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Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 09:51 pm: | 
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LOL!  That cracked me up Tramp. What, you guys don't bring your microwave camping? And don't get me started about my job. That's the most inefficient, insane place I've ever seen. I cannot wait to get a real job making real money. It seems as though the ONLY place we are cheap and stingy is with each other's salaries.
I'm sitting her slaving away on preparation for final exams. I needed a laugh. Actually I need a beer. Wish I was finished.
No really I backpack too and do fine on three-day weekends with just what I can carry on my back. I guess what I have in mind is a 2,500 mile round trip in August to see my sister in Colorado. I thought it would be cool to lolligag along and spend about three days each way, camping in style with a few more comforts than I would normally allow myself. The motel thing really doesn't sound like much fun to me. I'm burned out and haven't had a vacation in years. I wanted to do something outdoors and I wanted my bike with me too. I suppose I could pull my bike behind the truck and ride once I get to Colorado, but a camping trip on a motorcycle sounds like the most fun to me. Plus I'd have a few opportunities to take some short weekend trips with it between now and the Colorado trip to try it out and take some short breaks as my schedule allows. |
Tramp
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 09:51 pm: |
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I think you need to trade in for the Goldwing....
...if only for this trip....
Not to sound silly, but what about a sidecar,(on a different motorcycle, like an old BMW boxer) instead?
(Message edited by tramp on April 21, 2007) |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 10:17 pm: |
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I thought briefly about trying to adapt a sidecar too. I saw something online yesterday where a guy did it with a Triumph. To that I had the same objections some of you are having with the trailer. It would completely ruin the rideability of the sportbike I own. I could just imagine trying to get through a canyon with a box on wheels strapped to the side of my bike. LOL!
As for the goldwing, I'm sure I could find somewhere to rent one, but worry I'm not big enough to ride something that heavy. I'm sure it would be more comfortable, but they're just to dang big. I'll stick with the trailer idea for now and see what it does. I'll just make sure there's a return policy for the trailer so if it turns out to be unnecessarily dangerous I'll send it back.
I guess plan B would be a scalded-ape, radar detector dependent, ironbutt dash straight through to Colorado Springs in one ride. Then I could spend a week riding in the mountains. |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 01:51 am: |
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Tx, just a odd question. Do you have a budget for all of this? I am just curious how much you think this might cost.
While I am interesting in seeing you pull off this project (from an engineering standpoint) I was just thinking instead of building a custom trailer setup. Why not use the money to purchase ultra light weight camping gear?
As much as Tramps comments seemed out of line (at first) he does make a valid point, how much crap do you plan on taking???
I just got my latest Rider Warehouse catalog. They have some GREAT lightweight camping gear. Most of it Titanium based. Of course this stuff is not cheap, but most good things any more aren't |
Ft_bstrd
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 02:22 am: |
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I pulled my dad's finger once.
I don't recommend it.  |
Gearloose
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 06:11 am: |
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FTB I bet you pull your own finger!!  |
Tramp
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 07:06 am: |
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txo5xb7wfd9fvvnviekeka447s;:4574:
It sounds like this is your ifirst road trip with a motorcycle.
If you're even remotely as adventurous as you state, go through your gear and decide what you do and do not
need for this trip.
You post as though your mind is made, and you're not even opening your mind to the possibility that you don't }need a trailer.
I don't mean to come off insulting, but a grown man needing a trailer full of gear for a cross-country run (in fact, it's less than a cross-country, right?) seems kind of...strange.
part of growing up is learning the difference between what you need and don't need. |
Danny_h__jesternut
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 08:46 am: |
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I go camping all the time with my bike. What I NEED to bring? One tent(2 man),two sleepin bags, air matress, air pump, two backpacks full of clothes, riding gear for two. An easy up for shade, a couple of fold up chairs to rest in. Next I NEED to eat, a cooler full of food and drink, a bag of non perishable food items, a box full of cookin untencils and suplies,camp stove and grill and a bottle of propane for fuell. I also bring a full set of tools and an assortment of missalanious items to pass the time away at the camp site.
I fit all of these camp NEEDS in the back of my Chevy Blazer, the bike goes on the trailer and off we go for a fun filled camp, bike weekend. |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 02:35 pm: |
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I guess I really don't HAVE to bring my microwave and favorite blankie. (-:
So, the general consensus is just because I may have come up with a way to make this mechanically possible still doesn't mean it's a good thing to do necessarily (like the co-worker I had years ago that used to pull his 14' flatbottom a couple of miles down the road to the boat launch with his Valkyrie. (That cracks me up...what would Larry the Cable Guy have to say about that?)
Anyway, I thank you guys for the sounding board. It's nice to be a part of this forum.
I suppose the idea of doing something different just appeals to me. As far as being adventurous, I could just as easily get excited about doing the same trip with just a tarp to lay down beside the bike when I've ridden myself into the ground and use the back tire for a pillow for that matter.
Perhaps I should chill out a little and quit trying to cram too many different things into this trip and just go with what is most important to me. If I have to have the portable gas grill and satellite TV along, maybe I should do that in the truck. If I want to ride, maybe I should just do like most other people and swing a leg over her and see where the wind blows me for about two weeks.
