAoAEBqgELZ3dzLXdpei1pbWfAAQE&sclient=img&ei=5uVrYriwJfXeytMPpNGZsA8&bih=643&biw=1366
None by the rear wheel. This really does seem to be an unusual approach.
Wouldn’t forcing the front forks to steer straight cause scrubbing or worse, significant lateral forces against the forks or steering linkage and bearings?
Force from where? bike and rider is =/- 700# moving at speed. Any impact is that weight and it's inertia moving into the bump/hole/corner what ever. This is a fraction of the bike's weight (300/400 #'s ??) with zero resistance and the free spinning wheel and bike able to bounce with no resistance. I believe - as did the mechanical engineer that designed it- that it's minimal.
There are already competing products out there.
I guess if you have limited garage/yard space and an economy car and need to get your bike to the shop a lot it might be useful.
throughout the country, even as the owner of a half million dollar home, your HOA will not allow a trailer on the property. In cities everywhere, urban dwellers have no room for a trailer. Trailers cost a mint and need to be registered annually and stored someplace. This goes in the hall closet/trunk/bed of the truck. That looks crazy dangerous to me.. imagine a tank slapper if the tie downs got even a little loose.
But what if the front wheel had a little platform with wheels strapped on? I know, just a goofy idea.
(https://i.ibb.co/H44x2Fb/4-E10-C703-7-B74-4-AC9-8-CCF-2-EDF895-AF0-A0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/H44x2Fb)
Good point and good idea!!
I will say, the locking ratchet straps with this thing are surprisingly high quality. I spent the last ten years using ratchets to lash tempered 3/8's shower doors to the wall of a semi trailer, many many tiumes the weight and force of this bike. The strapping doesn't stretch and the ratchets don't fail. I would think that every 300 miles (gas refill) a click on each ratchet - if available- would do it.
My fear. Flat tire....
This is great feedback and what I was hoping for! I know the owner and she asked me for feedback. She may regret that!
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For short tows it would be worth owning depending on price. I have a small trailer and I can load a bike by myself without issue but it does have to be licensed.
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If you have a truck, put bike in the bed.
Sometimes the truck has a cap on the bed, and is set up for camping. I use this for my two lightweight bikes.
(https://i.ibb.co/52w6tZK/IMG-4894.jpg) (https://ibb.co/52w6tZK)
(https://i.ibb.co/DDg4nMm/IMG-5428.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DDg4nMm)
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I'd definitely be tempted.
I'd need a fork truck or loading dock to put a bike in my bed. And then getting it out? Plus truck beds aren't full size any more.
This would also solve the problem of having to pull a trailer one way empty. The U-Haul motorcycle trailer is great. Built in wheel chock. Well made.
Can't drop though. Have to return where you rented.
If it proves out with people using it. I'd be interested. I'll let the market decide rather than decrying it now.
-AJ
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Honda built a whole bunch of big red three wheelers too before the law suits shut that down.
Any lateral movement what so ever of the cinched up back wheel on that hitch setup and a disaster is going to happen.
For ones own use it would get you by, but to sell those to the average idiot consumer----- No way! the lawyers are circling like vultures around that set up.
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Honda built a whole bunch of big red three wheelers too before the law suits shut that down.
Any lateral movement what so ever of the cinched up back wheel on that hitch setup and a disaster is going to happen.
For ones own use it would get you buy, but to sell those to the average idiot consumer----- No way!
Bingo. That’s my concern. There needs to be a pivot. That’s why trailers pivot there. You just can’t have too many wheels in a direct line, especially so far apart. If the attachment doesn’t snap, the rearmost wheel (moto’s front) will significant scrub or snap. One or the other has to go. But I’m happy to be proven wrong by someone who understands engineering/physics better than I.
Edit: Looking at it again—I was assuming it doesn’t pivot, but maybe it does? If so, obviously better than not pivoting. But to acogoff’s point, I’d agree that it would still prove to be an issue putting a lot of forces on the moto’s wheel bearings, and the vertical setup would lead to extra tip over force, as opposed to a trailer that sits lower.
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I like it . first thought was how to get the rear wheel up in the rig then watched vid pretty cool.
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what happens if you need to reverse?
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they've been out there about 3 years. I haven't been able to find a bad review.
https://motowus.com/product/adjustable-tow-24/
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what happens if you need to reverse?
I've found it far easier to back up with this than my motorcycle trailer.
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Bingo. That’s my concern. There needs to be a pivot. That’s why trailers pivot there. You just can’t have too many wheels in a direct line, especially so far apart. If the attachment doesn’t snap, the rearmost wheel (moto’s front) will significant scrub or snap. One or the other has to go. But I’m happy to be proven wrong by someone who understands engineering/physics better than I.
Edit: Looking at it again—I was assuming it doesn’t pivot, but maybe it does? If so, obviously better than not pivoting. But to acogoff’s point, I’d agree that it would still prove to be an issue putting a lot of forces on the moto’s wheel bearings, and the vertical setup would lead to extra tip over force, as opposed to a trailer that sits lower.
Yep, it pivots like a door hinge, watch the video you see me taking a turn. it pivots abut 160 degrees, so you cant jacknife it into your truck if your backup goes awry.
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If I didn’t have a 5x8 trailer set up to tow one or two bikes, I think I’d just rent one of these
Fairly inexpensive, and located through out the USA.
(https://i.ibb.co/YL6LZGt/3-BDFDC61-4-B12-4-BF8-8-D91-1809-C9-AD56-DB.png) (https://ibb.co/YL6LZGt)
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this shows how it pivots, and then the lower/raise function
https://youtu.be/O5xqZJq--PU
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this shows how it pivots, and then the lower/raise function
https://youtu.be/O5xqZJq--PU
I see now. Curious what the load weight would be. Having the rear of the bike on the chock puts a little more weight up on top, and forces caused by bumpier surfaces could put some extra pressure on the end of the chock, which appears to only be secured by the two bolts at the lateral pivot axis. Any concerns there?
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based on my experience with machining and fabricating (not expansive, but I've done it) and just life exposure, this thing is very overengineered.
The weak link in my limited view is that all the torsional forces go through one point...the rear axle. But again, at ninety miles an hour, with a 200 lb rider dragging a knee, what are these machines designed to withstand? And does the weight being carried with limited strain against it challenge the mechanisms? First drive I was uneasy, but I could monitor the bike while driving, and the relationship of the mirrors to the top of my bed. After travel, at speed, on curvy hairpins, I became pretty comfortable. I stopped often to check straps and never was able to tighten.
A longer journey is warranted. But so far I'm impressed. And the reviews I've read are all glowing. My experience appears to be the norm.
I plan to have this dragging a Guzzi through Dovah in July. I'll have to look you up!
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I see now. Curious what the load weight would be. Having the rear of the bike on the chock puts a little more weight up on top, and forces caused by bumpier surfaces could put some extra pressure on the end of the chock, which appears to only be secured by the two bolts at the lateral pivot axis. Any concerns there?
