Hello fellow bikers! I have often said that unless your ride has a propellor, it does not need to be trailered. For the most part, I still believe that today. The reason you own a bike, in the first place, is to enjoy the journey – not necessarily the destination. Half the fun is in getting to where you are going – whether riding in a group – or by yourself. And while I still believe this, life does change. And my stance on, never trailer your bike, ride there, has changed.
In December of 2023, the fundamental change occurred. I brought a new doggie into my home:
Jaeger supervising me while I fill up the tank on my Ram truck!
Since Jaeger became part of Team Grey Beard Biker, he travels everywhere I go. This little 95 pound boy doggie would be heartbroken if I went on a trip without him. So now, whether it is taking a mountain vacation, going to a rally or simply going back home to see my 92 year old mother, Jaeger is with me. This necessitates trailering my bike(s). The best part of traveling with Jaeger, is that when I get back to the cabin, from a day of riding, we can hang out together and discuss our day. Yes, I talk to Jaeger – and he understands. I am still trying to learn his doggie language, but I haven’t made much headway. LOL.
My toy hauler is a heavy duty utility trailer made by CAM Superline. This was absolutely the best made utility trailer I could find. This 7 X 16’ trailer weighs nearly 2,000 pounds empty. After buying the trailer, I customized it to haul two bikes simultaneously – even two large Harley-Davidson baggers. The left side bike can either be strapped down with your typical straps – or if it is a Harley-Davidson FLH, I added a B&W Biker Bar. This makes loading very quick and completely gets rid of the straps. I will definitely be adding another Biker Bar for the other bike. Lastly, I added a waterproof tool box to the trailer to carry straps, tie downs, heavy duty ratchet straps, helmets and any tools I might need when away from home.
My since traded 2020 FLHTKSE – the Grey Ghost – using the strapless B & W Biker Bar
My trailer tool box provides storage for straps, helmets and other necessary tools
The toy hauler, fully loaded, and ready for an adventure with Jaeger!
There are certain advantages to trailering your bike, which over the past couple of years, the Grey Beard has come to appreciate:
- You arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to ride
- You might be traveling with another couple who rides, so trailering your scoots makes it easy to talk on your way to your basecamp
- You can definitely pack more clothes and gear
- There is less wear and tear on your scoot
- Air conditioning is your friend when it is hot
To trailer, or not to trailer, your bike is the question. I am still a bit torn about this, but with Jaeger, it is what I am forced to do. It certainly does have its place. But then I am reminded of my last trip to Sturgis, several years ago. The ride there is across the plains and would be extremely boring in a vehicle. But on the bike, blasting across the “Big Sky” states, there is an unusual beauty to the vast openness which you cannot enjoy while in a cage.
What do you think?
Molon Labe,
The Original Grey Beard Biker™️
Email: gbb@TheGreyBeardBiker.com
@Yadi_Molina4 on X