Towing a trailer with a motorbike.

**James Deuce** · 13th December 2007, 21:03

The speed limit in NZ for a Motorcycle towing a trailer is ridiculous. There was a chap here about 5 years ago, touring the world. He was ticketed an obscene number of times for exceeding the daft speed limit, despite doing more kms in the last 2 weeks than the most of us do in a year.

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/libra...D&softpage=DOC

(3)A driver must not drive on a road at a speed exceeding 40 km per hour any cycle, moped, motorcycle, or all terrain vehicle that is being used to tow a trailer that, together with its load, exceeds 50% of the unladen weight of the cycle, moped, motorcycle, or all terrain vehicle.

**McDuck** · 13th December 2007, 21:05

Originally Posted by Subike

Something the size of a plastic 220liter drum on 10" wheels that could be used as a bike trailer when drum is removed?

Yes. My other idea is to build a chassis and wheels for one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-130403783.htm

**McDuck** · 13th December 2007, 21:10

Originally Posted by Jim2

The speed limit in NZ for a Motorcycle towing a trailer is ridiculous. There was a chap here about 5 years ago, touring the world. He was ticketed an obscene number of times for exceeding the daft speed limit, despite doing more kms in the last 2 weeks than the most of us do in a year.

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/libra...D&softpage=DOC

(3)A driver must not drive on a road at a speed exceeding 40 km per hour any cycle, moped, motorcycle, or all terrain vehicle that is being used to tow a trailer that, together with its load, exceeds 50% of the unladen weight of the cycle, moped, motorcycle, or all terrain vehicle.

Hence why i am budgetting for under half its weight.

**James Deuce** · 13th December 2007, 21:16

However the reality is that you get ticketed for exceeding 40km/hr and then the burden of proof is upon thee. Bear in mind that the speed limit when towing is 90km/hr too. I reckon it's more trouble than it's worth because there is a bunch of stuff that needs to be done to the tow bike and the trailers are fairly specialised (read: expensive).

I have a friend in the UK who carries Guitars on a modified rack so that they don't exceed height and overhang regulations. He has a CBF600 with the rear seat squab removed and a case with clips added to clip on to the rack. I have a picture somewhere. If I find it I'll post it.

**James Deuce** · 13th December 2007, 21:21

In fact, the 650 Katana is an ideal candidate for a sidecar.

You'll get more chicks with a sidecar as well.

The Earles forks conversion and sidecar probably cost about the same a decent trailer setup too.

**McDuck** · 13th December 2007, 21:23

Originally Posted by Jim2

In fact, the 650 Katana is an ideal candidate for a sidecar.

You'll get more chicks with a sidecar as well.

The Earles forks conversion and sidecar probably cost about the same a decent trailer setup too.

Got any links? How hard is it to take the said side car off when you want to have some fun?

**James Deuce** · 13th December 2007, 21:25

Originally Posted by Mcduck5n

Got any links? How hard is it to take the said side car off when you want to have some fun?

Depends on what you buy really, but there is no reason why you can't remove the chair and put the standard forks back on.

Links?

One moment please.....

**James Deuce** · 13th December 2007, 21:26

http://www.sidecars.org.uk/

http://www.premiersidecars.com.au/

They're probably to the two most relevant sites - they drive on the same side of the road as us you see.

Personally, I'd buy a Ural.

http://www.ural.com/

Nothing wrong with 1930s German technology, and they look great with an MG38 mounted on the sidechair coaming.

**McDuck** · 13th December 2007, 21:41

Originally Posted by Jim2

http://www.sidecars.org.uk/

http://www.premiersidecars.com.au/

They're probably to the two most relevant sites - they drive on the same side of the road as us you see.

Personally, I'd buy a Ural.

http://www.ural.com/

Nothing wrong with 1930s German technology, and they look great with an MG38 mounted on the sidechair coaming.

Did you see the price on some of those? Fark.

**deanohit** · 13th December 2007, 22:11

Originally Posted by Mcduck5n

Yes. My other idea is to build a chassis and wheels for one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-130403783.htm

Thats the best idea yet, I was going to suggest something similer, but that top box is the better idea, a simple aluminium tube frame supporting it would be sufficent for the light loads your wanting to carry.