Like all builders, having crisscrossed the country so many times, I know too well that most motorcycle accidents happen in the trailer. Whatever the number of bikes you trail, their types, the initial strap down setup you give them, most methods will require minor adjustments all along your trip. Or damage to your bike and its neighbors can be very costly. Because of their weight, fairing, accessories, Softails and Baggers are especially a pain to tie down securely for short or long hauling. To resolve this issue for good, fellow builder Mike Tomas, whose professional life is entirely devoted to re-engineer different parts for Classic Indian motorcycles, got a simple idea….for your Harley.
His bracket system can attach permanently to your bike (contrary to the pictures, it’s black powdercoated to blend with the frame like it’s part of it.) It is designed to bolt to the 2 lower tank mounting bolts and to the bolt that holds the front crash bar to the frame. It takes a few minutes. It’s that easy. Left permanently bolted on your bike, strapping it down is now a piece of cake and all vital organs are cleared. Think of it as a permanent insurance policy that you pay only 1 time per bike. 3 versions are available, 84-08 baggers, 09-12 baggers and 2000-08 Softails. Made in USA. 59.99 for bagger models and 69.99 for Softail models (plus shipping). Order at Kiwi Indian or call Mike on my behalf at 951-780-5400.
Don’t these bikes come with engines and tires anymore? The only time you’ll ever see my bike on or with a trailer is if it’s been stolen…RIDE THE DAMN THING!!!!!
Troll. There are multiple reasons why even people wishing to ride need to trail their bikes. And it applies to you, too. So, your remark trying to show that you are A BIKER is dumb.
Our club auctions a bagger every year, and we trailer it to different events, and it’s always a pain. You really dont want to scratch a bike you’re going to give away.
hey troll ,what do you do when you break down ? push it the 30 miles home ?
There’s certainly a time and a place for a motorcycle trailer, but it seems these days everyone who owns a bike considers a trailer to be a must-have accessory. If you look in any aftermarket parts catalog you’ll see page after page dedicated to trailers and associated accoutrements. It didn’t used to be like that.
Forty years ago nobody — and I mean NOBODY — trailered their street motorcycle unless it didn’t run. Hadn’t motorcycle trailers been invented back then? Of course, but they were intended for transporting bikes that couldn’t be ridden on the street, like dirt bikes and non-functioning street bikes.
So how did the motorcycle trailer come to be regarded as the accepted (hell, preferred) means of transporting functional street bikes? The answer to that is pretty obvious. When motorcycles ceased to be viewed (and used) as transportation back in the early Nineties and took on the role of rich-guy status symbol, the trailer became the logical means for moving the status symbol to where the most people could see it, thus avoiding the nasty chore of actually riding.
Let me be clear, trailering is an embarrassment to real riders. If you don’t want to ride, then don’t ride. If you’re not physically able to ride to some far-off place, then ride to someplace closer to home. If you trailer because your bike can’t carry all the other toys you’re used to having, then you need to learn to play with one toy at a time.
If you trailer because (you claim) you want to have your entire family with you, then you need to choose between your family and riding. And if you use family as an excuse to trailer, then I call bullsh*t. After all, they can’t all ride on your bike, can they?
There are a number of reasons why the overwhelming majority of current Harley owners simply must trailer their bikes everywhere and I’ve heard them all, but the real reason is obvious as hell. They don’t really like to ride. That’s it in a nutshell.
Oh, they absolutely love to be SEEN riding, all decked out in their Halloween costumes, but when it comes to riding where there isn’t a large audience they’re not interested. So they trailer their bikes to wherever the most people are, ditch the trailer at some motel and make their grand entrance on Main street. Oooooh, some badass biker that is.
So why do I care who trailers and who doesn’t? How can it possibly have any effect on me? Well, when I’m at Daytona and there’s no place to park because all the parking spots are taken up by giant SUVs and the trailers they drag, that has a big effect on me, especially when I think about the all bikes that could have parked there (mine included). One SUV/trailer combo displaces at least ten bikes.
When I’m cruising down the highway on my bike, getting close to fifty miles to the gallon and I see all those SUV/trailer/Harley combos getting twelve or thirteen miles to the gallon, it not only pisses me off, it affects every American. With gas at nearly four bucks a gallon, we simply don’t have any to waste. For that reason trailering is downright un-American.
