Towing a bike, can it cause damage?

[CatStevens]

Hi guys,

I am in Johannesburg South Africa, and have bought a 1998 Honda VT1100 shadow (which was imported from the US) from Durban, which is about 700km away. I am going down there for end of the year vacation and need to tow it back to Johannesburg. The reason I cannot use a trailer is that I shall be towing a boat there and back as well. I thought I would mount a hitch that holds the front wheel on the back of my trailer and simply tow the bike like so. (on the back wheel)
I have heard however that this could cause gearbox or drive shaft damage (it is shaft drive), is this correct, and if so are there any suggestions?

many thanks
Steve

[Johnj]

You can't pull a trailer behind your boat but you can pull a motorcycle?

[Wrider]

You could do it, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you can't see it back there.

If you do decide to do it, here's a couple of tips.
1. Have a shop disconnect/remove your shaft drive before you do (optional but recommended).
2. Make sure your tire has enough meat left on it to last that long.
3. Make sure your bearings are well lubed.
4. Make ABSOLUTELY sure that it is securely fastened and won't tip over during transit.
5. Contact SAPaul on here and have him ride it home for you... lol

[CatStevens]

Many thanks for the advice, it seems then that the best option shall be to ride her the 700km home. The place where she is (Hibberdene) is pretty remote, with the nearest large town about 30km away. So to have the drive shaft disconnected is probably not an option. Fitting a tow hitch on the boat trailer could be an option, however I don`t own a trailer and would have to hire one. We do not have many companies here in S. Africa that let you hire for a 1-way trip, so the costs start escalating. Maybe I should just buy a trailer so I can take her on holiday with me everywhere! Anybody travelling between Natal South Coast and Johannesburg, over the next few weeks, who has a small truck or LDV?

[sapaul]

Howzit man

go to www.thinkbike.co.za and then go register on the forum there. I am sure that some one will assist you. There is also a bike taxi service which runs between Durbs and Joey's which may be an option. I would not under any circumstances run that rear wheel all that way.

[CatStevens]

Thanks boet, i have registered! appreciate the link. Ry ma Lekker!

[storysunfolding]

Ry ma Lekker!

Now you have to share what that means with everyone.

[Wrider]

Lol I just went and googled it. Turns out the first hit comes to this page, and the second and third hits just continue on in that language!

[Johnj]

Drive nice Mother! = Ry ma Lekker! in Afrikaans.

[sapaul]

Bbaawwaahh, not quite , but keep trying.