Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: rob-mg on March 04, 2016, 08:31:20 PM
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I'm in New York City. Later this month, I have to pick up a new Moto Guzzi about 600 miles away, also in the northeast, and trailer it here.
I'm going to rent a U-Haul trailer, which gives me two options. I can rent a dedicated, but uncovered, motorcycle trailer, or a covered trailer, but the latter doesn't come with a chock.
Two questions.
My gut feeling is that I should rent a covered trailer, just to protect the bike's finish, but what do I have to do to secure the bike in the trailer?
Second question. Am I over-reacting and just as well off renting one of U-Haul's motorcycle trailers?
The difference in price between a covered and motorcycle trailer is about $10 per day, which in this situation is insignificant.
Thanks for any suggestions.
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Get a Baxley sport wheel chock and tie it down in the covered trailer. I prefer covered over open trailers.
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The wheel chock isn't necessary by any means.
Just tie down the front and rear with some decent nylon straps.
To some extent I prefer an open trailer. You can at least see if a strap has come loose.
Years ago some truck drivers I knew rented an enclosed trailer to do to Daytona. When they got to FL they found one bike lying in top of the other.
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I really like the motorcycle trailer. Single load/unload, lots of tie points, and the built in wheel chock is very nice. It pulls easy with my Mazda3 too.
The Tenni coming home a few weeks ago:
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/Dilliw/IMG_20160206_114007_zpsem34bvtn.jpg)
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Uhaul covered trailers do not have good robust tie down points. In fact they are pretty lame. I'd use the open bike trailer myself.
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I really like the motorcycle trailer. Single load/unload, lots of tie points, and the built in wheel chock is very nice. It pulls easy with my Mazda3 too.
The Tenni coming home a few weeks ago:
(http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g152/Dilliw/IMG_20160206_114007_zpsem34bvtn.jpg)
Thanks.
So I'm going to do this on highways at the tail end of winter, which means lots of salt on the road and probably a fair amount of debris.
When you've used the motorcycle trailer, have you been concerned at all about your bike being hit by stones, etc? Or does the solid floor prevent that?
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I'd rather use an open trailer and see what's going on. Get some good quality tie downs and some soft straps, they're like figure 8's made of nylon strapping. They'll help you hook a tie down anywhere without scratches. Strap her down front and back and tie the front wheel to the rail. I've hauled dirt and street bikes thousands of miles with no problem but I really prefer my Toyota truck
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Thanks.
So I'm going to do this on highways at the tail end of winter, which means lots of salt on the road and probably a fair amount of debris.
When you've used the motorcycle trailer, have you been concerned at all about your bike being hit by stones, etc? Or does the solid floor prevent that?
I have never had any damage and I guess I've never really thought about it. It would most likely be something that my car would throw at it if anything and I doubt the Mazda is a big stone thrower. The day above was 200 mi on I 85 and that highway is in terrible condition for parts.
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I'd rather use an open trailer and see what's going on. Get some good quality tie downs and some soft straps, they're like figure 8's made of nylon strapping. They'll help you hook a tie down anywhere without scratches. Strap her down front and back and tie the front wheel to the rail. I've hauled dirt and street bikes thousands of miles with no problem but I really prefer my Toyota truck
Soft straps visible on the Griso. They do work well.
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In my experiebce, the dedicated moto trailers are local only. No one way town to town rentals.
I'd buy the Baxley Chock and be prepared to modify the enclosed trailer with tie down points. Or, bolt the Baxley to the floor.
I have used the uhaul open trailer and it wasn't bad. Only problem was the local only rule I ran into at several places.
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I really prefer my Toyota truck
Unfortunately, I'll be doing this with a Toyota Hybrid Highlander. Any chance of borrowing your truck :)
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Last couple of times I rented an enclosed uhaul and tied the bike UP :evil: - the rationale being that if it was going to fall I wanted the lines holding it up, not pulling it down. The enclosed u-haul trucks have loops and rails up high that make this easy. Both were light bikes however - Guzzi Monza and CB160.
The guy selling the Guzzi thought I was really weird. :afro:
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In my experiebce, the dedicated moto trailers are local only. No one way town to town rentals.
As far as I know, you're right - there are no one way rentals on the motorcycle trailers. If I go the motorcycle trailer route, the trailer will be rented in New York and returned in New York. For 600 miles return, the cost is fine.