Besides, a vehicle dragging another vehicle with a third vehicle on top of it is just stupid. Why not just ride the fuel-efficient vehicle?
Then there’s the problem of public perception. Since the overwhelming majority of current Harley owners trailer their bikes, when people see me with my Harley they automatically lump me in with them. Guess what? I don’t like being perceived as some trailer pussy; I ride my bike. Trailer queens have given the sport of motorcycling a bad name and it affects us all.
For the record, in 43 years of riding I’ve never once trailered a functional street bike.
don’t feed the trolls!
Troll… My RV probably costs more than your home…. And my bikes go with me strapped in the back….and I use this solution from KIWI
..Well said Todd, well said!
How to Be a Biker
A Sarcastic & Satirical Poem by Todd8080
Bikers are a subculture, you might have heard folks say.
But how’s a man to join this clan? Must he ride every day?
Is there a special set of rules that helps define the rider?
And how long is this journey to becoming an insider?
Does one just go and buy a bike to claim their rightful place?
To get there will you need long hair and whiskers on your face?
Well, take heart, it’s your lucky day. I’m here to set you straight.
Just play it smart and act the part, then you won’t have to wait.
No dues to pay (unless you count the fortune you’ll be spending).
No greasy hands or club demands, it’s all done with pretending.
See, preparation’s paramount to taking on this role.
Without the right appearance you’re just one more rich asshole.
The “just-got-out-of-prison” look is what you must achieve,
So cultivate it carefully and you’ll make folks believe.
Naturally you’ll have to get yourself some Motor Clothes®.
The whole ensemble’s pricey, though, as every biker knows.
But that Official Uniform will suit you fine, you’ll see
(It’s sure to underscore your individuality).
Some new tattoos will show the world that you’re bad to the bone.
The tribal ones are popular, though which tribe is unknown.
Regrettably they hurt a bit; your skin will bleed and swell.
If that won’t do there’s fake ones, too, and they’ll work just as well.
Wearing helmets is for wimps, so they should not be used.
Are you pro-choice? Have you no choice? Admit it, you’re confused.
Don’t bother thinking for yourself, mimic what others do.
Within a week you’ll go from geek to hardcore biker, too.
If all this seems like too much effort just to play a part,
Pretend it’s year ‘round Halloween and you’re a kid at heart.
And what about the bike itself? Is pristine paint taboo?
It’s true that chrome won’t get you home, but neither will bird poo.
Adorn your scoot with skulls and flames so there can be no doubt:
You scoff at death with every breath, it’s what you’re all about.
A bunch of Maltese crosses is another way to go.
What do they signify? Who cares, they’re only there for show.
The bike is just a prop you see, stage dressing in your play.
In full attire you’ll inspire all eyes to look your way.
I’m sure you’ve heard loud pipes are cool; they’re proof that you are tough.
Who cares if neighbors’ kids can’t sleep, too much is not enough!
Don’t bother learning riding skills ‘cause you were born to ride.
Cars can’t ignore your mighty roar, they all will move aside.
One thing that’s very crucial is to have a wide rear tire.
It won’t improve performance, but then that’s not your desire.
Again, it’s all about the look; fat rubber implies power.
They’ll never know your bike won’t go a hundred miles an hour.
Avoid the highway at all costs, the boulevard’s your spot.
More folks will see you, long to be you, riding skills or not.
Mostly you’ll just park the bike and pose in public view.
The hoi polloi can eye your toy while idolizing you.
Of course you’ll need a trailer that can haul your iron steed,
Paint on the side that “Live to Ride” is your official creed.
And don’t forget to drink a lot, it’s part of the mystique.
It makes you seem more interesting, rebellious and unique.
Along with that comes attitude, the nastier the better.
No one can know a faux Brando was once a frail bed wetter.
Be sure to work on language skills, particularly curse words.
A well-placed “sh*t” or “f*ck” is nice, or maybe you know worse words.
All men are “bro”, all women “bitch” – this may take some rehearsing.
But then who can remember names with all that drunken cursing?
Brag about your bike, call it “your latest acquisition”.
Mention you own three to further bolster your position.
Status symbols don’t come cheap, you’ve earned the right to boast.
The most authentic biker is the one who spends the most.
Toss around some gearhead terms like “spark advance” or “VOES”.
So what if it’s all Greek to you, odds are no one else knows.
Just one last thing I must impart on how you should behave:
If in our travels we should pass, please don’t forget to wave.
Oh, I’m not saying I’ll wave back, but then I’m not a bro.
I’ve just been riding all my life, so hell, what do I know?
Todd8080 – WOW – nicely done.
Just like you, I paid a heck of a lot of money for my bike and just like you, I can do anything I damn well please with it!
Todd; You made the following statements but let me give my opinion.
“So how did the motorcycle trailer come to be regarded as the accepted (hell, preferred) means of transporting functional street bikes? The answer to that is pretty obvious. When motorcycles ceased to be viewed (and used) as transportation back in the early Nineties and took on the role of rich-guy status symbol, the trailer became the logical means for moving the status symbol to where the most people could see it, thus avoiding the nasty chore of actually riding.”
—-I go to most events around the country and see guys trailer their bikes in and then ride the whole time they are there and then I see guys like you claim to be, ride into town and go straight to the nearest bar and stay there because your ass hurts from the ride in. Which guy is trying harder to impress everyone? That is surely debatable. is it you sitting in the bar acting as if you are a real biker because you rode your to the event? Is it the guy that trailered his bike to the event but is out riding while you are in the bar acting like the real biker?——
Another ignorant statement made by you was.
“Let me be clear, trailering is an embarrassment to real riders.”
— Do you understand that Professional riders trailer their equipment to the race does that mean they are not REAL riders? —- Do you understand that a lot of those guys have HD’s that ride in the trailer with that race equipment? Does that make those guys pussies? I think not
Those same guys will use their trailers and their half million dollar RV’s to go to places like Daytona and Sturgis does that mean they are pussies? I think not
NEXT STATEMENT
“There are a number of reasons why the overwhelming majority of current Harley owners simply must trailer their bikes everywhere and I’ve heard them all, but the real reason is obvious as hell. They don’t really like to ride. That’s it in a nutshell.”
If they don’t like to ride then why are they out riding during these events while guys like you are in the bar claiming to be real bikers?
And finally your dumbest statement made so far.
“When I’m cruising down the highway on my bike, getting close to fifty miles to the gallon and I see all those SUV/trailer/Harley combos getting twelve or thirteen miles to the gallon, it not only pisses me off, it affects every American. With gas at nearly four bucks a gallon, we simply don’t have any to waste. For that reason trailering is downright un-American.”
Just so you know there is plenty of gas in the world in fact wasn’t it way back in the 70’s that the oil companies first claimed we would be out of fuel within ten years? Did we run out of oil? It is un-American to buy into the tree hugging BS that claims we are running out of fuel and that we should save gas therefore saving the earth. Not just un-American but that is just stupid as well.
Sounds to me like you are either just trying to be a keyboard badass or possibly just trying a lame attempt at being funny and cool But either way I would say you just came across as being ignorant. Just because someone trailers their bike does not make them a poser or pussy. I know guys that ride 20 thousand miles per year that trailer that same bike to some rallies. I know some that ride their bike to work every day but but choose to use a trailer to get to Sturgis. These same people are the guys and girls that you could be meeting if you were out riding during these events instead of sitting in the bar with the real bikers. Try getting out and riding and actually meeting some of these people instead of prejudging them and you will find that you are not the only real biker there are thousands of people that enjoy this life of riding and just because some of us can afford a trailer does not mean we are pussies. It always amazes me just how many so called bikers there are and yet those same guys don do much riding during these events and are the ones lining up at the seat pad vendors when it is time to go home. And there are so many so called real bikers that ride a whole 200 or 300 miles to get to Daytona or Sturgis then claim they are real bikers but they actually ride less in a years time than the so called posers. But at least you will always have your I RODE MINE patch. Even if that ride was a short 200-300 miles.
Truth be told this sport of riding is not about how many miles you ride or how far you come from or even what type of bike you ride but just having fun on the ride and enjoying each others stories and experiences. Lets all just stop the bullshit of judging our fellow riders and just enjoy riding together.
If being a real biker means I have to be an asshole and go around judging everyone then I will just ride by myself and enjoy NOT BEING AN ASSHOLE.
