Bike Towed Trailer

Hi George.

If you are determined to camp, I,too, vote for the Ural.

The BM would be fine for, as you say, blasting from Motel to Motel.

Stuffing about with old ammo boxes in place of elegant panniers would be
like trying to use a thoroughbred race horse in place of a camel.

Totally silly given you HAVE a camel in your shed anyway.

Personally, I'd take the BM and stop at motels, but <shrug> I'm just a
thirsty wimp.

BTW, being somewhat speed limited might not be a bad thing.

Imagine being half way round and then having your licence eaten by the
cops. ;-)

regards,
CrazyCam

 

+1 on the Ural.
When Goaty and I did our trip to Perth a few years back, we found 85-90
k/h a much more reasonable speed than the 110+ you could generally get
away with. This was partly due to Goaty's trailer toting Vulcan getting
145k to reserve on one stretch, but more to a couple of close encounters
with skittish wildlife lurking under roadside bushes, and witnessing
what happens when a vehicle wanders just off the tarmac on a road with
deep sand shoulders. Sustained high-speed outback travel has a range of
hazards. We didn't get monstered by trucks etc. most of the other
traffic was doing much the same speed.

The upside is getting to have a look around, and arriving relaxed at the
end of a ride that was maybe 20 minutes longer each day.

If the Ural has the reliability, and the range to cover the distances
between fuel stops, (max about 280k) I'd say it's a no-brainer.

Moike

 

Well, thanks Moike, Mr Humble, Zebee, Cam...
The eloquent case you all make for the Ural is appreciated. Yes the
Ural is reliable and easily mend able on the run, and with the
external Jerry Cans should easily do the required 300 or so between
fuel stops

Zebee:
I can relate to your comments regarding the Ural as a conversation
starter - it certainly is that. My first big trip was through the
Darling Downs a day after I had purchased it. The most common comment
was: "Great restoration job mate. How old is she?"
This was followed by a look of real disappointment at my reply: "Two
days, mate." Never-the-less this was always followed by coffee and a
pie and a nice talk about the local area.

Cam:
I take your point about bodgying up a perfectly good touring rig to
try to turn it into something it isn't. I would truly hate to do that
to the RT, so unless something fits off the shelf, my money stays in
my wallet. Of course it would be tragic to have one's licence eaten by
an over enthusiastic cop. This would be difficult to do on the Ural,
but much easier on the RT. Just one more point to the Ural.

Moike:
I've done a hell of a lot of outback travel in 4wd cages but
comparatively little on a bike. That's a reason why the load carrying
solution for the RT has to have little effect on the longitudinal CoG.
Maybe that is just one tall order too many that will favour the Ural.
I haven't forgotten the trailer option, but I'm starting to wonder if
it's worth the drama and expense.

Ben:
Yes, as per Zebee above, driving the Ural is one conversation starter
after another, and that, as you indicate, is pretty important on a
long trip.

All and others too numerous to mention:
Thanks for your input. I take all of your points, and whilst I have
not made a decision, I will make one this week, and I suspect the Ural
will get the nod when I consider the points you have all made.

 

Hi George.

Out of curiosity, do you have anything in the way of a route plan for
your "round the block" trip?

regards,
CrazyCam

 

Cam
The general idea is to start late Sep or early Oct at the latest.
Immediately head North to Townsville visiting Rellies and friends on
the way (cooler month is better in FNQ). Spend a few days in
Townsville with side trip to Rellies in Cairns. Then west to Mt Isa,
Darwin, bitumen road to Perth with side trips to coastal areas of
interest (Dampier,Broome, Monkey Mia, various National Parks and (just
maybe) Ullaroo.
I'll visit my sister in Mandurah for a few days with side trips to
Margaret River and other places of interest.
Then head East. I have to research this part of the journey as time
might disallow much sight seeing. Weather ought to be nice and warm
though.
That's the vague outline with much filling in to do between now and
next September.
HTH

 

80> I did Brisbane to Sa return on r65 with side-chair in 1980 , of
course there was a room issue but adding some side bags solved it and
taking two weeks stopping and visiting was a very enjoyable experience
How little is needed can be quite surprising and happily I didn't need
to worry about drive line problems and tyres

 

In aus.motorcycles on Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:30:27 +1100

I like trailers for big loads, way way nicer than having the stuff on
the bike.

Dedicated bike trailers are disgustingly expensive, but consider the
smallest one of these:
http://easytrailer.com.au/

A towbar for your bike will be available from Classic Industries off
the shelf, you'll have to wire it up yourself but it's not that hard.

You'll also need waterproof lockable storage on the trailer, I
suggest big plastic boxes from Bunnings popriveted to the plywood
floor you bolt to the trailer, with hasps on. Won't keep the
determined thief out but there are few of those and the expensive
kit goes in the bike panniers.

You should be able to have a towbar and trailer for under a grand
rather than nearly 2 for trailer alone.

I still reckon the Ural though! For one thing, if you do go offroad
it will be a lot harder to fall off miles from any help, and any bush
mechanic can fix the bastard.

Zebee

 

I'd have a look at Touratech, Corbin and Hepco and Becker.

Fraser

 

Looked at all. Plenty for GS but not RT.

Thanks for the input

 

Thanks - it's all grist for the mill. I liked the teardrop camper -
might go well with the 4wd cage - not behind the RT though.
Thanks again Zebee
[/QUOTE]

 

In aus.motorcycles on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:53:36 +1100

Heh... Was a guy used to go around South Oz using a 70s Jap bike with
a chair and a big plywood box he used as a camper trailer. The side
of the box unfolded and had legs, the tent poles slotted into
carriers, so whole thing turned into a tent with bike inside.

And then there's Frankenstein II who was a BMW R60 who travelled
around Europe with custom made bodywork that was not only panniers but
a fold out picnic table and chair....

Still reckon the Ural will be way more fun myself. Easily carry all
your stuff.

You might want to consider something like pulling the seat out and
seeing if a ute cover place can make you a fibreglass cover. Tonneau
covers are notorious for leaking!

Zebee

 

No worries. When you hit Perth hit me up and I'll buy you a beer.
Maybe Theo would like to come along?

Fraser

 

I got mine through mail order from motorcycle adventure:
http://www.hepco-becker.com.au/

They were pretty good.

 

"Fraser Johnston" wrote

Sure would.

Theo

 

Sold!!! Maybe a run out to York or something?

Fraser

 

I will be in about 12 months. We'll do a phone no swap before then.

 

Done!

Fraser

 

Certainly. My number is 0429 907 329. also works.


BTH

 

If I had sufficient leave available, I'd buy a GPX250 and come with you!


BTH

 

I think you should get #103, in case there's flooding.


BTH