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Unfortunately, I'll be doing this with a Toyota Hybrid Highlander. Any chance of borrowing your truck :)
Sure! I'd love a trip to New York! Can we go mcsorleys ale house in Manhattan and quaff a couple??
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In my experiebce, the dedicated moto trailers are local only. No one way town to town rentals.
I'd buy the Baxley Chock and be prepared to modify the enclosed trailer with tie down points. Or, bolt the Baxley to the floor.
I have used the uhaul open trailer and it wasn't bad. Only problem was the local only rule I ran into at several places.
Interesting. If U-Haul's position is not just that the motorcycle trailers can't be used one way, but also have to be used within x miles of where they are rented, that would decide this.
I suspect that U-Haul just doesn't want to deal with one way rentals of motorcycle trailers, and just wants the trailer returned to the point of rental, but if I'm wrong, it will mean renting a covered trailer.
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Trailers are for boats! :evil:
It doesnt matter what type of trailer is used. Just tie it down properly.
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Much obliged for the references to the Baxley chock. I wasn't aware of it, and while it's an expensive solution to this one-time trailering, it's really interesting beyond my immediate need.
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Major overkill.
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Major overkill.
Maybe. Last time I needed to move a bike by trailer, the trailer had a wooden floor to which we nailed a couple of short lengths of 2x4 (or maybe a bit larger, can't recall).
U-Haul probably won't take kindly to me doing something like that to one of its covered trailers.
This thread has been an education, and very helpful with options.
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I've rented an Open Uhaul trailer several times in the past before buying a dedicated trailer, and while they generally seem to be required to be returned to the point of rental as they seem to be owned by each location individually vs. the trucks, there is no limit on where you can take them to, as long as they are returned. That trailer pictured will weigh about 800 lbs, tons of tie down points and easy ramp to ride up. Presumably the vehicle towing can manage that weight plus the bike (already wired as well for the 4 pin electrical harness?). If concerned about stones or salt, you could use some soft blue packing blankets also available at Uhaul and strap them over the bike and tie them down with a few harnesses...that material should not rub paint or cause any abrasions.
One really nice item to consider if you have the time to obtain one is a Canyon Dancer (obtainable at Motorcycle Superstore or other online stores), it makes securing the front very easy and stable, and then an individual strap on each side on the rear thru a grab handle. It's a nice piece of kit and not expensive...
Enjoy the trip!
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This is not kosher with U-Haul but I have rented a small cube van and loaded several bikes into the back. No trailer to contend with, just unload the bike(s) before you drop the van off.
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I just went thru this last year. I rented the motorcycle trailer from Milwaukee to Memphis and back. No issues, and if you're worried about damaging you're new bike on the trailer, just think what will happen when you're riding it on the street. In other words, don't worry...it will get pock marks and what not from regular use.
Ken
P.S. A trick I learned to trailering is to take the front right tie down and wrap it around the front brake lever and handlebar (squeezing the lever), which keeps it from moving front to back.
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If you use the open bike trailer, I would, after loading and tying down, hose the whole bike except saddle, with WD40. Just hose it until it drips off everything. This will give some protection from the winter conditions and you can wash off the WD40 when you get home. When the WD liquid evaporates, it will leave a waxy coating
That can be removed with soap but will protect during the trip.
Or just take the bus and hose yourself with the WD 40 and ride it home. My choice.
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I just got back from dragging a bike to AZ for a couple of months and back. Sure it got a little dirty but it cleaned right up. Forget about wrapping...I tried stretch wrap and tape on the way out but it ripped off very quickly. I used blue painters tape to keep stuff out of the openings.
Coming home I went thru no slush....dry roads for three days! I did shrink-wrap the controls to keep the slop out of those.
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/juturtle/IMG_6219_zpsau2lfztg.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/juturtle/media/IMG_6219_zpsau2lfztg.jpg.html)
This lasted for minutes...don't waste your time wrapping!
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/juturtle/IMG_5689_zpst6yoj59j.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/juturtle/media/IMG_5689_zpst6yoj59j.jpg.html)
This is what it looked like 3 hours later..........
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f82/juturtle/IMG_5692_zpswdlhkvwy.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/juturtle/media/IMG_5692_zpswdlhkvwy.jpg.html)
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One possible compromise is that uhaul has some open utility trailers with a low load height/loading ramp, but relatively high front and side panels that offer a decent degree of protection.
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I have this wheel chock from Harbor Freight mounted on my trailer and it works very well. http://www.harborfreight.com/1800-lb-capacity-motorcycle-standwheel-chock-61670.html I have used it also in the back of my pickup mounted to a sheet of 3/4" plywoood which would work well with the enclosed trailer. It has its own tie down points for the front but I would still secure all four corners in the trailer. After you get the bike home you can use the chock mounted on the plywood for upright parking in your garage.
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The open U-haul works good and the price is right. I'd be more concerned about a proper set of tie-downs and straps. Find an industrial rigging place or google "cargo control" in your local area. They can show slings and chokers and point you to some good tie-downs. You can't go wrong with Ancra. Stay away from the Box Store brands like Keeper. Don't use any hooks (even if plastic coated) on the bike itself use the chokers. Remember that the chokers can abrade the paint so either keep them clear of the paint or pad them with terry towels or something soft. If you can't find any chokers then "gear slings" from a climbing store are way stout enough.
Study John Ulrich's tie down scheme. It even looks like he taped up the excess straps to keep them from flapping in the wind. Sometimes you can hear the straps "singing" as you drive. If you get this, just put a couple of twists in the straps and that will keep them from vibrating like guitar slings.
Check your load often and keep an eye on tire pressures (tow vehicle and trailer). Good Luck!
Tommaso
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As long as the trailer has something for the front wheel of the motorcycle to butt against, can carry the weight and is long enough any trailer will work. All you need it two 1" ratchet straps and you can trailer it 1 mile or a million. Its only a big deal if you make it one.
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One of my friends rode his wee strom around a couple years ago when the weather was nice. Salt dust caused much corrosion which took him a lot of time to correct. We had a few nice days here and there where I saw several bikes out and about this winter. Literally clouds of salt dust billowing up behind cars and trucks.
My 2 cents: Unless there is enough rain to wash off the roads for the entire distance, I would look into an enclosed trailer. Finding anchor points inside one may not be a hard as you think. Go try to check one out in advance to see what options you have.
John Henry
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I have used the U-Hual open trailer several times including when I picked up my bike new. I think the open trailer is great. Unless you plan to park your bike in your living room and never take it for a ride on the road then you are being overprotective IMO. I have 2 1973 Peugeot PX-10 bicycles. One belonged to my wife who became to ill to ride it shortly after purchasing them, so that bicycle is in pristine condition. The other has been my only bicycle both for weekend group rides and for daily 24 mile round trip commuting to work for 30 years in every type of weather conditions. The pristine bicycle is pretty, but the the other bicycle has the patina of use that no artist could recreate. "It carries the reminders" of all those years and all those rides. So my opinion - get your bike and don't try to keep it pristine, start right away to change it from a pretty bike into a masterpiece of time and use.
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I disagree about being overprotective. I have no problem riding my motorcycles any place I want to go, and I don't worry about them getting wet. Salt, OTOH, will get into places that can cause trouble, such as wiring connectors. Not all of them are weatherproof. You cannot dispute the electronics are not as well protected as in an automobile. Up North here, salt is used in conjunction with brine. Brine is also mixed with beet juice, ( and I have heard molasses), to make it sticky so as to adhere to the roads to some degree. The stuff used around here is very corrosive and I would prefer keeping it out of places on my bike that I'll never be able to get it out of. What they have been using on roads up here the last several years is worse than just salt, which is already worse than cinders or sand. But, there is a huge resource of salt being mined out from under the Great Lakes. Morton has a salt mine under Lake Erie. The equipment lowered in is so big that it will never be brought back out. If I were going to pick up a new bike, the condition of the roads would dictate whether I needed an enclosed trailer. If there have been a good rain or rains to clean off the roads, then I would opt for an open trailer. If not, then an enclosed one. Right this moment, the roads here are dry, but literally covered in white powder, aka salt dust, to the point that it is hard to discern the white line along the edge of the road in places. Would you really want that stuff getting into all the nooks and crannies of your new bike?
John Henry
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This is not kosher with U-Haul but I have rented a small cube van and loaded several bikes into the back. No trailer to contend with, just unload the bike(s) before you drop the van off.
I totally agree with this line of thinking. I have done the same. Usually seat floor brackets work well for tie down points and the bike is in with you...within view....and you can talk to it on your way home
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Sorry, I'm from Louisiana, salt is something we put on seafood, not something we put on roads. I rescind my openion.
