Tow-behind trailer for the gz?

[deadman13]

I know this is going to be a weird on, but does anyone know of a trailer to be pulled behind a gz? I've thought about reworking a bicycle kiddie cart, since all I really need is someting the size of a rubbermaid storage tote (2x3 I think). Im going on a crosscountry trip on the demon rat. I tried a sidecar, but I didn't like that too much. Im taking as little gear as possible, but since im going to be staying where evr I stop im takings some basics with me. Any ideas would be great!

[Easy Rider]

I know this is going to be a weird on, but does anyone know of a trailer to be pulled behind a gz? Any ideas would be great!

My idea: Forget it. Anything inexpensive will be a safety hazzard and anything built well enough to be safe will be expensive and too big for the GZ to pull.

Do you have a sissy bar/rear rack?
Despite their 5 lb. rating (for legal liability reasons), one can get two LARGE bags attached to the passenger's backrest (one behind and one in front) and a fairly large tank bag in front......in addition to what you could get into a large set of saddle bags.

If you haven't already PLEASE do some searching on here. Bad Bob has posted pics of his fully loaded GZ's and somebody else posted their HUGE hard bags just a week or so ago.

If you are really serious about the trailer thing.....AND you have some money to spend......then I might be able to help you out. There is a bike trailer manufacturer located just 5 miles from me. I would be happy to pay them a visit and get a price and professional opinion from them.
Just one requirement: Please be honest. If you don't have a grand to spend on a trailer, then it will be a waste of time.

[deadman13]

A grand? No. All I need is a litteral frame. I saw on a different site a guy had a side hack that was just a storage box, about the size of a trucks tool box. (About 3ft long, 2 ft wide, maybe 2ft tall.). That's exactly what I need, just not in a sidecar form. If I do some upgrading to a bike trailer it should work, am testing that now.
I don't have a back seat, and no sissy bar. I have some small ammo cans for saddle bags, and even with those and my 2 big ones I could put on a sissy bar, id have just my clothes. No gear. Fun isn't it?

[rayzuki]

I don't know much but it seems like you are playing with fire.

[CANDY]

how about this?
http://www.postimage.org/PqhTWlJ.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqhTWlJ)
if a scooter can pull it, maybe a gz can without many issues.

[deadman13]

I've seen that pic, I just don't have any idea where to come across that thing. But that's about what I want.

[music man]

What your not getting about all this is there is a big difference between that woman pulling that trailer behind her 25mph joy ride to the store in her sun dress and straw hat, and you going 60-65mph cross-country on a GZ. Its not that it won't pull a small trailer, but if not done right, you are gonna end up in a world of hurt, on any bike, especially the GZ because it is so light that any little yank or drifting or bounce of any trailer you have is gonna make you have a very bad day at highway speeds.

[jonathan180iq]

Look into the world of bicycle trailers....
that's what you're getting at.

http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-carg ... guide.html (http://www.bikesatwork.com/hauling-cargo-by-bike/bicycle-trailer-guide.html)

[mrlmd1]

Re: Jonathan's bike trailers--
I don't think any of those things would be suitable or safe or even legal to tow behind any motorcycle - tires. wheel bearings, weight capacity, stability, etc. are all not up to anything over maybe 20-25 mph tops, and for short trips of a few miles and I'm sure are not certified for highway or even public street use as you intend. If they were meant for motorcycles they would advertise as such and I bet they all have a nice disclaimer about your intended use.
You are better off fitting on large luggage like on a previous post and that way it is all part of the bike, turns and leans with you , etc.

[deadman13]

I called all of those, and all but one said they wouldn't work. One said that the biggest concern would be wheel berings but I could easilly swap the wheels out for trailer wheels. I've already got a hitch made and spinning reciever, all I need now is a good frame and wheels. So it looks like what I talked to the guy about would work.

A few more details, im not going on interstates unless its late at night, will average 50 mph, and will be taking as little as I can with me but its more than normal boxs will alow, even the one I saw withi think 4 bags.

[Easy Rider]

it is so light that any little yank or drifting or bounce of any trailer you have is gonna make you have a very bad day at highway speeds.

AND the tires are NOT road worthy.
Might as well save your breath. His mind is made up. I hope his affairs are in order. :skull:

[music man]

[quote="music man":2ki8fsr2]it is so light that any little yank or drifting or bounce of any trailer you have is gonna make you have a very bad day at highway speeds.

AND the tires are NOT road worthy.
Might as well save your breath. His mind is made up. I hope his affairs are in order. :skull:[/quote:2ki8fsr2]


Hey I gave it a shot, if he don't want to listen its his funeral not mine. You never know he might make it and not have a bit a trouble, I know I am not very confident that we will get a good ride report when he gets back(if he gets back) though. :crash:

[deadman13]

As much disdain as this has caused, I've seen it done or I wouldn't even try. I know a guy that has a sidecar, I tired it and didn't like it, and I've seen a gz with a trailer a guy camped out of before. Esentialy a tent on wheels. If I hadn't seen both, I wouldn't attempt it.

[Chris]

The GZ250 is simply not enough engine to tow anything that would be safe. You are asking for big trouble (the fatal kind) by towing anything light.
I have tied a milk crate on my passenger seat. Boy, does it look redneck, but it is very, very handy. Helps a little as a back rest.
Look out behind grocery stores and you can probably snag a milk crate.

Chris north of Atlanta
(older, retired guy)

[deadman13]

I don't have a back fender. I have a trailer fender (ironically) for a fender, stops at the back seat bolt. And I have a rebel front fender on it.

[music man]

The GZ may or may not have enough engine to pull a "safe" trailer, but that is not the point of this conversation at all. The point is that you can't pull a bicycle trailer at 55 safely, or anything reasonably like a bicycle trailer. And trust me this hasn't caused any disdain, we were just trying to talk you out of doing something dangerous just for the sake of having more storage space. And also....


"I have a trailer fender (ironically) for a fender, stops at the back seat bolt. And I have a rebel front fender on it."

That tells me all I need to know right there.
Later

[Easy Rider]

"I have a trailer fender (ironically) for a fender, stops at the back seat bolt. And I have a rebel front fender on it."

That tells me all I need to know right there.
Later

:plus1:

And I think that is a good place for this thread to end !! :skull: