Another Equipment Question

Discussion in 'Clothing & Gadgets' started by Fork Lock, Feb 12, 2026.

  1. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    #1 Fork Lock, Feb 12, 2026
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2026
    In the event that I might need get my Speedmaster to the shop if it was disabled, I have an 8x10 trailer. I installed the base for a removable wheel chock. I've only needed to use it once to get the bike to the dealer over in Philadelphia. Almost a 40-mile trip. I needed to trailer it because I had to leave it overnight for the first service. It's been trouble-free in the six years I've owned it (I know, I shouldn't have said that! Knock on wood!). Now that the warranty has expired I could, If I needed to, use a local kid for service who is good with Triumphs. He is only about eight miles away. The problem is that I keep my little jon boat on the trailer. I have 2x4 support beams holding the boat up off the bed. So, if I need to use the trailer for the Triumph, I have to pull the boat off, remove the 2x4 supports, install the wheel chock on its base, roll the bike on, strap it down and hitch the trailer to my Explorer. Not a huge deal, but still a bit of a pain. It takes about 35 - 40 minutes.

    I've been looking at alternative means of transporting a disabled bike.

    Has anyone had any experience with the tow apparatus pictured below? I've looked at several videos and there are various types. They range widely in price. The one pictured seemed to work OK and looked pretty easy to use. It's rated to hold 800lbs. It got mostly good reviews. The only drawback I could think of is if you had a flat rear tire, although I've seen models where one can tow the bike facing forward or backward.

    Hitch 2.jpg Hitch 3.jpg

    Hitch.jpg

    Hitch.jpg
     
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  2. Eldon

    Eldon Crème de la Crème

    Nov 14, 2018
    9,246
    1,000
    North Yorkshire
    #2 Eldon, Feb 12, 2026
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2026
    That's an American thing @Fork Lock never seen in the UK so I don't think you're going to get any response on the device from this side of the pond.
     
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  3. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    3,817
    800
    Yorkshire
    I’ve not seen one either. The only tow bar mounted motorcycle racks I’ve seen carry the whole bike transversely mounted actress the back of the vehicle but are aimed at comparatively light off road bikes such as Trails etc.
     
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  4. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    I'll hang in to see if one of the locals (Americans) pipes up.
     
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  5. Rob the Scott

    Rob the Scott Active Member

    Dec 14, 2022
    181
    43
    New Jersey
    My son used one on his Ford Fusion with a fairly light bike. Unfortunately, since he was returning from college, and his trunk was loaded, his suspension wasn't stiff enough to keep the tow rig from hitting the ground on every bump. I had to rescue him halfway home with my trailer!
    If your vehicle has a stiff enough suspension, it should work great for 80-mile round trip rides. I worry about the wear on the motorcycle back tire for frequent use. Also, since the oil is not circulating, does the tranny fluid get hot with the back tire spinning? I've heard that some who use this break the chain to keep the tranny from spinning. Seems unnecessary to me.

    With my pickup, I elected to buy a 10' ramp to load my bike in the back. This is a near-700# Trophy SE, mind you. A few ratchet straps and I'm good to go. This is how I have transported the bike while pulling my 26' camper to Colorado, Utah, Finger Lakes, Northern Maine and the Great Smokies.
    The ramp is not cheap ($700). And it takes a bit of courage to ride into your truck bed the first time. Backing out is made easier by ensuring that the ramp is wide enough to get your feet down comfortably (39" total in three parallel ramps).
    This may be overkill for your application, unless you want to take the john boat and motorcycle on a trip some place! And, if you don't have a pickup, it's a non-starter. Good luck!
     
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  6. Pegscraper

    Pegscraper Elite Member

    Jun 12, 2020
    3,817
    800
    Yorkshire
    The gearbox has positive lubrication from the oil pump which obviously it won’t get when being towed. That would be my main concern on a long tow rather than any tyre wear which will be minimal as the bike has no load (rider).
     
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  7. Fork Lock

    Fork Lock Crème de la Crème

    Good info and the lubrication issue is surely something to consider. If I was going to take the bike on a longer trip, I'd go with my trailer. However, I'm only talking about a short hop to a local shop to fix something I couldn't handle myself.

    Thanks for the replies.
     
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  8. Baza

    Baza Elite Member

    Jul 25, 2020
    4,920
    750
    Amazing Grace
    A light hearted one?

    I see no reason why you couldn't tow the bike backwards providing that the bars were securely strapped pointing forwards.

    There may even be a benefit for bikes with cable drive speedos driven off of the front wheel? :joy:
     
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