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JH does make a good point. The salt was bad enough but the brine they started using in the last decade is frickin ridiculous.
I used to ride my bikes through winter, but a few winters into owning the Jackal the wheels were unbelievably pitted and I put my finger right through the rotting rear fender.
Now I put all the nice bikes away for winter and only ride the Harley (and even then I prefer if it has rained since the last salt/brine application).
I don't suppose you can delay the pickup?
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In my experiebce, the dedicated moto trailers are local only. No one way town to town rentals.
I'd buy the Baxley Chock and be prepared to modify the enclosed trailer with tie down points. Or, bolt the Baxley to the floor.
I have used the uhaul open trailer and it wasn't bad. Only problem was the local only rule I ran into at several places.
I also highly recommend a Baxley Sport chock. I have one that I put on my trailer when I need to haul a bike and along with some tie downs, the bikes have never moved. I also have a Baxley Sport chock mounted on the front of my HF lift table and I never have to worry about the bike moving.
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Sorry, I'm from Louisiana, salt is something we put on seafood, not something we put on roads. I rescind my openion.
lol send me a boudin recipe :)
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Much obliged for the references to the Baxley chock. I wasn't aware of it, and while it's an expensive solution to this one-time trailering, it's really interesting beyond my immediate need.
$189 to $259 depending upon model, and you can use it in your garage to hold the bike upright.
http://baxleybyprovidence.com/
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Wow this thread is ridiculous. I'm surprised no one has suggested hermetically sealing it in a Mylar shipping bag and shipping it back in a climate controlled armored truck with a police escort and fleet of street sweepers out front to clear the road of debris. He's picking up a motorcycle not moving a priceless work of art. Strap the fu@cker down to whatever trailer is readily available and bring it home. If it get a bit of dust on it along the way stop at the local carwash and hose it down before unloading in the driveway.
Spring can't get here soon enough!
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Wow this thread is ridiculous. I'm surprised no one has suggested hermetically sealing it in a Mylar shipping bag and shipping it back in a climate controlled armored truck with a police escort and fleet of street sweepers out front to clear the road of debris. He's picking up a motorcycle not moving a priceless work of art. Strap the fu@cker down to whatever trailer is readily available and bring it home. If it get a bit of dust on it along the way stop at the local carwash and hose it down before unloading in the driveway.
I have to agree with John Henry -- that white dust on the roads is poison, and will get into places you can't it it back out of. It will corrode electrical connections and anything else it gets on -- nasty shit.
And, as Kev M. points out, the brine solution that they spray the roads with is even worse than the salt.
I'd vote for enclosed trailer or truck, or delay the trip until after we get a few rains.
Spring can't get here soon enough!
:1: :1: :1: :1:
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No love for the minivan?
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zR8d44DtnjE/Vp2KXDBLAMI/AAAAAAAABBE/gztDuCQf55g/w514-h685-no/minivan002.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ec7b6hIvSBQ/Vp2KWTj-zlI/AAAAAAAABA8/rmqKTYb_Yuo/w874-h574-no/minivan001.jpg)
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You can make a great wheel chock out of cut pieces of 4x4 bolted together. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes to make up right on the spot. Length of 4x4, take some bolts, an impact drill and hand saw along. Cheap, fast and easy.
If you are concerned.
Just tie it down and also from the sides or tied up as suggested. Bikes fall over in trailers because of cheap tie downs improperly attached.
Modifying a rented trailer? I wouldn't.
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Wow this thread is ridiculous. I'm surprised no one has suggested hermetically sealing it in a Mylar shipping bag and shipping it back in a climate controlled armored truck with a police escort and fleet of street sweepers out front to clear the road of debris. He's picking up a motorcycle not moving a priceless work of art. Strap the fu@cker down to whatever trailer is readily available and bring it home. If it get a bit of dust on it along the way stop at the local carwash and hose it down before unloading in the driveway.
Spring can't get here soon enough!
WOW. What a thoughtful and insightful reply. I'll bet the OP never considered that. Thanks for your valuable contribution to this thread.
John Henry
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WOW. What a thoughtful and insightful reply. I'll bet the OP never considered that. Thanks for your valuable contribution to this thread.
John Henry
I am a problem solver!