I want more detail also. I work in an industrial setting with access to a shipping scale. Planning to get the ACTUAL to the pound wet weight of my G5, then mount it in the hitch and get the front wheel on the scale and see what, to the pound, the tongue weight is and what's riding on the front end. I don't like speculating.
(https://i.imgur.com/wuCUdeF.jpg)
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based on my experience with machining and fabricating (not expansive, but I've done it) and just life exposure, this thing is very overengineered.
The weak link in my limited view is that all the torsional forces go through one point...the rear axle. But again, at ninety miles an hour, with a 200 lb rider dragging a knee, what are these machines designed to withstand? And does the weight being carried with limited strain against it challenge the mechanisms? First drive I was uneasy, but I could monitor the bike while driving, and the relationship of the mirrors to the top of my bed. After travel, at speed, on curvy hairpins, I became pretty comfortable. I stopped often to check straps and never was able to tighten.
A longer journey is warranted. But so far I'm impressed. And the reviews I've read are all glowing. My experience appears to be the norm.
I plan to have this dragging a Guzzi through Dovah in July. I'll have to look you up!
I think there's another issue you may have erroneously dismissed earlier.
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The steering head is designed to take the forces of braking, bumps, or portholes at an angle that allows the suspension to compress the motion dissipating much of the forces at play.
When you reverse that angle you instead create a lever that is going to stress the steering head on impacts instead of compressing the suspension.
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I think there's another issue you may have erroneously dismissed earlier.
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The steering head is designed to take the forces of braking, bumps, or portholes at an angle that allows the suspension to compress the motion dissipating much of the forces at play.
When you reverse that angle you instead create a lever that is going to stress the steering head on impacts instead of compressing the suspension.
I agree. But the forces are a fraction of what they are when loaded with rider/braking etc. the forks are nearly vertical, designed to take shock, and carrying maybe 300 lbs top - probably less. That is well below what they experience in use. But the facts remain, and you're not wrong.
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I've been looking at this for quite a while and am ready to buy. In my opinion, a lot of thought went into this design.
How well does your drill do when raising the bike? What size drill is it (watts, volts, model name, for example)? I might just buy the electric motor they offer, but could buy a drill instead.
Moto
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I would not transport a MC this way it just looks inherently unstable...Just my opinion & 0.02...I could be wrong but would not do it unless it was for just a few miles...
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I've been looking at this for quite a while and am ready to buy. In my opinion, a lot of thought went into this design.
How well does your drill do when raising the bike? What size drill is it (watts, volts, model name, for example)? I might just buy the electric motor they offer, but could buy a drill instead.
Moto
The drill I use in the video is an old Milwaukee 18V Drill. I have a smaller Milwaukee impact and when loaded with the bike, it did the job but wanted to use the impact force. The regular drill handed it just fine.
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Ive seen those before and they are a interesting concept. I know I wouldn't want to go far with it myself becouse of tire wear, but for just a quick two across town or something it would be handy.
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It’s a great idea well executed. I just couldn’t use it myself. It feels like putting the dog on the roof. I’ve been using a 5x8 flat trailer for years, and even the thought of a bike tipping off of that scares me. I finally gave in and bought a 6x12 enclosed trailer. Trailers are a pain to maintain and store though. That’s a really great looking G5 Kidsmoke.
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If you have a mechanical speedometer, it will take some miles off.
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"New way" thats funny. My father made the identical thing in 1973 for our family car as a rescue device when he commuted to work on a Honda 90 step through. It however mounted the bikes front wheel in the holder which was mounted on the cars tow bar. We use it on one occasion.
Ciao
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It’s a great idea well executed. I just couldn’t use it myself. It feels like putting the dog on the roof. I’ve been using a 5x8 flat trailer for years, and even the thought of a bike tipping off of that scares me. I finally gave in and bought a 6x12 enclosed trailer. Trailers are a pain to maintain and store though. That’s a really great looking G5 Kidsmoke.
Not when you convert that 6x12 into a camper and park it next to the garage. :grin:
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"New way" thats funny. My father made the identical thing in 1973 for our family car as a rescue device when he commuted to work on a Honda 90 step through. It however mounted the bikes front wheel in the holder which was mounted on the cars tow bar. We use it on one occasion.
Ciao
Ummm. Yeah. That’s the point. new way - rear tire. Only one I’ve heard of. Sounds like you’re corroborating that.
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I know I could never be totally comfortable with it, YMMV. If space is a premium I would opt for a Stinger or Kendon foldable trailer. I like the concept of the MOTOW, just not for me for a long haul, maybe across town. I used a hitch carrier, the design that you pull a pin and drop the rail to load, and then lift the bike into position. Looked easy on the video, not so much in real life for my DR 350. One person could not lift it because of the location of the pivot point. Probably work OK on a 125 cc bike. I didn't like the bouncing motion of the bike on the hitch hauler, no matter how well I tied it down, if you hit a series of whoops at speed it did contact the back of the van with the handlebars. This was a heavy duty, welded steel design. I know other people highly praise hitch haulers as well. Just wasn't for me. Do what works for you.
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This is how I got my Honda home...
(https://i.ibb.co/qCVN2s6/BikeHome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qCVN2s6)
(https://i.ibb.co/h2jbFbY/Bike-Home3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h2jbFbY)
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really nice as I said do you bolt or pin it up when it is raised? looks like it if so unload the screw not made to take inpacks. Yeh I would not go over 10,000 miles towing with it at one time with out stopping to piss. And a other thing those handelbars and or grips were dizined by motorcycle seintests to go only in one diriction, might be looking for trubble there also just some thing to consider. Oh should for shure remove the handle grip streamers be bore a tow. Just trying to be helpfull yeh spell chek might help.Matt
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I’m not being critical just to be inflammatory, but.
I hate it.
The grip on the rear wheel is providing high twisting loads through both it (the wheel) and the swingarm during cornering and road irregularities.
When one wheel of the truck drops into a dip and the other does not, that left/right rocking that you feel, is fed through to the bike and unsympathetic loads are applied.
You can see in the shot that the bike is not properly vertical. The more it moves away from this point, the more it will tend to continue to do so. Lateral instability=bad thing.
When you encounter a bump in the road during normal riding moving forwards, the shock is dissipated (mostly) in the compressing of the fork springs due to the force vector’s horizontal and vertical components.
Travelling in reverse, the tendency is to EXTEND the forks which INCREASES the bending moment on them…
Not good at all.
Don’t even entertain the consequences if you get Liberace’d at a stop light….Goodbye bike…Period.
The bike will not be able to move forward with the momentum of the colliding vehicle, it will collapse like a coke can.
I don’t know if spinning the speedometer drive machanism in reverse is an issue or not.