Hi Cyril & Everyone,
We just had a phone number change recently here at Kiwi Motorcycle Co. so now our new telephone number is:951-780-5400.
Thank you & I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Carolyn
I think the tie-downs are a very novel idea.
Boss Hawg
Uhm has anyone ever heard of soft ties. I have had to haul bikes to shows for almost 20 years. I use E-track in the trailer and soft ties and ratchet straps, I have had bikes only my palm width apart, never had one move or scratch. even running Chicago to Cincy in Feb, in the snow, on rough roads. If it works don’t fix it. Nice Idea a lot more work and expensive. I do love inventors though. Good luck with your product.
Just my opinion, your “rebuttal” doesn’t hold water.
I have no problem riding a thousand miles (non-stop) to an event or destination then continuing to ride once I’m there. And I don’t drink so you won’t see me sitting in a bar.
It’s people who refuse to ride (trailer queens) that get saddlesore when they go more than a few miles because they’re not accustomed to actually riding, despite how many Live To Ride doodads they may have on their bike.
Professional riders trailer their bikes because they’re not intended to be used on the street, and in most cases aren’t even legal to ride on the street. And you say I’m ignorant?
Concerning the supply of gasoline, you may not understand where oil comes from, but there most certainly is a finite amount, and when it’s gone it’s gone.
You prattle on with more excuses why you MUST trailer your bike, but the only people who buy into your argument are other trailer queens. Real riders have no use for trailers or those who embarrass the rest of us by using them.
Then after judging me you infer that people who judge others are assholes. Too funny.
Todd you seem to know it all so predict to me when a guy can
try riding to Daytona from the North East or the northern states from nov to march 2012 or to a warm place to ride in winter like AZ
yeah i know your bike probably has studed tires and 4 wheel drive with training wheels to handle the ice and snow for going thru the mts
re read your post and think of the all the states and weather conditions in winter and trust me u trailer or haul your bike out of them to warmer climates states
or trying buying gas between dickinson nd and sturgis after 8 at night??
For the record, in 43 years of riding I’ve never once trailered a functional street bike. big deal that is like saying your the richest man in the grave yard lol who f king cares
JMO not a shot at you BUT arent you glad ONE you dont have to be an A HOLE to recognize one 🙂
1550tc, I’ve ridden in all of the lower 48 states plus Canada & Mexico in all seasons and never needed a trailer. I spent a winter in Buffalo with only my Harley for transportation and rode to work every day in temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees.
But then some people Live To Ride while others actually do ride.
Twice a year I-95 is cluttered with bike trailers making the arduous 200-mile journey from here in South Florida to Daytona for Bike Week & Biketoberfest. These pussies can’t even ride 200 miles in perfect weather!
But every single one of them has an ample supply of excuses why they simply MUST trailer their bike, just as all the trailer queens here do.
Todd, Yer OK in my book!! These trailer yuppie mutha-f*uckas can rationalize ‘an justify themselves into thinking it’s all about the trailer, creature comforts, ‘an convienence. They’ll never understand it’s ALL about the journey, the ride, the solitude with your thoughts, the independence with the minimum of conTRAPtions and amenities! Raw, Wild, Rain in yer Face, FREE!!! You become a prisoner of your possesions! Set up yer $100,000. sleepin’/poopin’/TV watchin’ rig [‘an ya call it a CAMPER…YEEZE!!!], unload yer equally $100,000. custom 2-wheeled piece ‘o crap that you can’t ride more than twenty miles without setting up a chiropracter appointment, ‘an there ya sit, tied to yer stuff, gittin’ drunk ! I keep my tent ‘an sleeping bag bungied on the scoot, that way, wherever ya are, yer home! Freedom Baby!! I know, you’ll accuze me of being antiquated, out of touch with current trends, in which you are probably right. But just because it is new…does not nessisarily mean it is improved! Look at our world ‘an the shape it’s in…Oh yeah, that’s one Hellova improvement!!! Wiz
Todd without getting into a pissing match………. the -20 is the least of my concerns BEEN TEHRE DONE IT….. its the windchill at 6MPH 0 plus and the ice IN AND AROUND under passes ect get on sled one day!!
