Towing a bike on an A-Frame

robc

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Afternoon all,
I'm toying with the idea of getting an A-frame to tow my 1150. Just in case I breakdown close enough to home for my wife to come and get me. Instead of manhandling a dead bike up ramps into my pickup I thought the A-frame would save a lot of hassle. Especially as I rarely seem to breakdown on a nice summer evening next to a pub. It's always cold, dark and peeing down.

So, any reason why 1150's cannot be towed using one?

Personally I don't think so as the bike will be in neutral and it can't harm the shaft because it will have much of the weight of the bike pushing the rear wheel onto the road.

Just wanted to see if anyone knew of a reason not to tow an 1150.

Regards

Rob C
 
The only fly in the ointment that I can see is that certain types of breakdown might render the A frame useless, ie rear tyre punctures and any kind of transmission/final drive troubles.
 
had you considered one of these?

170front.jpg


http://www.bikelug.myzen.co.uk/
 
A friend of mine uses a frame on his camper. It mounts the front wheel and drags the bike behind. I take it this is what you mean by an A frame?

I seem to recall someone on here suggesting the gearbox and final drives may be affected as the oil levels will differ to how they are designed to run because of the angle they'll be at.

Also, I wonder what loads and forces are transmitted through the front wheel, forks and head bearings that they're not really designed to deal with.

Trailer for me I'm afraid.
 
Afternoon,
Obviously I wouldn't be able to use it to get home for punctures or drive failures. I don't have room to store a trailer and my wife doesn't drive my pickup. Even if she did getting the bike into the back if the engine or clutch is dead is difficult.
The A-frame would only be for emergencies close to home if my wife can get to me faster than the RAC can.

I wouldn't expect to have to tow the bike for more than 50 miles.

I know you can get fold away bike trailers but I don't even have storage space for one of those but I agree it would be the best option.

Regards

Rob C
 
My mates set up has quite a hefty lump peramently bolted to the towbar. Seems extreme for just occasional breakdown use.

Maybe you need to invest in a more reliable bike, like a Honda :eek:
 
HAR!

I had a Kawasaki Versys until 6 months ago.

About 18 months ago I was pulling onto the dual carriageway and the chain snapped. Pushed the bike 7 miles home. Could have done with an A-frame that day.

Sorry, in my experience, Japanese bikes really aren't that more reliable than the BMW's. It's just different things break on them.

I think I will get the A-frame. The Bikelug trailer is a better idea but at £500+ it's a tad pricey for me at the moment. Also, at 55KG I don't see the missus wanting to heft it into the car when I break down again.


Regards

Rob C
 
Over here I'm often amazed at the uses folk find for their long suffering tow-hitches. Horse box + Ford Fiesta. Hatch backs with cycle carries for 4 'sturdy' bicycles.

Maybe an AA card? T'will get you home regardless of what's broken.
Personally, I wouldn't want my friends / family coming to fetch bike / me
from the back of beyond.
 
I would stick with the RAC IMO they have the right eqpt and if they break anything it's down to them
 
Hi Chaps,
I normally rely upon the RAC. They usually take at least 2 hours to get to me when I need to be recovered.

If I'm within an hour from home I'd rather phone the wife and get home in half the time.

Sitting at the side of the dual carriage way in the pissing rain in the dark for 2 hours is not fun.

Anymore than an hour from home and I'll not bother the wife. I'll just phone and tell her to keep my dinner warm.

Historically, I normally need to get the bike recovered home 1 or 2 times a year which is just tedious.

Regards

Rob C
 
In about 15 years back on bikes, doing about 10k a year between my gs and blackbird, I've only been stranded twice. Only had 2 punctures. The first 2 beemers, an 11rs then an 1150gs where the least reliable, but neither actually left me stranded. My bird died in France but it's 10years old and done 50k, so one failure in 8years of ownership is acceptable.
What I,m getting at is it soundslike you're over reacting to one incident, and in all likelyhood you'd probably never nead it. You have rac, maybe just accept that's gonna be enough.
 
get the wife to pick you up then go back in the pick up ???? get a small winch for the load bed. It would take just as long as waiting for recovery but atleast you wont get bored waiting for them :D
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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