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Honestly, for a 1,200 mile round trip in and out of NYC I'd have it shipped as the cost to do it yourself is probably in $300-$400 dollar range, especially if you spend a night somewhere,gas, tolls & trailer rental. I would guess it cost $500 bucks to have it shipped so why bother with the $150 +or- difference? I'm guessing this is a new bike, so it should come to your door looking.....new.
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i just put my bikes in the bed of my pick up. Just rent a pick up truck with an 8ft bed roll it up and tie it down. No trailer to tow or pay extra tolls and i am sure you can rent a truck close to home so there is no hassle as far as 1 way rental only nonsense. it will be high up enough so you have no worries as far as road debris or salt when bringing it home
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Re: the salt.
If the salt is that bad, then just what is pulling the trailer? How are you getting all the stuff out of every nook and cranny on the tow vehicle?
Let's try to remember what the OP was asking. Thread went all the way to paying a lot of money for a bike transport company and overnight stays and close to a $200 wheel chock.
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You don't. That's why vehicles rust so badly up here.
ZZ
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You don't. That's why vehicles rust so badly up here.
ZZ
Yes. :thumb:
Which is why you just throw the bike cover or plastic trash bags over it, tape them down and be done with it.
For bikes that are easy to maintain etc we sure do make some of the simple things a 10 day bicycle race.
Sooner or later the OP is going to ride it; there will be dirt on the roads, bugs in the air, rocks flying up from big rigs and 5 story 4x4s and who knows...
The ODF might even get it. Then what?
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The open U-haul works good and the price is right. I'd be more concerned about a proper set of tie-downs and straps. Find an industrial rigging place or google "cargo control" in your local area. They can show slings and chokers and point you to some good tie-downs. You can't go wrong with Ancra. Stay away from the Box Store brands like Keeper. Don't use any hooks (even if plastic coated) on the bike itself use the chokers. Remember that the chokers can abrade the paint so either keep them clear of the paint or pad them with terry towels or something soft. If you can't find any chokers then "gear slings" from a climbing store are way stout enough.
Study John Ulrich's tie down scheme. It even looks like he taped up the excess straps to keep them from flapping in the wind. Sometimes you can hear the straps "singing" as you drive. If you get this, just put a couple of twists in the straps and that will keep them from vibrating like guitar slings.
Check your load often and keep an eye on tire pressures (tow vehicle and trailer). Good Luck!
I got one of these and used it in a U Haul trailer mounted to a piece of plywood. Does work really well! Later I bought my own 6 x 10 enclosed trailer and mounted the chock to the floor up near the front.
Tommaso
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You don't. That's why vehicles rust so badly up here.
ZZ
Do vehicles in your area rust out after one exposure to wet salt laden roads or does it take multiple exposures and many months or even years for them to rust out? Just trying to figure out how a rusted out daily driver vehicle directly correlates to hauling a motorcycle one time on an open trailer where it might, might get some sat dust on it.
Yes. :thumb:
Which is why you just throw the bike cover or plastic trash bags over it, tape them down and be done with it.
For bikes that are easy to maintain etc we sure do make some of the simple things a 10 day bicycle race.
Sooner or later the OP is going to ride it; there will be dirt on the roads, bugs in the air, rocks flying up from big rigs and 5 story 4x4s and who knows...
The ODF might even get it. Then what?
:1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1: :1:
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Re: the salt.
If the salt is that bad, then just what is pulling the trailer? How are you getting all the stuff out of every nook and cranny on the tow vehicle?
When they started using this brine crap we had a then 8-9 year old Subaru that was driven through every one of those winters. Under the hood the untreated aluminum surfaces looked brand new.
Within a year, maybe two at the most it looked like absolute hell.
Then I picked up a new Subaru with a similar powertrain chassis.
The new one looked as bad as the now 10+ year old one within a year or two at most.
It's maddening.
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Yes. :thumb:
Which is why you just throw the bike cover or plastic trash bags over it, tape them down and be done with it.
For bikes that are easy to maintain etc we sure do make some of the simple things a 10 day bicycle race.
Sooner or later the OP is going to ride it; there will be dirt on the roads, bugs in the air, rocks flying up from big rigs and 5 story 4x4s and who knows...
The ODF might even get it. Then what?
We're not talking about dirt or gravel.
My Jackal looked like hell within a year or two. I mean every exposed fastener pitted.