Oh and don’t ever..ever..ever..e tc..forget that it’s there and reverse the truck, especially with steering input..
It WILL WRECK EVERYTHING…!
I think the whole idea has more bugs than a boarding house bed.
I wouldn’t do it…..
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Being a true Moto Guzzi addict I am cheap and bought my 3 bike (or 1 Ural) trailer (in excellent used condition) for less than that device retails at. Amazing how many friends you get when you own a trailer that fits most anything from bikes to quads (and riding mowers too).
But in the "Good old days" (early '70s) I did make a rig that hooked onto a car rear bumper (when bumpers were real and purposeful). This device allowed clamping a BMW R69S front axle to the rear bumper (front wheel removed). We loaded the transmission full of oil so there was lubrication available no matter what was spinning and my friend towed from Massachusetts to California without incident.
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Ummm. Yeah. That’s the point. new way - rear tire. Only one I’ve heard of. Sounds like you’re corroborating that.
So you're saying the "new way" is mounting it via the rear wheel not the front? I haven't seen this method used since my father made his contraption in the 70's when I was a kid and people thought he was either brilliant or mad and I've been immersed in motorcycles and the motorcycle world since then. Have people been using this system commonly since then? I personally don't like the system myself but my father only created his for emergencies in the urban areas not for extended towing.
Ciao
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My Dad was a bit of a madman too.
He built an auto gyro in 1969 and flew the bastard. No one knew if he was mad or brilliant…(probably a bit of both.. :wink:)
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Back in the 70s I haul my kawasaki 350 400 mile to Norwich CT.
I put the front wheel in the trunk of a little toyota carolla, tied it down, and made it without incident or harm to the bike.
I can't remember if I removed the chain for the trip.
Don
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made it without incident or harm to the bike.
Don
Yep I worked with a bloke for 5 years as a postie, even let him ride my Norge.
He just got locked up for life on a murder cold case after 27 years on the run.
See..?
You can get away with murder…For a while.
True story..Google it.
Matthew Donald Tilley from Adelaide.
Actually he was a nice bloke..(mostly)
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I’m not being critical just to be inflammatory, but.
I hate it.
The grip on the rear wheel is providing high twisting loads through both it (the wheel) and the swingarm during cornering and road irregularities.
When one wheel of the truck drops into a dip and the other does not, that left/right rocking that you feel, is fed through to the bike and unsympathetic loads are applied.
You can see in the shot that the bike is not properly vertical. The more it moves away from this point, the more it will tend to continue to do so. Lateral instability=bad thing.
Two tie downs from up near the grab rail, to out near the ends of the truck’s rear fender would be highly advantageous…(actually imperative).
When you encounter a bump in the road during normal riding moving forwards, the shock is dissipated (mostly) in the compressing of the fork springs due to the force vector’s horizontal and vertical components.
Travelling in reverse, the tendency is to EXTEND the forks which INCREASES the bending moment on them…
Not good at all.
Don’t even entertain the consequences if you get Liberace’d at a stop light….Goodbye bike…Period.
The bike will not be able to move forward with the momentum of the colliding vehicle, it will collapse like a coke can.
I don’t know if spinning the speedometer drive machanism in reverse is an issue or not.
Oh and don’t ever..ever..ever..e tc..forget that it’s there and reverse the truck, especially with steering input..
It WILL WRECK EVERYTHING…!
I think the whole idea has more bugs than a boarding house bed.
I wouldn’t do it…..
If that were true, would t you think at least one customer would’ve had a problem? Just one? And in 40 years of driving I’ve never forgotten I was towing. Backing up with it is super easy.
There are hundreds of these out there and there has not been a single failure. Not one. With all these risks that seems crazy to me.
I still can’t find a commercially offered rear wheel tow device. @perazzimx14 did you say you saw one?
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If that were true, would t you think at least one customer would’ve had a problem? Just one? And in 40 years of driving I’ve never forgotten I was towing. Backing up with it is super easy.
There are hundreds of these out there and there has not been a single failure. Not one. With all these risks that seems crazy to me.
I still can’t find a commercially offered rear wheel tow device. @perazzimx14 did you say you saw one?
You wouldn’t know unless they told you about it.
I drive a 26 metre B Double truck all week and I haven’t forgotten either. Does that mean I’m closer to the day that I do ?
I must be clueless.
Just get one, they are nicely electroplated.
A chrome one would be even better… :thumb:
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Google "motorcycle tow bar" and lots of stuff comes up. This is not a new concept. The version on the big auction site is $90 and is rated at 800#
Here's a front wheel version:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiEkaPa2Lz3AhUJZd8KHWNPDgcQwqsBegQIAxAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D0io8g_VjGNo&usg=AOvVaw0KcnmY_9BKQA5hRHzq4mga
Unless it was my only option in an emergency situation would I choose to use one of these getup's I would thing a remote TMPS with a readout in the tow vehicle would be minimum safety equipment. I could see getting a flat and never knowing it until the tire was all balled up around the forks or swing arm and the wheel being grinding away on the road.
Yeah. Mentioned that above. That flat tire issue is the one thing that worries me. That TMPS idea is a great one. Wonder if that sort of app could be added to Bluetooth radios or even cel phones.
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You wouldn’t know unless they told you about it.
I drive a 26 metre B Double truck all week and I haven’t forgotten either. Does that mean I’m closer to the day that I do ?
I must be clueless.
Just get one, they are nicely electroplated.
A chrome one would be even better… :thumb:
Huzo. I own the one shown. That’s my Guzzi. And also mentioned in the thread, the owner of the company is a friend. Since it’s inception there have been zero - ZERO - customer complaints, returns, or report of failure. Her question to me was “what’s wrong with it? What is the concern of an experience biker when they look at it?”
I told her I thought I could find out, beyond my own observations.
I do appreciate the critique. It’s all valid.
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Huzo. I own the one shown. That’s my Guzzi. And also mentioned in the thread, the owner of the company is a friend. Since it’s inception there have been zero - ZERO - customer complaints, returns, or report of failure. Her question to me was “what’s wrong with it? What is the concern of an experience biker when they look at it?”
I told her I thought I could find out, beyond my own observations.
I do appreciate the critique. It’s all valid.
Ok then mate.
It’s a beautiful bike, I wouldn’t have it there like that, but it doesn’t make you wrong.
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As one who doesn't have the room for a truck or trailer it looks quite interesting, it still puts a significant load on the drawbar (around half the bike's weight) but it should tow easy I think.
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As one who doesn't have the room for a truck or trailer it looks quite interesting, it still puts a significant load on the drawbar (around half the bike's weight) but it should tow easy I think.
Unit requires vehicle with a 2 inch receiver. Most 2 inch receivers are rated well above 300 pounds tongue weight.
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What I haven't heard addressed is whether or not there is any issue with rolling a motorcycle tire backwards, since most are directional.
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Don't see any reason you couldn't load the bike into that rig front wheel first.
