Anybody seen one of these towing draw-bars?

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:12 am

It was a motorcycle being towed with just its front wheel off the ground. Its front wheel was nestled in (what looked like) a wheel-chock welded to a draw-bar placed normally in a hitch receiver, and the bike (in this case a Vulcan) was ratchet-strapped from either side of its frame to two points on either side of the pick-up truck's tailgate. I saw it near Sarasota heading south on I-75 and figure it was probably being towed home from Daytona. It looked like the rig worked, but the bike's rear tire, which was rolling on the ground, was worn on one side because the bike was not perfectly vertical. I'd think going around corners must swing the bike and scuff that rear wheel (and is probably hard on rear bearings, too). Have you ever seen or know anything about this towing rig (manufacturer and cost?) It didn't look expensive, and might be nice to have one in a pinch to tow your friends' broken down Harley!

Would towing a Beemer (in neutral) with just the rear wheel rolling hurt the FD or tranny?

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 4:28 am

I saw a pic of one once and thought it was a great idea...but how safe it is would depend on the car...IMO.

A small car or and old car with a lot of overhang would not be good..also you would need to secure the bars from each side to stop it trying to tip over.

I would do it for a short distance (maybe) but not for any great distance.

It was talked about a few years ago and from what I remember all comments were negative..It may be more suitable for light dirt bikes.

DJ

Post by **Boxer** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 7:07 am

I wouldn't use it. If you're going to be burning rubber off that rear tire, you may as well be riding it.

Post by **Biff's R** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:53 am

If it were the only alternative for a short distance, then I would consider it. A trailer would be a lot more stable.

Plus yoou would burn through tires.

Sunbeemer · Post by **Sunbeemer** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:25 pm

Ride On, Boxer!

For the record, I found a couple of sites where "Motorcycle Caddies" are sold. Interestingly, the first site (http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/mag1/caddy1.html)
says that it may not be suitable for towing shaft drive bikes, whereas the second one (http://www.motorcycleramps.com/motorcycle_caddy.htm)
says that shaft-driven bikes are easier to tow than chain-driven bikes! Go figure!