Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: kawacop1642 on October 17, 2011, 10:31:32 AM
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I'm sure this one has been posted before, but Does anyone make a hitch for the C-14? I have searched the web, but to no avail. During a bike trip in june I met a couple in Napa Ca. on a c14 from canada. The guy made his own hitch that looked pretty sturdy. I now wished I would have photo'd the set up.
Anyway, some help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mark
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I guy had one at a COG event I attended way up in the hills of KY. I can't remember the brand but its available. I'll look for info. He had a super-nice trailer behind the bike too.
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I thought that there was a thread a while back about a company in Australia making a hitch for our bikes?
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Classic Industries in Australia and Bushtec Trailers in the U.S.A. are the only 2 companies producing trailer hitches for the C14 that I am currently aware of.
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Classic Industries in Australia and Bushtec Trailers in the U.S.A. are the only 2 companies producing trailer hitches for the C14 that I am currently aware of.
^^^^^that is the name I couldn't think of
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Thanks for the info. Looks like both of these companies are "off their rocker" so to speak, with those prices. I can understand $200, maybe even $250, but $400 & $500 for a couple pieces of steel and some bolts. Thats just crazy :o. Heck, the one for my last Harley only cost $120. Back to the drawing board. Maybe I can come up with a build of my own.
Thanks again guys.
Mark
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Thanks for the info. Looks like both of these companies are "off their rocker" so to speak, with those prices. I can understand $200, maybe even $250, but $400 & $500 for a couple pieces of steel and some bolts. Thats just crazy :o. Heck, the one for my last Harley only cost $120. Back to the drawing board. Maybe I can come up with a build of my own.
Thanks again guys.
Mark
They're not mass producing for our C14 crowd so yea, high price.
If you do tow, I'd be interested in pics and your fuel mileage at 65 and 85 MPH.
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Its the trailer prices that shocked the **** out of me.
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Its the trailer prices that shocked the **** out of me.
You'll need a separate trailer for that.
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I have the classic ind hitch on my c14, and have pulled 2 diffrent trailers
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I have the classic ind hitch on my c14, and have pulled 2 diffrent trailers
How's about a pic or two of that hitch?
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Sure when i get on my laptop, dont have on my phone, i had pics on hete pre fourm crash
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I have the classic ind hitch on my c14, and have pulled 2 diffrent trailers
What gas mileage you getting at HWY speeds?
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I saw a drop of about 5 mpg but thats 2 up with the trailer
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Thanks for the info. Looks like both of these companies are "off their rocker" so to speak, with those prices. I can understand $200, maybe even $250, but $400 & $500 for a couple pieces of steel and some bolts. Thats just crazy :o. Heck, the one for my last Harley only cost $120. Back to the drawing board. Maybe I can come up with a build of my own.
Thanks again guys.
Mark
Durn, that is quite a hitch, heh heh heh. I would purchase one for something in the $200 - $300 range. You are absolutely correct that they are "off their rocker" I expect to pay for the engineering, but... c'mon now. I use one (Bushtec) on my Goldwing (wife :) ) and we love it. I would keep looking... matter-of-fact I think I will as the C-14 is MY machine. Anyway, good luck. (Murph, Phil, are you following this? Might be some good money to be made here)
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The hitches definitely are pricey, but is it common for the trailer itself to be in the 1500-4000 dollar price range? Least thats what I saw on Bushtec's site.
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Yes, trailers for motorcycles are fairly expensive. You can homebuild them cheaper, but they usually look it and handle accordingly. Bushtec has been around a while and builds nice trailers.
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I have the Bushtec hitch and Bushtec roadstar trailer Steve was talking about. It pulls and handles great and I only seen about 2 mpg. loss while towing.
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Heres a pic of my trailer untill my internet at home is up and running
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I bought a Piggy Backer trailer for around 400 bucks. Picked it up at their company in Easley, SC and towed it home. I extended the tongue 11 inches, and it pulled great. Took it on several trips to Ohio, Arkansas, and once to Niagra Falls, NY. Haven't used it since I bought the C14 in June of 2010. BECAUSE I CAN'T FIND A DECENT PRICE ON A SIMPLE HITCH!!! (sorry). They don't offer the model I have now, which had 8" wheels and a straight axle with leaf springs. They still sell their "XL" model with 12" wheels and independent torsion bar suspension for under $1000. Since I got mine, they even include a swivel hitch, something mine lacks and will need to be added before I put it behind the Kawi.
In fact, if I ever find a good hitch for the bike, I'm thinking about re-modeling the trailer. I think I'd like to eliminate the "cooler box" on the front, and remove the big square cargo box, and replace it with a longer, slimmer, car top carrier from Yakima or Thule. Might even cut down the width and pull the wheels in closer to make it more streamlined. I'm sure when I get done, I'll have spent more than it would have cost me to buy a nice factory trailer, but mine would be mine!
Here is a small pic...
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Hey red,
Thats the same trailer I pull. I found it at a place called Harbor Freight for $299. I pulled it with my (now ex) ultra classic this past june to the west coast for a month long trip. No problems. Most of the time didn't know it was behind me. Great little light weight trailer. Holds alot of gear.
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I have the Bushtec hitch and Bushtec roadstar trailer Steve was talking about. It pulls and handles great and I only seen about 2 mpg. loss while towing.
It LOOKS great too. I can't say enough about your rig.