Manufacturing could eliminate the built in pivot as bike steering would pivot.
Loader eliminates disabling steering with ratchet straps.
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This concept is not new or earthshattering, It's been around for a looooong time. If it was so great I wonder why every motorcyclist with a 2" receiver doesn't have one in their garage. I mean they are $90 on eBay so its not a cost thing. Maybe the trailer cartels have done a good job at silencing the competition or maybe its just a bad idea?
geez. dude. ok, can you share it with me? I can't find one. Anywhere. Front wheel? 60 years (at least) of history and counting. tired idea. yawn. Rear wheel? 0.
Rear tire only motorcycle hitch, for sale, commercially. If it's not new, show me one, and I'll edit the thread title and accept my admonishment.
And I don't think anyone has said its BETTER than carrying it on a trailer. Clearly it is not. It's an option. There are many people who have a motorcycle, occasionally need to transport it, and CANNOT have a trailer or would rather not have a trailer. Here's an option for them. By offering an alternative, no one is threatening your trailer or suggesting it's inferior. I own a bike trailer. I'd prefer it from a peace of mind standpoint because of it's proven success and lack of risk to the bike. But it greatly increases the cost of towing and is far less convenient.
Engineering and math matter. And this unit has 100% success in achieving its purpose safely to this point over of thousands of miles and many bikes. In my mind that makes it worth my consideration. You don't have to like it, but you can't dispute its effectiveness in use. Or then again, i suppose you can!
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What I haven't heard addressed is whether or not there is any issue with rolling a motorcycle tire backwards, since most are directional.
No mate.
They are marked in preferred direction of rotation, to cope with the torque demands.
Rear tyre will experience torque in both directions, but the front will only experience braking forces..(obviously).
In the case of the trailering example, there will be no torque applied, because there is no impediment to rotation.
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Interesting thread. I would never consider using the MoTow for my Victory Cross Country Tour though. I also prefer not to own a suitable trailer, open or enclosed. Certainly not for the infrequent times I may want to use it. Plus I have friends with trucks and trailers if I need one locally.
I could be interested in something like this Motolug system though. In fact I'd like to see the maker of the MoTow design something similar to it. Because I likely wouldn't want to buy one from the UK. The MotoLug concept is what I had in my head as I was watching the MoTow videos.
For me and my big Victory, the MoTow simply isn't, and shouldn't be, an option. But please pass along the MotoLug video and see if MoTow would or could design something similar.
https://www.motolug.com/index.php?route=common/home
This version, made in SC is only about $300 more than the MoTow and could also be an option.
vhttps://theusatrailerstore.com/ace-single-motorcycle-trailer/
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When I drove a few hundred miles to pick up my bike, I used the UHaul trailer with ramp and nose for front wheel. The rental for 24 hours was $15.
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I don't have have room, money, or means of owning a trailer.
My go to is the U-Haul motorcycle trailer. But it too has disadvantages.
Number one being no one-way rental. If I could have something like this that
I keep in my truck, I could see that being useful. Just another tool for tackling a job.
There does seem to be a lot of theory against it but right now the
real world usage by a fellow Guzzi rider can't be ignored. I'd still prefer
the U-Haul but I'd have to give this serious consideration.
-AJ
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My father made a simple towing device to get me and my girlfriend back over the snowed-in Rockies in Fall, 1974. It hitched the fork tubes to the trailer hitch via the front wheel axle. Ever since, I've thought of making my own hitch that would correct the biggest flaw of his design and of all hitches that allow the motorcycle to pivot on the front fork.
That flaw is this. When the towing vehicle backs up and executes any kind of turn, no matter how slight, the motorcycle pivots on its steering stem. Since the stem is angled back from vertical by 20 degrees or more, the only way the bike can perform the pivot requires the steering stem to depart even further from the vertical. (Otherwise the rear wheel would have to be up in the air! Think about it.) This dipping quickly progresses to the point that the bike will lie down on the ground to be run over by the tow vehicle if one is not careful.
For many years I tried to sketch out designs that would introduce a vertical pivot axis, separate from the steering stem, while supporting the front of the motorcycle, with or without the wheel removed. It always got complicated, and I never built one.
MoTow's design solves the vertical axis problem and also reverses the motorcycle to put the front wheel on the ground. Reversing the motorcycle simplifies attaching it rigidly to the provided vertical axis since the rear wheel forms a rigid (more or less) extension of the frame. Holding the front fork in a neutral position then becomes as simple as adding some tie-downs, which is an adequate solution because only the minor deviating forces introduced from the front wheel itself have to be controlled, rather than the much larger forces needed to stabilize the whole motorcycle in a non-reversed design. This is brilliant, and well deserving a patent (which I think has been obtained or applied for). The end result is a towed motorcycle that does not try to disappear beneath your rear bumper when backing up, and which should back just like any small trailer, as reported.
The reversed attachment of the motorcycle also saves worrying about transmission damage, or removing a messy chain. Though a Guzzi can be towed thousands of miles (as I have found) with the rear wheel on the ground and the drive shaft spinning away, many would hesitate to do this. So the reversed mounting is also a big selling point in this respect.
Other obvious advantages have been discussed, including the ability to carry the device in one's trunk or store it easily in a small space in the garage, and the ease with which a single person can mount the motorcycle on the hitch (especially with a drill or the optional motor). The savings on gas mileage will be very large, based on my own later experiences with my Dad's device -- there was almost no mileage penalty at all.
As for theoretical drawbacks, the idea that the forks are built only to handle forces from the front is wrong, based on my examination of forks. Though engineers could have built them in the proposed way, making them more liable to failure from forces applied from the rear, they did not. An examination of the construction of triple trees and forks shows a symmetry that means they are as strong from the rear as from the front, at least on every street motorcycle and racing motorcycle I have ever seen or seen described. Furthermore, the fore-and-aft forces that need to be dealt with are extremely small compared with full application of the bike's brakes: the front brakes will not be used at all. This is not a valid concern.
The rotational torque introduced through the rear wheel and the trailer hitch is an appropriate concern. I discussed this with an extremely experienced and skilled professional welder, who declared emphatically that that the 2-inch hitch will have no problem at all, based on his and everyone's experience of towing heavy construction equipment with these things. This leaves the question of the ability of the motorcycle's rear axle, rear wheel, swing arm, and swing arm pivot to handle these torques. Here the lack of product complaints or returns will have to be sufficient. It is possible a torque from some pot hole hit by the towing vehicle could tweak one or more of those parts, but I doubt this would happen. Certainly the limitation to sub-600lb. bikes helps here, since they provide less resistance to these torques.
The list to starboard that we observe in Kidsmoke's video is a bit worrisome. Maybe he could comment on how hard it would be to correct this the next time. I think that MoTow may have dropped an initial 1 1/4" hitch model due to concerns about this sort of thing. I also noted that they began including a hitch-stabilizer clamp with every MoTow about year or so ago. Whether or not listing or rotation around the listing axis is really a potential cause of structural damage to the bike, it is enough to worry the owner. The company reacted suitably to counter this worry.
