ForrestBault
03-05-2009, 10:02 PM
I'm finally fabricating some of these hitches for a few of you ADV riders. So how many do I need to make here? $299 (DL650)
While I invite any and all questions about the hitch and what its like to tow, PLEASE dont waste space in here if you think its a stupid/unsafe idea.
Pro's-
-6 bolts, 5 min install
-Tow ball in line with axles (no upset with braking)
-Universal 1 7/8" ball
-Endless uses for trailering
Con's-
-Will not work with centerstand
-Gas stops take an hour answering peoples questions
I've towed 5,500 miles on the prototype hitch with weights up to 400lbs at 90mph. No adverse handling differences.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss187.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss091.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss090.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss175.jpg
1. "What's it like in the corners?"
If the road is smooth I run at normal speed through the corners. Note you are a foot wider in the rear so you may not run all the way to the painted lines. If the road is really bumpy you can feel the feedback as you have tounge weight on the hitch. Nasty road= obey yellow caution signs (suggested speed).
2. "Is first gear to tall?"
I recommend stock gearing. If your running a 16-17 tooth counter sprocket you may need to go back down. The most important idea here is to slip the clutch a bit if your going out of a "dip" style driveway as the trailer weight will pull a bit back on you. I'm currently towing a gross weight of 215lbs so can run a bit higher then stock gearing.
3. "Do you have enough braking power?"
Of coarse you require a bit more room, but not much more. Consider a dresser Harley weighs nearly a thousand pounds with a normal center of gravity for a mortorcycle, VS. DL650 500lbs with luggage and towing a TTR on trailer (250lbs) Your sitting at aprox 750lbs with better brakes. And the towed weight is pushing at the center line of the axles, not 3ft up.
While I invite any and all questions about the hitch and what its like to tow, PLEASE dont waste space in here if you think its a stupid/unsafe idea.
Pro's-
-6 bolts, 5 min install
-Tow ball in line with axles (no upset with braking)
-Universal 1 7/8" ball
-Endless uses for trailering
Con's-
-Will not work with centerstand
-Gas stops take an hour answering peoples questions
I've towed 5,500 miles on the prototype hitch with weights up to 400lbs at 90mph. No adverse handling differences.
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss187.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss091.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss090.jpg
http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u206/forrestbault/Forrestspicss175.jpg
1. "What's it like in the corners?"
If the road is smooth I run at normal speed through the corners. Note you are a foot wider in the rear so you may not run all the way to the painted lines. If the road is really bumpy you can feel the feedback as you have tounge weight on the hitch. Nasty road= obey yellow caution signs (suggested speed).
2. "Is first gear to tall?"
I recommend stock gearing. If your running a 16-17 tooth counter sprocket you may need to go back down. The most important idea here is to slip the clutch a bit if your going out of a "dip" style driveway as the trailer weight will pull a bit back on you. I'm currently towing a gross weight of 215lbs so can run a bit higher then stock gearing.
3. "Do you have enough braking power?"
Of coarse you require a bit more room, but not much more. Consider a dresser Harley weighs nearly a thousand pounds with a normal center of gravity for a mortorcycle, VS. DL650 500lbs with luggage and towing a TTR on trailer (250lbs) Your sitting at aprox 750lbs with better brakes. And the towed weight is pushing at the center line of the axles, not 3ft up.