Remember all those electric failures on my Jackal (starter, regulator, ignition switch etc.) that so many thought were out of character, in retrospect perhaps that was part of the problem.
Rear fender RUSTED THROUGH within a couple of years. I mean like your dinner through the hole.
Wheels pitted with chrome peeling.
I wasn't worried about dirt.
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Do vehicles in your area rust out after one exposure to wet salt laden roads or does it take multiple exposures and many months or even years for them to rust out? Just trying to figure out how a rusted out daily driver vehicle directly correlates to hauling a motorcycle one time on an open trailer where it might, might get some sat dust on it.
I think the concern (voiced by Jay the electrical engineer who rides certain of his bikes year round here) is not just cosmetics but getting that salt dust into connectors/electrical components where it will sit a do damage.
Like a marine outboard that is lost overboard in salt water. First step in recovery is replace the wiring harness and entire electrical system.
YMMV, but 600 miles is hours and hours of blowing salt exposure. Seems like an unnecessary risk.
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I've done it both ways open and closed.
I always tell U-Haul that it's local even though my last trip was 1800 miles.
The open trailer is easier but the weather has to be good and no bugs.
For the 1800 mile trip with lots of rain I used a closed trailer. It helped convince the seller to let his baby go because someone who'd come with a closed trailer obviously wanted to protect the bike.
As to tie downs I don't know what the other guys are talking about, I bet I could collapse the walls of the trailer with the wall rail attachment points. I suppose that decades of transporting unusual loads for construction, sailing, fly fishing and boy scout ASM has taught me how to tie things down so they don't come loose.
For now on I'm only using open trailers for close trips on sunny days (with no bugs).
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YMMV, but 600 miles is hours and hours of blowing salt exposure. Seems like an unnecessary risk.
That is if the road is continuously covered with salt dust which I highly doubt the case will be. One assumes the OP is going to take the most direct route to a fro. That probably means a lot of highway/interstate that in the past several days hundreds of thousands of other vehicle have traveled and helped blow off any salt.
As far as getting salt dust into the electrical connectors the omission of lead from electronics is going to be a far greater source of problems but that's a different kettle of fish. I also ride year round and my bikes get exposed to salt and they seem to keep chuffing along. A buddy of mine who has ridden everyday (at least 10 miles) without missing a day in over 15 years also ride in every type weather the NE has to offer. He has well over a million miles on 2 wheel and I have yet toy hear him complain that salt killed his electrical connectors.
All this fear mongering is much to do about nothing.
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All this fear mongering is much to do about nothing.
I take issue with the term fear mongering since I've directly seen and dealt with corrosion.
That said, it's a debatable matter of amount of exposure or wish this one trip might mean and I agree there's no certain death lol. But equally I see no one screaming the sky is falling either.
I just see a discussion of the potential for problems.
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I vote for picking a nice clear day after good rain and using the uHaul open trailer. Buy a bar harness and 4 pro taper straps. This set up will cost about $50. and you will have them forever. I have a pickup with an 8" bed but I find it much more convenient to just rent the trailer @ $15. a day.
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I wouldn't worry about ruining the paint & finish on a motorcycle just from trailering it in the open. After all it's made to be ridden on the highway. Just clean it up when you get home like you would if your rode it.
Which is another possibility. Get a bus, plane or train ticket and ride it back.
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This discussion has been hugely helpful.
It's going to be a four day trip. One day driving from New York. Two days where the bike is, visiting friends. Then one day back with the bike.
The difference in U-Haul cost is insignificant - about $60 for one of their open motorcycle trailers for four days and about $120 for a closed trailer.
I'm going to use the advice here to figure out how to properly secure the bike in a closed trailer that I can't modify.
Thanks all.
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Which is another possibility. Get a bus, plane or train ticket and ride it back.
In May, it would be my first choice. In March, not a hope in hell :)
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I take issue with the term fear mongering since I've directly seen and dealt with corrosion.
That said, it's a debatable matter of amount of exposure or wish this one trip might mean and I agree there's no certain death lol. But equally I see no one screaming the sky is falling either.
I just see a discussion of the potential for problems.
Potential problems are all around. There is potential that moisture will get inside the electrical connector and corrode the them. There is potential the OP will slide the bike down the tarmac causing lots of damage. There is potential the OP will operate the bike for 200,000 miles with no issue. The potential for anything is omnipresent. Life is to short to worry about a 600 mile trip in an encloses or open trailer.