This device is not meant to tow large touring bikes, of course. You are supposed to ride those on tours! But it is suitable to tow Guzzi big blocks (all of which weigh five-fiddy, per Chuck in Indiana) clean across the continent to where the plains fall away and the mountains rise in purple majesty. I plan to do that this summer.
Sorry if I left out reactions to the reader's own suggested worry.
I've said all I have to say. Thanks.
Moto
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I want a lighter duty one then I could tow my montesa cota with my mighty powerful metro. ohhh no those trials tires arnt ment to go 70 I better go change my panties, no no false alarm.
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I think it would work fine. The steering head is up to the task and so are the forks even though unforeseen stresses may be involved. I would do it like you and pay close attention until I proved to myself it was ok. An extra backup camera on it would be helpful.
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For me and my big Victory, the MoTow simply isn't, and shouldn't be, an option. But please pass along the MotoLug video and see if MoTow would or could design something similar.
https://www.motolug.com/index.php?route=common/home
This version, made in SC is only about $300 more than the MoTow and could also be an option.
vhttps://theusatrailerstore.com/ace-single-motorcycle-trailer/
I really like the look of that motolug!
You're correct, it's not for baggers. Heck, it won't even accommodate the Jackal due to the way the fender protrudes, modification would allow it, but nah.
The unique thing about the MoTow, and what has made it a versatile device, is the simple but VERY robust mechanical lift. It's simply a lead screw. They've taken this core idea and built around it: The MoTow bike hitch, a really nice stainless steel E-Bike carrier, and a Dirt Bike tray, like what we've all seen, or you can just purchase the lift attachment and find you're own use, such as the large decks that people use to carry storage bins and coolers off the back of their SUV/RV or whatnot. The ability to simply and effortlessly (think the fairer sex piloting an RV) raise and lower whatever it is is a/the main point.
With that in mind I don't know if a small bike trailer would make sense for them. It puts them right up against many many of other products that do that job really well, as you've shown!
"Interested in your critique of this bike hitch. New take on an old idea" :popcorn:
Check out the Atlas Hitch video at the 0:23 second mark from 2019
Woop! there it is! That one goes both ways. I poured over pages of Google returns and never saw that item. I stand corrected! Title edited!
That's a beefy unit with a far greater capacity, and of course, weighs much more. Seems MoTow can't handle the big bikes, And theirs can't do the small one's, so that leaves room for everyone.
To anyone who likes what they see, the MoTow company said WG members could get a little break. I'll start another SPAM thread, and reference this discussion for curious folks. But if you go on the site and enter WG05 at checkout, you'll get a 5% discount. On the full monty that's about $50.00, so, you know, it's nice.
https://motowus.com/products/
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throughout the country, even as the owner of a half million dollar home, your HOA will not allow a trailer on the property. In cities everywhere, urban dwellers have no room for a trailer. Trailers cost a mint and need to be registered annually and stored someplace. This goes in the hall closet/trunk/bed of the truck.
Good point and good idea!!
The no trailer POA problem was addressed decades ago by Kendon:
https://www.kendonusa.com/collections/go-series-motorcycle-trailers/products/go-series-single-rail-ride-up-folding-motorcycle-trailer
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The no trailer POA problem was addressed decades ago by Kendon:
https://www.kendonusa.com/collections/go-series-motorcycle-trailers/products/go-series-single-rail-ride-up-folding-motorcycle-trailer
have you seen one of these? they're not small. If you have two cars and a two car garage, this won't fit. Ask me how I know. Either the trailer or one of the cars has to stay outside. The Motow takes up the space of one of the kendon's wheels, weighs less than 40# and costs $1800.00 less. The Kendon is awesome, but it doesn't meet the need as you describe. You still need significant space indoors. Not the case with many homes and urban dwellers.
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Whatever happened to good old "Trailer in a Bag".
That was the best of both worlds.
(https://i.ibb.co/9pTyTt9/trailer06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9pTyTt9)
remove duplicate text (https://dedupelist.com/)
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have you seen one of these? they're not small. If you have two cars and a two car garage, this won't fit. Ask me how I know. Either the trailer or one of the cars has to stay outside. The Motow takes up the space of one of the kendon's wheels, weighs less than 40# and costs $1800.00 less. The Kendon is awesome, but it doesn't meet the need as you describe. You still need significant space indoors. Not the case with many homes and urban dwellers.
seen 'em. used 'em. they're great.
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Whatever happened to good old "Trailer in a Bag".
That was the best of both worlds.
(https://i.ibb.co/9pTyTt9/trailer06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9pTyTt9)
remove duplicate text (https://dedupelist.com/)
No this is the best of both worlds. I've used one of these for almost 20 years to transport my track bikes. Cheap, light, 10min to unfold, stores anywhere, robust. The only mods I did to mine was aluminium checker plate on the deck and 2 split channels under the deck which I slide the ramp into and retail with quick release pins. Oh and a "wheel chock" that bolts to the deck instead of the std channel. So all up it cost me around $650au back in the day. Slide the ramp out from under the trailer and roll the bike up onto the deck and it locates in the wheel chock while you strap it down.
http://www.easytrailer.com.au/page10.html
Ciao
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The list to starboard that we observe in Kidsmoke's video is a bit worrisome. Maybe he could comment on how hard it would be to correct this the next time. I think that MoTow may have dropped an initial 1 1/4" hitch model due to concerns about this sort of thing. I also noted that they began including a hitch-stabilizer clamp with every MoTow about year or so ago. Whether or not listing or rotation around the listing axis is really a potential cause of structural damage to the bike, it is enough to worry the owner. The company reacted suitably to counter this worry.
Thanks for your observations Moto.
I highlighted part of your comment above as a means of addressing the 'list to starboard'. Yup there is one and nope, it wasn't installed for my driveway video, so the modest 'slop' typical of a 2" receiver union was on display there.
Hope you saw mention of the WG discount.
Cheers.
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My father made a simple towing device to get me and my girlfriend back over the snowed-in Rockies in Fall, 1974. It hitched the fork tubes to the trailer hitch via the front wheel axle. Ever since, I've thought of making my own hitch that would correct the biggest flaw of his design and of all hitches that allow the motorcycle to pivot on the front fork.
That flaw is this. When the towing vehicle backs up and executes any kind of turn, no matter how slight, the motorcycle pivots on its steering stem. Since the stem is angled back from vertical by 20 degrees or more, the only way the bike can perform the pivot requires the steering stem to depart even further from the vertical. (Otherwise the rear wheel would have to be up in the air! Think about it.) This dipping quickly progresses to the point that the bike will lie down on the ground to be run over by the tow vehicle if one is not careful.
