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[jefrs]

I'm contemplating taking the C5 to Scotland, from west Berks. - on the back of the SUV. Any opinions or suggestions or alternative methods? At the moment I'm contemplating a motorbike tow ball rack as less hassle than a trailer, if the car will take the weight, it's an Antara SE-Nav 4x4 automatic. Although I'm licensed for a full size lorry, I'm not well practised with trailers; remember it's a long motorway trip (trailer speed limit) before getting into the wild and woolly highlands.

[jefrs]

A few phone calls and it seems these bikes are too heavy for a tow ball rack (about 120kg limit). Both for the racks and for this car. Trailer or bike transport service?

[papasmurf]

jefrs, just in case you are not aware, a motorcycle is not covered by insurance when on a trailer.

[Beezabryan]

Jeff, you know the theory so why not go find a convenient industrial estate & practice reversing the trailer.
Cruising at a true 60 mph ie 65 on most car speedos knocks the miles off quite nicely
As I have for more than a year been obliged to trailer a bike to rallies & camps I speak from experience.

Hope I've got the pic posted OK

[vince]

Hi, I agree with Beezabryan, I tow a small bike trailer behind a fiat punto and cruise at 60mph without difficulty. I have never liked the look of the towball mount as all the weight is vertical on the car. Or you can do what I saw in America and carry the bike on a roof rack! Dont ask how they got it up there but I bet it was a long ramp. Vince

[hagis]

We use a dolly trailer for heavy bikes, This is where the front wheel of the bike goes on the dolly and the rear wheel runs on road, As long as you secure the bike double ( IE, twice for security,)they tow well, You can reverse if somebody guides you. The standard tow ball racks are not strong enough for heavy bikes, We found this out when carrying four stroke m/x,s disaster.

[vince]

hi hagis, did the mx fall off? with regard to the dolly method you mentioned do you remove rear chain in case bike jumps into gear? Vince

[hagis]

Hi, The welds on the rack next to were it fits on tow bar cracked and the rear wheel side sagged down on to the road, however we had the bike secured to the rack and the vehicle so no harm done, these racks are only good for light weight bikes, We never remove rear chains but I would say for peace of mind this would be a good idea.

[pd110961]

if you are reasonably competent with spanners and a welder, its not difficult to make a bike dolly.

I made one to see how it worked.. bolted to tow bar bracket in place of ball, 2 'L' shapes where the front wheel went in between and 2 outriggers to secure the pull down straps to.

if you can take the chain off easily, it wont drive the gearbox (in neutral) .

several types are on youtube.

[jefrs]

None of the tow ball racks can cope with more than 120kg which rules them out for any RE. Not doable.



A bike trailer is doable but would see very limited use, and I have limited storage space for it. I shall have to look into trailer insurance. Although the car is Vauxhall's top-end turbo-diesel Antara with a stage 1 giving it an insane an excess of grunt, it is automatic and autos dislike towing. Even loaded like the ark it is a very comfortable motorway cruiser, on tight wiggly "no more than three sheep abreast" roads it is a bit of a beast. Wife likes touring, I get to see lots of road and very little scenery. Hence take the bike, I've got a wide "Harley" bum pad on order for her posterior to (hopefully) replace the narrow side-saddle Re one.

It will be a long run - 500 miles.



A bike transportation service, though expensive is not more than fitting a tow ball, buying a trailer and fitments, and extra insurance. It is looking like a sensible alternative.