Iam convinced this past winter you would have been able to ride out of towns like Lead SD
You must have some FLH magical flying carpet harley
http://www.the-lovgrens.com/Snowstorm02/
Well guys I think 95% of all the people have turned in Pussies for their convenient lifestyles…..What would they do with out A/C…..or food and water just a step away. They want to trailer there stay in a nice hotel with showers and tv and A/C…..If they rode their bike stayed in a tent and roughed it a little they would find it to be a much more enjoyable and rememberable experience.
SSDD;David
I’ve never replied to anything before but felt the need to voice my opinion this time in reference to motorcycle trailering. In 2009 it snowed 16 inches 2 days before my daughter Lori & I were to ride to Daytona Bike Week from our home in New Jersey. In order to get our bikes out, I shoveled a path down my street to the main road that was cleared so we could ride. Yes, it is very cold, we don’t have heated gear. We use ski pants & ski jackets. In 1951 on the way back from Daytona I rode 300 miles in slush & snow as in those days the roads were not cleared like today. Also Lori & I have ridden in extreme heat out west. Imagine 124 degrees riding thru the Mojave Desert in July (not including the engine heat) at 2:00 pm. A few weeks ago we rode our bikes to Sturgis where I was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. I hear excuses like “I don’t have enough vacation time”, yet they are staying in the same hotels we are. We ride about 650 miles or more a day and have limited time to travel too. Last year our Motor Maid convention was in Cody, WY and we did 2200 miles in 3 1/2 days. Riding to & from destinations makes many memories, also meeting many riders on the road is always special. I have been riding 70 years and have never trailered!! I see people who live in Florida trailer to Daytona!! What kind of nonsense is that?? If for some reason you are unable to ride, leave the bike home. I am also 86 yrs old and if I’m still riding, anyone can!!! Lori rides a 2007 Harley Ultra Classic & I ride a 2004 Harley Heritage Softail Classic. Hope to see you down the road!! RIDING!!
(This is no BS as Cyril knows me)
I certify that the above is true. And Gloria Struck is the most beautiful woman on the road. When I have the time, I will publish her life story. Kiss to you, Gloria,
It always is amazing that the one true Biker has problems with trailers. Who would get mad at people trailering down I 95? They bought the gas the trailer the suv the straps etc. Now you want to save the planet by them riding down to an event. If it is that critical stay home leave the bike in the garage and get on forums typing about how much you ride. I do not personally care if you ride or trailer. It is a free country. Try to get the chain from your wallet out from under ass while riding. Maybe this is why your annoyed at trailers.
Todd, 1,000 miles without stopping. Yup – you said it. I forwarded your email to the National Institute of Health. They want to study your bladder and pass along their findings to NASA for the first manned mission to Mars.
On the trailer thing, if you have enough time to type all that crap, you don’t have enough time to ride like you say you do.
If you have that much time to worry about what other people do, you are a drag on the economy. Get busy.
God bless her, Gloria hasn’t needed a trailer in 70 years of riding yet all you he-man trailerites can’t seem to go more than a few miles without one.
The whole thing makes me wonder, have Harleys somehow gotten more difficult to ride? Are they harder to start nowadays? Are they less comfortable than they were decades ago?
The answers of course are that Harleys are easier to ride, easier to start and more comfortable than they’ve ever been. They’ve got sound systems, cigarette lighters, cupholders, heated grips, backrests for cryin’ out loud. The only reason not to ride one would be that you’d rather drive a car.
What I find particularly amusing is that those who choose driving over riding are usually the ones who insist that they be referred to as “bikers” rather than riders, motorcyclists or motorcycle enthusiasts. In fact they get downright indignant if anyone fails to recognize them as “bikers”.
Also amusing is that the most common type of Harleys seen on trailers these days aren’t rigid frames or Softails or Sportsters, they’re TOURING Harleys. The cushiest bikes on the planet. Have you no freakin’ shame?
That’s okay, I’m ashamed enough for you.
Concerning whether or not you have the right to trailer your bike (as several seem to use as their big defense), no one has ever said you haven’t the right, only that it’s not something a real rider does.
You have the legal right to shave your legs and wear a pink tutu if you want and nobody will try to stop you. But when the majority of Harley riders start doing that then I have the legal right to point out what pussies they are and how they’re an embarrassment to motorcycling.