For many years I tried to sketch out designs that would introduce a vertical pivot axis, separate from the steering stem, while supporting the front of the motorcycle, with or without the wheel removed. It always got complicated, and I never built one.
MoTow's design solves the vertical axis problem and also reverses the motorcycle to put the front wheel on the ground. Reversing the motorcycle simplifies attaching it rigidly to the provided vertical axis since the rear wheel forms a rigid (more or less) extension of the frame. Holding the front fork in a neutral position then becomes as simple as adding some tie-downs, which is an adequate solution because only the minor deviating forces introduced from the front wheel itself have to be controlled, rather than the much larger forces needed to stabilize the whole motorcycle in a non-reversed design. This is brilliant, and well deserving a patent (which I think has been obtained or applied for). The end result is a towed motorcycle that does not try to disappear beneath your rear bumper when backing up, and which should back just like any small trailer, as reported.
The reversed attachment of the motorcycle also saves worrying about transmission damage, or removing a messy chain. Though a Guzzi can be towed thousands of miles (as I have found) with the rear wheel on the ground and the drive shaft spinning away, many would hesitate to do this. So the reversed mounting is also a big selling point in this respect.
Other obvious advantages have been discussed, including the ability to carry the device in one's trunk or store it easily in a small space in the garage, and the ease with which a single person can mount the motorcycle on the hitch (especially with a drill or the optional motor). The savings on gas mileage will be very large, based on my own later experiences with my Dad's device -- there was almost no mileage penalty at all.
As for theoretical drawbacks, the idea that the forks are built only to handle forces from the front is wrong, based on my examination of forks. Though engineers could have built them in the proposed way, making them more liable to failure from forces applied from the rear, they did not. An examination of the construction of triple trees and forks shows a symmetry that means they are as strong from the rear as from the front, at least on every street motorcycle and racing motorcycle I have ever seen or seen described. Furthermore, the fore-and-aft forces that need to be dealt with are extremely small compared with full application of the bike's brakes: the front brakes will not be used at all. This is not a valid concern.
The rotational torque introduced through the rear wheel and the trailer hitch is an appropriate concern. I discussed this with an extremely experienced and skilled professional welder, who declared emphatically that that the 2-inch hitch will have no problem at all, based on his and everyone's experience of towing heavy construction equipment with these things. This leaves the question of the ability of the motorcycle's rear axle, rear wheel, swing arm, and swing arm pivot to handle these torques. Here the lack of product complaints or returns will have to be sufficient. It is possible a torque from some pot hole hit by the towing vehicle could tweak one or more of those parts, but I doubt this would happen. Certainly the limitation to sub-600lb. bikes helps here, since they provide less resistance to these torques.
The list to starboard that we observe in Kidsmoke's video is a bit worrisome. Maybe he could comment on how hard it would be to correct this the next time. I think that MoTow may have dropped an initial 1 1/4" hitch model due to concerns about this sort of thing. I also noted that they began including a hitch-stabilizer clamp with every MoTow about year or so ago. Whether or not listing or rotation around the listing axis is really a potential cause of structural damage to the bike, it is enough to worry the owner. The company reacted suitably to counter this worry.
This device is not meant to tow large touring bikes, of course. You are supposed to ride those on tours! But it is suitable to tow Guzzi big blocks (all of which weigh five-fiddy, per Chuck in Indiana) clean across the continent to where the plains fall away and the mountains rise in purple majesty. I plan to do that this summer.
Sorry if I left out reactions to the reader's own suggested worry.
I've said all I have to say. Thanks.
Moto
Well, that’s put my mind at rest..
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Bicycle carrier I own slips into a standard receiver.
The manufacturer press fit a bushing horizontally inside the square tubing in between the fixing holes in the square tube. They also threaded one of the fitting holes in the square tube.
The tube slides into the receiver and is retained with a strong bolt that threads into the tube clamping against the receiver. Securely tightening the bolt clamps the tube firmly against the side of the receiver. There is no rotational movement possible. The bushing prevents the possibility of collapsing the square tube through rigorous tightening.
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I think there's another issue you may have erroneously dismissed earlier.
.
The steering head is designed to take the forces of braking, bumps, or portholes at an angle that allows the suspension to compress the motion dissipating much of the forces at play.
When you reverse that angle you instead create a lever that is going to stress the steering head on impacts instead of compressing the suspension.
Damn right.. :thumb:
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As for theoretical drawbacks, the idea that the forks are built only to handle forces from the front is wrong, based on my examination of forks. Though engineers could have built them in the proposed way, making them more liable to failure from forces applied from the rear, they did not. An examination of the construction of triple trees and forks shows a symmetry that means they are as strong from the rear as from the front, at least on every street motorcycle and racing motorcycle I have ever seen or seen described. Furthermore, the fore-and-aft forces that need to be dealt with are extremely small compared with full application of the bike's brakes: the front brakes will not be used at all. This is not a valid concern.
I think this argument misses the point (but I admit the point could be wrong).
Whether we're talking about braking forces or a pothole the forks are angled forward, toward the vector of the force, meaning they are designed to compress inner and outer tubes with the mechanical spring and hydraulic damping to help dissipate forces.
But angled away from the pothole or bump more force is applied as a lever and less directly vectored towards compression.
At least that's my most rudimentary estimation.
I guess the question is how much is too much (if we accept the forces are different).
But I've been able to dent a Brembo wheel on a pothole in normal operation, I would worry about more than just the wheel like this.
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I think this argument misses the point (but I admit the point could be wrong).
Whether we're talking about braking forces or a pothole the forks are angled forward, toward the vector of the force, meaning they are designed to compress inner and outer tubes with the mechanical spring and hydraulic damping to help dissipate forces.
But angled away from the pothole or bump more force is applied as a lever and less directly vectored towards compression.
At least that's my most rudimentary estimation.
I guess the question is how much is too much (if we accept the forces are different).
But I've been able to denya Brembo wheel on a pothole in normal operation, I would worry about more than just the wheel like this.
I see your point, which I was not considering before.
I think the reason the forks are angled as they are has to do with steering geometry, not dissipation of pothole impacts. Nonetheless, they are better angled for the potholes than they would be when reversed, on the MoTow.
What I see in the forks is a couple of robust steel pipes, chosen to withstand about 1 g of force from the front on braking. I think their overall construction is remarkably symmetrical fore-and-aft, as I said. I'd be surprised if they would be damaged from any pothole impact while facing backwards, but you can never say never.
So, you've got a theoretical point. But I don't think it would be important in practice, as the experience of the builders of the MoTow, as it was related to Kidsmoke, suggests.
Robust stainless steel MoTow, robust front forks, robust Guzzi frame, I'm good with all that.
Moto
P.S. Don't forget the front of the bike is lightly loaded while on the MoTow, since the rider is missing. Also, the brakes will never be applied. I'd be more worried about the wheel rim than the fork, as usual. But less worried overall.