Bear in mind the way I feel right now heading into finals for the spring and facing 12 hours of classes in the summer session, I figure if I were to get an MRI of my brain today, it would probably look something like a struck match. LOL!
My longest bike trip so far was a 600 mile day trip, but I've been camping since I was 2 weeks old. As far as lightweight gear is concerned, I've looked it over quite a bit. Another dream vacation I'm hoping to squeeze in when I quit my job is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Everyone should be lucky enough to take five months to go walk in the woods.
By the way, my name is Philip. Evidently Tramp thinks I should find a little better username for this forum. He's probably right. Mine's not very inventive. Appreciate the humor though. |
Phat_j
| | Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 10:54 pm: |
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gotta take trampski with a grain of salt....... he's got a wealth of info in that lil pea pod of his..... but he's kinda old skool.... and for the most part his way is right (weather it is or not) i say if you wanna pull a trailer and can do it safely, then go for it........ i'm all for more innovation.... where would our beloved bikes be if erik listened when people told him he was nuts for putting the exhaust under the bike, or many of the other things that make our bikes so unique..... |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 01:54 am: |
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great point, esp the grain of salt part.... what would be said, in person, with a grin and a poke in the gut comes off unintentionally rude and condescending when i type it here.
philip, your username is fine- i bust chops with the best of intentions at any target of opportunity.
I do think, though, that a truly 'adventurous' rdier wouyld separate what he neds and what he feels married to, in the linus' security blanket sense, and ride without a G*****ed traler, who are you, large marge?
You wanna play "Big Joe and Phantom 309", go get your CDL like the big boys....good buddy
10-4, "Pig Pen
,
-Jay |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 01:56 am: |
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posted by TXKI*&%$F987497409IYG768U(%&EW$DGI:
"
Another dream vacation I'm hoping to squeeze in when I quit my job is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
You gonna pull a winnebago by hand? |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 02:12 am: |
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I know a lot of things come out wrong when you type it in an email or on a forum, and it's not necessarily intended that way. That's why we fight like three boys with two bicycles sometimes.
With that being said, I have learned to look at everything posted with a positive attitude. I actually enjoyed this string and you (Tramp) made me laugh out loud more than once. Thank you!
Now, My username really does suck. You guys help me pick a new one.
As for the trailer, I think I accomplished my mission in using you guys as a sounding board to explore the technical aspects of my question about the subject. I think the bike really would pull a trailer with the rear footpeg mounted hitch.
However, you guys also made me start thinking about what it would be like to drag a trailer on a 3,000 mile trip to the mountains. Now that I think about it, the ride wouldn't be nearly as fun because I would be severely hampered in my ability to enjoy the bike's rideability. I found myself saying several times above I could do it if I took it slow and were very cautious. I'd imagine I'd get really tired of having a sportbike and being forced to ride it like a tourer that long.
I don't know. I'd enjoy the camping with all the bells and whistles a lot, but it would really put a damper on the actual bike riding. I guess the attraction is mainly because it's something noone else has done on a XB to my knowledge. However it would probably be a rather dubious honor. I may still do it, but after my ride this afternoon and realizing that what I like about my XB the most is it's performance and handling, I don't know that I would really enjoy the trip regardless of how comfortable I'd be while camping with the increased carrying capacity.
I'll have to think about that a little.
Ah, I just noticed Tramp finally posted his name (Jay). Thanks man. I noticed it's not in your profile and I usually take the time to look up people's name and address them as such. I'm here every day trying to make more friends, you know? Now you guys take your best shot at a new username for me. I'll be thinking about that too. My problem right now is I'm so tired I can't sleep and can't come up with anything creative. Sleep deprivation insomnia sucks. |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 02:19 am: |
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You gonna pull a winnebago by hand?
Nah, I thought I'd attach a trailer hitch to the back of my belt and pull the same trailer}.  |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 02:55 am: |
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Phil, I would be really sad to see you change your username. Your long complicated name makes you stand out.
Now if you just HAD to have a new name how about "Trailer Queen"  |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 03:05 am: |
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LOL! I was expecting somebody to say "Trailer Trash", but that'll do as well I suppose.
You ain't right.
Hey what's complicated about it?
TX05xb12s = Texas 2005 XB12s
I guess now I'm glad I didn't go with my original idea - TX05XB12Scg.  |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 03:27 am: |
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I guess I never put TX = texas together... Duh...
I always thought it had something to do with Transmit, as in radio transmit. I thought maybe you were a ham radio nut.
As for the long username, don't give anyone else any ideas. The last thing we need is someone with a 42 character username*.
* although I would be curious what it would look like on the boards.
You mentioned you have sleep issues? You are not alone. I can be up for days at a time. The doctors just love me...  |
Road_thing
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 10:02 am: |
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TEXAS
Say it loud, say it proud...
