Trailering a '78 Goldwing

[.lonerider.]

Need info. on securing a Goldwing to an open trailer. Where's the best places to put the tie downs on the bike and how far away from the bike to put the eye bolts and how far to the front and rear of bike should they go. Thanks.

[muz]

hey lonerider

i've only done this twice, but had an experienced friend help me through it both times. The important thing is to not attach the front tiedowns to the handlebars, they should be attached to the frame near the neck, or the triple tree. Chock in front of and behind the front wheel. Have one person compress the front forks down while you tighten up the ratchets on your front tie-downs. This will prevent the bike from bouncing (and the straps slackening) when you go over bumps. The straps should be at a 45 degree angle between the bike and the surface of the trailer. For a heavy bike like yours I'd probably use 4 tie-downs on the front, and 2 on the rear. The rear straps could attach to the swingarm, or an exposed part of the frame if there is one.

hope that helps!

[TechTMW]

I dunno if an old 'wing like that has a centerstand, but if it does, -don't- use the centerstand while towing. All of the shocks from the road will transfer through to the frame of the bike potentially weakining it. If you properly use the tiedowns on all four corners, the suspension should still have just enough play to soak up the bumps