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There is also the thing about having a wheel on the centreline of your vehicle.
When you encounter an obstacle on the road, you will be hard pressed to stop yourself from instinctively adjusting your line so as to put that obstacle equidistant from the two steer wheels of your truck.
Doing so will result in the bike wheel colliding with that obstacle.
There are some things that routinely occur when travelling that would place the welfare of the bike in jeopardy that you have zero chance of being able to mitigate.
It’s just “hang on and hope..”.
Kev (re)made the point about the cruel treatment of the front end cleaner than I did….
Also as Scout said..”Like putting a dog (in a cage) on the roof…”
It all just seems heartless to me.. :popcorn:
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I see your point, which I was not considering before.
I think the reason the forks are angled as they are has to do with steering geometry, not dissipation of pothole impacts. Nonetheless, they are better angled for the potholes than they would be when reversed, on the MoTow.
What I see in the forks is a couple of robust steel pipes, chosen to withstand about 1 g of force from the front on braking. I think their overall construction is remarkably symmetrical fore-and-aft, as I said. I'd be surprised if they would be damaged from any pothole impact while facing backwards, but you can never say never.
So, you've got a theoretical point. But I don't think it would be important in practice, as the experience of the builders of the MoTow, as it was related to Kidsmoke, suggests.
Robust stainless steel MoTow, robust front forks, robust Guzzi frame, I'm good with all that.
Moto
P.S. Don't forget the front of the bike is lightly loaded while on the MoTow, since the rider is missing. Also, the brakes will never be applied. I'd be more worried about the wheel rim than the fork, as usual. But less worried overall.
Agreed on the light load.
But I still wonder about the lever on the bearings.
I'm a little confused as to the experience of the builders. If they've been doing this for 40 years and there's hundreds out there (not a great ratio to years or total number) , then why are they asking us.
Or did I misread one or more of those numbers on the beach today? (Again, a fair possibility).
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It all just seems heartless to me.. :popcorn:
Well, Huzo, don't do it.
I've driven thousands of miles towing motorcycles with rigs like this, but that used the steering stem as the pivot. I've had zero problems running over stuff in the center of the lane with the motorcycle wheel.
Your hand wringing is mostly to get attention, I believe. Enjoy it.
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Well, Huzo, don't do it.
I've driven thousands of miles towing motorcycles with rigs like this, but that used the steering stem as the pivot. I've had zero problems running over stuff in the center of the lane with the motorcycle wheel.
Your hand wringing is mostly to get attention, I believe. Enjoy it.
I guess it depends on the kind of roads you travel. I personally see Huzos point as I spend about 10% of my driving attention dodging road potholes and surface issues on our country roads. I think this whole "towing the motorcycle like a trailer" is just a stupid idea, there I've said it. I also think sidecars are silly things as well. There are things a motorcycle is made to do and being dragged by one wheel behind a truck or lugging a great chunk of dead weight bolted to the side of it aren't any of them in my world. If you want to transport a motorcycle use a properly set up trailer, or a truck or van. My view.
Ciao
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Wonder what riders on Trikes or CanAm's do?
Have the single wheel cop a hiding I'd imagine.
Ciao
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Well, Huzo, don't do it.
I've driven thousands of miles towing motorcycles with rigs like this, but that used the steering stem as the pivot. I've had zero problems running over stuff in the center of the lane with the motorcycle wheel.
Your hand wringing is mostly to get attention, I believe. Enjoy it.
Nah, I used to make a good living getting attention and it didn’t involve hand wringing…
But anyway.
He did ask for comment. He said he thought the comments were valid in principle.
Oh and as for not doing it..?
Thanks, I’ll take that advice.. :
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Wonder what riders on Trikes or CanAm's do?
Suffer and hide from people who know them ?
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Agreed on the light load.
But I still wonder about the lever on the bearings.
I'm a little confused as to the experience of the builders. If they've been doing this for 40 years and there's hundreds out there (not a great ratio to years or total number) , then why are they asking us.
Or did I misread one or more of those numbers on the beach today? (Again, a fair possibility).
Designed in 2018. Brought ‘to market’ the following year. I think you merged a couple comments. :)
The designer/patent holder is/was an expat who chose to move home. There is a new owner who is taking this to another level. Brick and mortar. Employees. Etc. She is not a motorcyclist as was the designer (designed this for himself and found a public clamoring for more) they also sell an E-Bike carrier, which IS in her wheelhouse.
She asked me personally about concerns a motorcyclist might have and I in turn thought I’d put it to ya’ll. One of my more enlightened ideas, I’d say.
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Wonder what riders on Trikes or CanAm's do?
Had a Can Am owner use the MoTow and reported it a smashing success. Owner’s review in his own words is on the site.
1200# on a MoTow. Thing really is robust.
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Designed in 2018. Brought ‘to market’ the following year. I think you merged a couple comments. :)
:thumb: ah thanks, wouldn't be the first time I did...
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Was thinking about this set up today. This would be GREAT when I need to take my truck in for service. Hook the bike up to the back. Drop the truck off, stow the tow rig in the bed, and ride off. Easy to hook back up when the truck is finished.
-AJ
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That’s a really great looking G5 Kidsmoke.
Yes. Yes it is. :smiley:
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That’s a really great looking G5 Kidsmoke.
Yes. Yes it is. :smiley:
Thanks lads. It's a creampuff. Came through a top finishing school. Good genes.
(https://i.imgur.com/KJpKidu.png)
Was thinking about this set up today. This would be GREAT when I need to take my truck in for service. Hook the bike up to the back. Drop the truck off, stow the tow rig in the bed, and ride off. Easy to hook back up when the truck is finished.-AJ
Agreed. Ideal.
If you do something, don't forget the discount code: WG05
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I towed my T3 about 1600 miles round trip to ride with my brother in the Black Hills last fall,
(https://i.ibb.co/4TzB5dg/B8-AB1913-0-A21-4-EB7-9-BD2-2-EA50060-FE4-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4TzB5dg)
and realize I have useful empirical data to add about the MoTow's performance. I'll be brief, I hope.
Tire wear: none noticeable. Here's a profile I just took from the front tire, a Conti Classic Attack that now has about 3000 miles on it, not necessarily the best option for straight-line work:
(https://i.ibb.co/dj5Mz1d/image.png) (https://ibb.co/dj5Mz1d)
Fuel economy effects from towing: None that I can really see. My highway mpg figures for the fill-ups out and back were: 29.2, 29.2, and 27.7. I took US 20 both ways. These are quite similar to a 2011 round trip from Madison to Idaho in the same car, not towing anything: 25.4, 26.6, 27.1, 29.5, 28.4, 22.7, 29.7, 27.1. That was on the Interstate though.
There is also the thing about having a wheel on the centreline of your vehicle.
