Hauling Honda Goldwing

Madathlon · October 08, 2013, 07:07 PM

OKay Friends I have a 1983 Honda Goldwing GL1100i Interstate. I was wondering if anyone here has tried hauling some form of bumper mount bike rack to haul a bike like this on? Or do you all used a trailer?

I also was wondering if the rear frame on my 1984 Winni Chieftain could even bare the weight of a 900lbs bike.

Any and all suggestion welcomed.

Oz · October 08, 2013, 07:38 PM

Without going through all kinds of techno-calculations, MHO would be that a bike that big and heavy would best to be towed on a trailer rather than on a bumper rack.

Not that it couldn't be done, but I think you'd need some serious strengthening of the frame to carrier and also rear air bags on the suspension. Up to a 600cc may be alright, but a full-dressed Interstate? Also, you have to be more careful with pulling into gas stations, etc on account of the extended length from the rear wheel... wouldn't be a fun time if the entrance angled too sharply upward and the unit hit the asphalt or concrete deck.

Madathlon · October 08, 2013, 09:00 PM

I had those thoughts also, and I even thinking maybe a Nose hauler (Front end) It be easier to see and handle

Oz · October 09, 2013, 01:57 PM

I think the front would be a better choice in terms of the physics involved as well as the peripheral handling considerations. The suspension would still need to be bolstered with an airbag or airshock or system due to the added weight.

Also, I think there would be an issue with the bike block your lights. You might need to use pick-up truck snow plow light system?

EarlJr · October 09, 2013, 04:41 PM

I'd be afraid putting the bike in front would be too restrictive for the radiator.

I wouldn't put it in one of those hitch mount haulers, but of you got one of the multi-point mounting types I think it would be ok.

If you've got the dough... I have an uncle who has one of these: http://www.discountramps.com/rv-motorcycle-carrier.htm. Really cool.

Madathlon · October 09, 2013, 05:33 PM

Earl, its a great lift, but I think it weigh as much as my bike and the Honda Goldwing is to heavy for a bumper hauler. So now its time to find a trailer that with the bikes weight wont be over 2000lbs

DonD · October 09, 2013, 07:11 PM

Let's see the bike!

Here's my latest bike build.

Madathlon · October 09, 2013, 08:14 PM

You asked for it

DonD · October 09, 2013, 11:31 PM

Nice classic!

Madathlon · October 10, 2013, 11:30 AM

And that also the first photo of my 'New' Chieftain LOL I so need to take more LOL

ibdilbert01 · October 11, 2013, 12:46 AM

Here was my last bike build.....

The Build before that one.... (was a bit bigger, but not as fun to ride)

Oz · October 11, 2013, 05:58 AM

Here's Old Ed Brady's last build...

[smg id=3238]

ClydesdaleKevin · October 11, 2013, 08:05 AM

At an RV show last year we saw a pretty neat rear motorcycle carrier that had its own set of wheels to take the weight off your rear suspension, but it was around 3000 bucks. A trailer would be a lot cheaper.

Kev

73dodgeTitan · October 13, 2013, 07:25 PM

Here is the Titan carrying a honda 350.

cosmic · October 13, 2013, 07:43 PM

picture something going wrong and the bike falls off. hard bump frame breaks.
Question. front or back
i'll take the back.

Madathlon · October 13, 2013, 08:02 PM

either breaking would be a nightmare. But I been welding since I was 10 and Im more then postive I could build something safe and supportive, the big question is will the RV handle the extra 900lbs on either end.

EarlJr · October 14, 2013, 11:41 AM

Quote from: ClydesdaleKevin on October 11, 2013, 08:05 AM
At an RV show last year we saw a pretty neat rear motorcycle carrier that had its own set of wheels to take the weight off your rear suspension, but it was around 3000 bucks. A trailer would be a lot cheaper.

Kev

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier... we built one of these for my Dad's power wheel chair to tow behind his Minnie Winnie. We "borrowed" the design from http://www.cruiserlift.com/swivelwheel.html. (That's actually a really informative website, BTW.)

We got tired of moving ramps so we added a folding, trailer-width ramp that is permanently mounted. We also didn't like the plywood deck so we used expanded metal instead. It mounts using two 2-inch receivers we welded right to the frame. Of course, after we added the thing it made the garage too short for the motorhome to fit, so we also modded it so we could fold it up to store vertically when not in use. You just have to be careful not to walk into the tire before your first cup of coffee in the morning.

I would think we could add a wheel-chock to ours and it would easily haul a motorcycle.

I think those are going for anywhere between $1000 and $2000. It's mostly 2-inch angle iron, so I bet we've got less than $500 into ours. Plus some time behind the welder.

Mom and Dad also like the extra outside storage. They routinely haul lawn chairs, the greasy barbecue, firewood, and (once or twice) some wild game on the thing. The just hose it off when they get home.

M & J · October 14, 2013, 04:08 PM

Now that's a hellavah idea. i remember seeing a very small camper that was hard mounted to a bumper with a single swivel wheel to carry the load. Maybe for a VW? Anyway, that would solve a great deal of the weight distribution.

pvoth1111 · October 14, 2013, 06:29 PM

My .02.....I would never place that much weight on the front......its a truck... put the weight on the back where it was designed to carry a load.......buy an enclosed trailer and put it in there.....that much weight on the front will result in bad handling and breaking at the very least.

Stripe · October 15, 2013, 01:15 AM

Love that Honda 350 setup. I used to have a '76's just like it. Good ride, easy handling and not too heavy.. I can see why you chose that one to go on the front.