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Potential problems are all around. There is potential that moisture will get inside the electrical connector and corrode the them. There is potential the OP will slide the bike down the tarmac causing lots of damage. There is potential the OP will operate the bike for 200,000 miles with no issue. The potential for anything is omnipresent. Life is to short to worry about a 600 mile trip in an encloses or open trailer.
OK, so, we've established that some people are willing to risk they're bikes to the corrosive cocktail, and some aren't.
Sure, you can wash it off visible surfaces, and it won't look any worse for the wear of one 600 mile trip, it will get into places you can't get it out of.
After reading the comment about just paying for bike transport, I don't know why I didn't think of it, because, in recent years, I've done just that for any that are over a few hundred miles away.
PM me for contact info of the guy that I've used several times. He is reliable and trustworthy.
You should be able to get it transported for $300-$400 if you can time it with some other deliveries he is making along the same routes.
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Does he transport in a covered or open trailer or pickup truck or minivan?
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Does he transport in a covered or open trailer or pickup truck or minivan?
Now you've done it.
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Two questions.
My gut feeling is that I should rent a covered trailer, just to protect the bike's finish, but what do I have to do to secure the bike in the trailer?
Second question. Am I over-reacting and just as well off renting one of U-Haul's motorcycle trailers?
1) nylon tie down straps front and rear to the d-rings at the four corners inside the trailer.
2) yes you are but that's ok. A motorcycle trailer is fine too.
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After reading the comment about just paying for bike transport, I don't know why I didn't think of it, because, in recent years, I've done just that for any that are over a few hundred miles away.
PM me for contact info of the guy that I've used several times. He is reliable and trustworthy.
You should be able to get it transported for $300-$400 if you can time it with some other deliveries he is making along the same routes.
I had several bikes hauled last year, an Eldo from IL cost me $260, an Ambo basketcase from coastal NC for $220 and the Morini from NYC to here for $200. At those prices, it just didn't make any sense to even think about going to get them myself.
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Yeah, FGO had the Strada shipped from Indiana to SoCal for less than $500, IIRC. I couldn't hitchhike to SoCal and back for that kind of money. :smiley:
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All true enough. Bike Haul is still promoting their $450 anywhere to anywhere. As long as you don't have unbolted accessories that's a deal:
http://haulbikes.com/equipment/
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Some of them have a hidden fuel surcharge that can add up.
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I passed two Bikehaul trucks last week. One gave me the thumbs up as I passed him with my bike in tow.
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http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80249.60
Scroll down.
The end.
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I've had a few bikes shipped with shipping companies and I always insisted on enclosed trailers. That is only because many times they take a very circuitous route, picking up and dropping off along the way, and a two day direct trip can easily take 10 days to arrive.
That said, I also built my own 4' x 8' completely open trailer and have traveled the entire eastern seaboard when I was selling or buying. Every bike didn't suffer at all from being in the open. Don't forget, the floor of the trailer will keep most road salt and spray from reaching the bike. All you'll have is wind stream and maybe rain. In my half dozen trips, I never was rained on. And if you're worrying about dirt or wind on the bike during the 600 mile trip, isn't the bike going to be out in the open air when you ride it?
Like previously said, an open trailer will allow you to always see the bike and the tie downs in your rear and side view mirrors the entire trip. If you see the bike is suddenly any way off center, or starts to lean over or rocks side to side, then you still have time to pull over and adjust the straps.
Just yesterday I trailered an old classic bike that I bought only 70 miles from home. I used two front and two rear ratcheting tie down straps. It was easy at the rear sides due to a nice solid grab rail. I was watching in the rear view mirror and the bike never moved a bit but when I arrived home one of the rear straps was completely gone! So sh*t DOES happen no matter how careful or experienced you are.
Sorry, but IMO, shrink wrap and painters tape are indicative of serious psych issues......
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http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80249.60
Scroll down.
The end.
That poor sap just ruined that bike towing it on an open trailer. That wiring harness has impregnated with salt and will soon fall to pieces.
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Here is what we've established, this thread is longer than the round trip to go get the bike and that sometimes the committee is best left sleeping.
:Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
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Here is what we've established, this thread is longer than the round trip to go get the bike and that sometimes the committee is best left sleeping.
:Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu
Ask your therapist why this bothers you....