When you encounter an obstacle on the road, you will be hard pressed to stop yourself from instinctively adjusting your line so as to put that obstacle equidistant from the two steer wheels of your truck.
Doing so will result in the bike wheel colliding with that obstacle.
I guess it depends on the kind of roads you travel. I personally see Huzos point as I spend about 10% of my driving attention dodging road potholes and surface issues on our country roads. I think this whole "towing the motorcycle like a trailer" is just a stupid idea, there I've said it.
I found no ill effects on the motorcycle from this. The problem was really severe in one Black Hills town, Hot Springs SD, where all the main roads seemed to be dug up for some reason. It really seemed like I was digging a furrow through town, the scraping was so bad. There was no way to avoid all the irregularities. Quite embarrassing for me, but the bike just bounced up and down on both its rear and front suspensions without incident. I wore away some of the lowest hanging stainless steel of the MoTow and mangled the lowest strap buckle, but that was due to my inadequate car suspension. No structural damage to the MoTow.
I weighed the back wheel of my T3 at 298 lbs, unladen. This plus the 40+ lbs for the MoTow was more than my car could deal with. So I bought a better car afterwards.
I didn't have any problems with the tow aside from the scaping. The T3 survived unharmed. I plan to tow my Royal Enfield down to Arkansas this weekend for some better weather. I recommend the MoTow without reservation, if you have a vehicle that can deal with a high tongue weight.
Moto
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I've considered the Motow option for my Moto Guzzi V700 but in their description they say you need 15″ of clearance on the motorcycle rear wheel (measured from ground to fender). The fender on my Guzzi doesn't quite have 15" of clearance. A shame, because at times I'd like to tow mine short distances and would probably get one.
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I've considered the Motow option for my Moto Guzzi V700 but in their description they say you need 15″ of clearance on the motorcycle rear wheel (measured from ground to fender). The fender on my Guzzi doesn't quite have 15" of clearance. A shame, because at times I'd like to tow mine short distances and would probably get one.
I just did some measuring of my wheel cradle. The top edge of the back wheel brace is actually somewhat more than 15" off the floor, but I suppose that as you roll the wheel on it gains clearance by resting on the bottom part of the cradle. If you carefully considered the elevation of the fender as you roll the bike into the cradle, inch-by-inch, you might see that it would clear. I'd be willing to make more careful measurements of the cradle for you. It seems possible that using a 3/4" board as an on-ramp to the cradle might do it, depending on more careful measurements.
You also might contact the company for advice if you have only a small clearance deficiency. The owner, in particular, is intelligent, articulate, and helpful.
Moto
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I like it! I think it would come in handy on an emergency chase vehicle, to bring a broken bike home, or when purchasing a used bike. I know it would have come in handy for me on a few occasions. Trailers are a PITA to store, keep the tires, lights, etc. in good shape.
Rick
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Everything works well until it doesn’t.
If you have had “no issues”, then either none of the dissenting comments have any merit, or you haven’t encountered the situation under which they surface.
The one I don’t like is the forces when you hit a bump.
In normal forward motion an obstruction will have the tendancy to (of course), compress the forks and the shock is dissipated steadily through the motion of the slider.
The force is resolved into horizontal and vertical vectors and the resultant is compression in line with the staunchions such that minimal bending moment exists.
With this device, ALL of the load is sent into a bending moment and it’s cruel.
Also in the rear shot showing the bike leaning to port (not starboard), it can be seen that all of the tendancy to sway clockwise or anticlockwise, is resisted by the rear wheel and this is manifested as a twisting force that the wheel and associated pivot points are not designed to endure.
Does it work ?
Yes.
Does your bike have enough inherent robustness not to break under use ?
Yes.
Is it ideal ?
No.
One day you will encounter a major pot hole that you will instinctively miss with your truck by skilfully manouvering to place it harmlessly under your sump plug in the vehicle, and the next wheel to clobber into it will be the bike’s.
It’s an emergency solution at best.
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It’s hard to argue with one so adamantly attached to his theoretical fancies, and impossible to prove a negative in this case. Meanwhile, I’ve escaped frigid Wisconsin, MoTow attached, and am heading for some riding in the sun around Harrison, Arkansas. Perhaps all the accumulated successful experience with MoTows will end in wailing and gnashing of teeth, but maybe not. I am sure many here understand your reasoning, but not why you make the same points over and over.
By the way, I’m not driving a truck and haven’t posted any photos you described. I am driving an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, having fun that no one ever had in a pickup truck with a bike in the back. Life is short, Huzo. Don’t worry. Be happy.
Best wishes from Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and good night.
Moto
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Yeah ok.
I’m not worried or gnashing my teeth, because it isn’t my bike that’s involved. I make the case again in the hope that I’ll be more successful in making my point(s).
I don’t think you’ll have any dramas at all, because there is enough rigidity and structural integrity to endure what your bike will encounter. But just because the poor bugger doesn’t crack around the swingarm pivot, distort your rear wheel or damage the forks, it does not mean you have not displayed a casual indifference to the potential mistreatment that is being dished out.
What I hope and what I think are not the same and I can only trust in the fact that I’m full of crap, for your sake.
Oh and by the way..
If I’d made the above points in the affirmative with the same level of furvour, I expect you’d be more disposed toward accepting my reasoning.
Yeah life is short, but no one said there was death at the end of this saga, so that’s a moot point.
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Wonder how it'd work on this little beauty. Might need a permit for overall vehicle length but that's a different topic.
(https://i.ibb.co/T8JXV6d/images-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/T8JXV6d)
For me the MoTow is a No-Go.
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... it does not mean you have not displayed a casual indifference to the potential mistreatment that is being dished out.
studied indifference, not casual indifference. I considered the same points you pontificate about, but came to my own conclusion
....Yeah life is short, but no one said there was death at the end of this saga, so that’s a moot point.
No, the point about life being short has nothing to do with a risk of life or death in using the hitch, but is about the danger of not getting on with fun while you still have time.
In that regard, I just got back from two days of riding in the 70's and 80's down in Arkansas where the lilacs are in bloom, thanks to my MoTow. It's not so pleasant here in Wisconsin.
Moto
(https://i.ibb.co/kqYJcTg/D7-CFE478-4-B71-44-CD-83-CE-F7-C1-A699-DD2-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kqYJcTg)
(https://i.ibb.co/d7zwB70/A5-BAAE13-FDE9-4-E80-A5-D0-66239-E96-EB22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d7zwB70)
(https://i.ibb.co/6nh952q/701-E7-E3-B-0436-495-E-ADD8-E862102-D34-EE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6nh952q)
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have you seen one of these? they're not small. If you have two cars and a two car garage, this won't fit.
I kept a two bike Kendon stored upright in my two-car garage for several years. Bought it used off Craigslist. I parked a full size truck next to the wife's small compact car. There was plenty of room for the trailer on her side of the garage. Now I suppose if one has a Suburban and an F250 stuffed in their garage....