Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: connie14boy on July 01, 2012, 01:33:21 AM

Title: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: connie14boy on July 01, 2012, 01:33:21 AM
I have to trailer my C14 from Burbank to San Jose- what is the cheapest and best trailer to rent and where are the tie-down points on the bike? Thanks
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: Walker18 on July 01, 2012, 06:12:04 AM
Rent the U-haul motorcycle trailer, cheap and just what you'll need. Plus the tie-downs are embedded in the trailer bed.
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: connie14boy on July 01, 2012, 08:40:24 AM
Thanks for the advice- I will see if my local U-haul has one I can look at. Where can you attach the straps on front forks or handlebars with all the fairing in the way?
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: basmntdweller on July 01, 2012, 10:03:12 AM
I use two sets of tie downs in the front. I put a canyon dancer strap on the handlebars and then another pair of loop style straps just above the front fender mounts. Neither are strapped down real tight, more just to keep it upright. I use the U-Haul trailer as well. I use a pair of lighter non-ratchet straps in the rear just to keep it from bouncing around. No damage yet (knock on wood).

Matt
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: connie14boy on July 01, 2012, 10:09:20 AM
Hey Matt, thanks a lot. I was wondering if anyone had some pictures of a C14 on a trailer with straps attached...
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: The Pope on July 01, 2012, 01:10:37 PM
Do Not Strap It Down By The Handlebars! There have been reporters of the castings cracking/breaking. Attach to the triple tree and use protective towels or something between the straps and the plastics.
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: basmntdweller on July 01, 2012, 01:27:49 PM
Do Not Strap It Down By The Handlebars! There have been reporters of the castings cracking/breaking. Attach to the triple tree and use protective towels or something between the straps and the plastics.

There has been a lot of suspicions that they MAY break. I have never seen an actual report of a broken bar mount from properly strapping one down.

Matt
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: marku8a on July 01, 2012, 01:49:42 PM
There has been a lot of suspicions that they MAY break. I have never seen an actual report of a broken bar mount from properly strapping one down.

Matt

I used canyon dancers once on my bike before I heard of the possibility of breaking. The tow truck operator cinched them down very tight for the fairly bouncy ride to the shop. No damage to report but I don't think I would do it again.

Mark
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: connie14boy on July 02, 2012, 01:27:09 AM
Since this bike is new to me, I have no idea where to properly attach any strap. All I see is shiny plastic where I would likely tie to- what are canyon dancers?
Title: Re: Trailer for towing and questions
Post by: Walker18 on July 02, 2012, 02:46:26 AM
Go up between the forks and wrap around the triple tree, and bring it back down to the remaining hook. repeat on the other side. ratchet both sides down,
but leave a little shock movement, just a little. Then tie down the rear so it doesn't bounce around.. The plastic should not get touched.
Here are some Utube videos to check out. One of them has gotta help..
http://www.bing.com/search?q=utube%20how%20to%20tie%20down%20a%20motorcycle%20on%20a%20trailer&FORM=IP2TLB&PC=IP2TDF&QS=n (http://www.bing.com/search?q=utube%20how%20to%20tie%20down%20a%20motorcycle%20on%20a%20trailer&FORM=IP2TLB&PC=IP2TDF&QS=n)