Consider this: Trailering is the opposite of riding; it’s a way NOT to ride. What kind of “biker” looks for ways NOT to ride? Starts with a P, ends with a Y, has no logical excuse…
Todd8080; Please explain to the rest of us just exactly what is a real biker or real rider?
Is a real biker someone that eats sleeps and breaths motorcycles? Or can he just be someone that enjoys riding and has for lets say 45 years? what if he only rides to work 2 days a week is he still a pussy?
What if that person earns his living in the motorcycle industry does he then qualify as cool in your world?
What if that person has riden more miles than you but has used a trailer before is he a pussy or are you the pussy because he has riden more than you?
You brag about how you ride to Daytona but you have told us you live in southern Florida so WTF big deal you ride to Daytona you should, hell you only live a very short distance away. I personally have never understood why some peole have this desire to bash other riders or so called bikers. If you ride you are a rider. I am guessing that your description of a biker is likely a patch wearing club member or 1%er. But the truth be told I know many so called 1%ers that ride very little. If you want to see proof of that go to the Ness bike show last time I was there the place was full of patch wearing 1%ers but the parking lot had maybe 12 bikes and 400 cars.
So I guess the bottom line is. What is a REAL BIKER?
How often do you have to ride to be a REAL BIKER?
Just my opinion, I don’t recall bragging about riding to Daytona. It’s a mere three-hour ride from here. The point I was making is that anyone who can’t ride such a short distance in perfect weather must not like to ride.
I never refer to myself as a “biker” because of the connotations associated with the term that have nothing to do with motorcycling, and ironically it’s those same connotations that seem to appeal to many who have little interest in riding (but pretend they do).
I tell people I’m a “motorcycle enthusiast.” In truth I also think of myself as a “real rider” because I don’t ride to be seen on a Harley, I ride solely for the enjoyment of riding. 90% of my miles are accumulated late at night when temperatures are cooler, rain is less likely and traffic is sparce.
Of course not many people see me riding late at night, so apparently it’s not important to me that they do. When someone tells me “everyone’s going” to some bike night or minor local rally, that’s my cue to head in another direction. I can only stomach so much of watching people pose by their low-mileage Twin Cams.
Not everyone can devote as much time to riding as they’d like, and that includes me. So the last thing I want to do is drag my bike around on a trailer like a child’s pull-toy or stand around in some parking lot when I could be riding. Those that choose to drive a cage or stand around posing when they could be riding obviously don’t have as much interest in riding as those who choose to ride. If it wasn’t raining I’d probably be out riding right now.
I have friends that are 1%ers and have been invited to join clubs but I can’t see paying monthly dues just for the privilege of having someone tell me when to ride, where to ride, how fast to ride and with whom I’m allowed to ride. Some people like that sort of thing but not me.
Though I’ve built many Harleys, ranging from wild customs to meticulously restored classics, my personal ride is an FL Evo Softail that I built from scratch. It’s not counterbalanced or rubbermounted but is lowered and has a Badlander saddle (meaning it’s not an ultra-cushy luxury bike), yet I’ve managed to put over 260,000 miles on it without the aid of a trailer. That’s enough miles to circle the globe more than ten times.
You may have seen it featured in England’s American-V Magazine or American Iron Motorcycle Bagger.
Concerning who is cool and who is a pussy, that’s obviously a matter of opinion. But in my book, a person’s status as a motorcyclist is defined by one thing and one thing only: Mileage. It is the equivalent of paying one’s dues in the world of motorcycling. All the beer, tattoos, cheap talk and high-dollar custom bikes are meaningless if you haven’t ridden the miles. And that’s hard to do when your bike’s behind you on a trailer.
Todd8080 ; I am not trying to bash you or say you are something your not. I just don’t understand why you feel it neccesary to talk down about anyone that has ever trailered a bike? Some of us do trailer our bikes to major events and for several different reasons. I personally earn my living in the motorcycle industry and I am a vendor at most rallies and it is hard to get my products to the rally without a trailer. I also stay in a motorhome because it saves me big on Hotel rooms. But when I get to those rallies my bike is my only transportation and I do enjoy riding it. I too have put hundreds of thousands of miles on bikes over the years. I personally have never wanted to be called a BIKER. I ride bikes therefore I am a rider and I am a damn good rider so I am a real rider no matter what anyone else thinks. I too have seen some guys that trailer their high dollar bike to a show and do no more than stand next to it looking for a pat on the back for having such a nice bike but that being said I also believe that most people that trailer their bikes to a rally actually do ride once they get to that rally. I don’t think that most people buy Harleys just to be cool. I think that most of us buy and ride them for the experiance of riding and meeting others that enjoy the same things we enjoy doing. I guess we actually agree on a lot but maybe just see it from diferrent angles so to speak. Hope you continue to enjoy your rides and who knows maybe someday we will meet on the road.