It's good to see the Trampster back...snow must have melted over in Europe!
rt |
Tx05xb12s
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 11:28 am: |
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Well evidently I'm going to have a comical username when this is all decided. So far the votes are Trailer queen/trash and Chickenstrip. That's cool with me as I'm actually an analytical type that would view a sense of humor in terms of rate of return and standard deviation. LOL! However, I do like to make people laugh. I'm just not any good at it most of the time.
Jaime: And yes I sometimes study/work to the point where I'm so tired I can't fall asleep for a day or two. The only problem is this is usually magically remedied around 8AM when I'm supposed to be sitting at my desk. Figures. Hang in there monkeyman. |
Cruisin
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 11:56 am: |
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Philip, I say go ahead and do it. I'm anxious to hear the report on how well it pulls/stops.
We've put thousands of miles on the BMW with her trailer. I know it's a different (and fatter) animal (the bike, not the wife) but we've never had an issue with cornering or performance. Her bike still handled great and as long as you're paying attention to the fact that the trailer may cut a corner tighter than you, or is a little wider than you are, than you'll be fine. We bring plenty of stuff so we can be comfortable. Could we get by with less? Yes, and we have. We used to pack everything on her bike only. We now can bring what we want and enjoy the camping with a few more items that we prefer to have along.
Some people freak out when they think of a trailer on a bike. Personally, I wouldn't want to be without it. You also will love the benefit of unhooking the trailer, chaining it to a tree at your campsite, and going riding without worry that someone might wander off with your camping gear. Same goes if you stop somewhere (like for dinner at a restaurant). Trailer is locked to your bike and is locked shut - no worries about someone lifting that sleeping bag off your seat. |
Mr_grumpy
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 12:54 pm: |
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Check this out, made just down the road from me, sorry the site's in French but I'll translate what I can for you.
I saw a guy last summer with one of these behind a Ducati, he reckons you hardly know it's there & doesn't seriously affect the handling or braking;
Two threaded spindles go into the hollow rear axle, the guy showed me how it works & it's a couple of minutes only to drop it or hook it up, build quality is very good too, I've been very tempted to get one but I wouldn't get the use out of it.
http://www.wipi.fr/ |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 04:27 pm: |
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umm the BMWs are full-framed motorcycles, and the Ducati has an entirely different engine carriage/swingwarm configuration than the Buell.
Buy a sportster frame for trailering...hell, you could use your same engine |
Lake_bueller
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 04:39 pm: |
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Did you ever do a search for ebutch's pictures? Here's a "close-up" of his mount:
Buell hitch |
Sleez
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 06:14 pm: |
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buy a cheap toyota pickup with a camper shell and get a small motorcycle trailer to cart the bike. you can carry all you need in the back of the truck, park it for the duration and set up a patio on the trailer, sleep in the truck bed. ride the bike all the time you want at the location, then if something does happen to the bike, you already have a tow vehicle ready to go and the whole trip isn't a wash. my .02! |
Tramp
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 07:06 pm: |
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Sleez's idea makes the most sense...
And, TX7297y9347ht539hg9735:
when you hitch a trailer, you're not really riding a motorcycle anymore, you're piloting a Mule. |
Corporatemonkey
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 07:16 pm: |
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And, TX7297y9347ht539hg9735:
when you hitch a trailer, you're not really riding a motorcycle anymore, you're piloting a Mule.
Yes, but sometimes Mules kick Ass |
Flashdog
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 09:12 pm: |
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Alot of options are out there about moto-travel. All can be eliminated by time and budget. Here's a great option. I work for a state agency and have NO money nor time to take such great trips anymore. So try this. Buy a VW TDI and trailer your bike anywhere you want. You will arrive rested to enjoy the sweet handling known only to Buell riders. You can actually get 32 MPG towing two bikes in the comfort of a cage. Your tires will thank you as they will not have the dreaded "Florida Flat Spot". You will be able to carry all of your desired items in climate controlled comfort. Or, you can ride "two-up" like I did with my understanding girlfriend and camp every night bringing the bare minimum to survive. Either way, enjoy. I've learned many things MC camping. Bring a robe, CROCs, Thermorest pad, LED penlights, and Goldbond powder. |
Johnnylunchbox
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 11:29 pm: |
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Get a +94 Kawasaki Concours for a couple of grand. Pretty bulletproof bikes, with some get up and go, and they handle well. They have massive standard saddlebags and plenty o' room to strap things on. When you get back you can sell it for the price you paid, that is if you even want to part with it.
IIRC they have the highest GVWR of any bike out there.
(Message edited by johnnylunchbox on April 23, 2007) |
Nevrenuf
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 04:36 pm: |
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tex, you take the end of the trailer hitch off and put the swivel on then put the end back on the swivel part. look up how the softtails trailer hitch mount up and work with that design. if you don't try you'll never know |
Tramp
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 05:53 pm: |
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"if you don't try you'll never know"
Somehow, that's not persuasive enough of an argument to encourage sex with another guy, or to swallow drano.... |
Bored
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 - 06:31 pm: |
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I've been thinking about a trailer also, for my '99 M2. Looking at the rear footrest area to mount a hitch.
While researching, I came across this:
http://homepage.usask.ca/~deb666/motorcycle_traile r.htm |
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