Until then try to remember not everyone that trailers is a poser or a pussy. It is actually a very small percentage of those that trailer to events that don’t really ride and enjoy riding.
“I just don’t understand why you feel it neccesary to talk down about anyone that has ever trailered a bike?” No, not anyone who’s ever trailered, just perfectly healthy individuals who habitually trailer as a substitute for riding (and that’s most current Harley owners).
As I said, everyone who trailers has ample excuses why they MUST do so. Seriously though, trailering one’s Harley to a rally then cruising up and down Main Street is about as far removed from motorcycling as it gets.
If my occupation was selling trinkets or T-shirts or whatever at motorcycle rallies, I don’t see how I’d have the need for a motor home, a trailer and a motorcycle to conduct business. In fact, unless business was downright dismal I certainly wouldn’t have time to ride during my most critical sales period (the rally).
So would I just abandon my booth and all its merchandise and go riding? Would I close up shop during this important sales opportunity just to cruise up and down Main Street?
Perhaps I would have one or more employees to conduct business in my absence. If that were the case, it would also be their job to transport my merchandise to and from the rally (a simple cargo van would do fine), in which case I’d have no need for a giant motor home and no excuse to trailer to the rally. Unless I just didn’t WANT to ride.
Incidentally, I’ve never heard of any motor home getting more than ten miles to the gallon, and that’s WITHOUT a bike trailer. But let’s say you have one of those magic motor homes that does get 10 mpg while dragging a trailer. Let’s go even further and say it runs on regular.
If you’re traveling a thousand miles to some rally and regular gas is $3.61 (the current national average), then it’ll cost you $361 to travel each way for a total of $722.
I know the kind of mileage Harleys get, but let’s give you the benefit of a doubt and say yours only gets 40 mpg. That same two-thousand-mile round trip using premium gas ($3.84 current national average) would only cost $192 if you rode, leaving you an extra $530 for motel rooms. And think how far that $530 would go if you camped out.
But then you’d have to actually ride. Never gonna happen, is it?
Can you tell I’m enjoying this? I just love hearing all the excuses people come up with for why they can’t ride.
Todd8080; You are right about one thing. My motorhome does not get 12 miles per gallon or more. In fact my motorhome gets 6.9 miles to the gallon and I personally am proud of that fact. When I roll down the highway my rig is 73 feet long. My stuff just won’t fit in no stinkin mini van. I hope I can use up the worlds supply of fuel so that you can then push your old wore out evolution engine to the rallies then you could be as cool as you think you are already. I was wrong I thought you were refering to the wanna be riders that trailer then don’t ride once the arrive. I now believe you are one of the clowns that think you are better than everyone else but the truth is most idiots like you don’t even ride you just talk big and act like you are someone that your not. I have a great idea if you want to save gas stay home and hug a tree because that sounds like what you want to do anyway.
Act like someone I’m not? All you gotta do is look at my odometer. Since it’s mechanical and not electronic the numbers don’t disappear when the ignition’s off (I’m convinced that’s a selling point for low-mileage RUBs).
I’ll take you at your word that it’s your sincere desire to make the world a worse place than when you found it. Hell, I’m already worse off just from reading your sad trailer excuses and other assorted drivel.
But don’t worry about my Evo standing the test of time. Since I built it myself (including the motor) it’s pretty much bulletproof. The next time the odometer turns over it’ll have 300,000 miles on it.
By the way, 2,000 miles at 6.9 mpg (burning regular gas) works out to $1,046.37. That’s an awful lot to pay just to avoid riding. It would be cheaper to simply give up the biker charade altogether. Instead of telling people you’re a biker you could refer to yourself as a “motorhomo”.
Hey, maybe you could convince other non-riders to become dedicated motorhomos, too. That would free up a lot of used low-mileage Harleys for those who wish to actually ride them.