I'm going to pick up my bike tomorrow and I'm going to rent a trailer. Since I'll be driving 400km in one direction, do you think this trailer is OK?
I'm concerned that the front break disc would hit that rising metal thingy, that holds the front tire. The trailer wheel is 13' (for comparison) and bigger bikes are loaded like this:
Should I be concerned?
That should work well Andy as we use the same type for the Vectrix. Just make sure you get a long enough ramp, about the same length as those channels fitted to the trailer. The one which came with ours was way too short causing the bike to bottom out when being put on the trailer. Good luck and enjoy your bike!!
Doug Townley
info.DTES [at] gmail.com
(Formerly Vectrix Europe Technical Supervisor)
One door closes, another door opens
Watch out for the size of the loop the front wheel goes into, most bike trailers are designed for 17inch wheels, a 14inch wheel will go in much more and could damage the front mud guard while in transit
Regards,
Peter
-----------------------------------------------------------
Central Scotland
Don't forget to use only the tie-down points under the front fairings, not the handlebars.
If I was you I'd book a motel room and do a few test rides before heading back!
This information may be used entirely at your own risk.
There is always a way if there is no other way!
1. Yep, I already did that when I drove the bike to dealer. I had some other trailer back then.
2. I'm afraid it's the top tourist season right now and it would cost me to much. I will drive it around so I can see it's a new battery and stuff. I've already done a checklist :-)
Yep, that happened of the ramp with the trailer I had to trail it to the dealer. I had to lift the ramp somewhat. I will watch about that and drive the bike onto the trailer from the ramp being on the sidewalk pavement if necessary.
Yes, I've also considered that, but if my calculations are correct, it should be fine. Inflating the tire to 3.0bar could be my only solution in case the default tire pressure wont suffice.
Why don't you drive her back home? I know a guy that made 300km in one day. 200km per day seems to be possible.
I would be very concerned about brake and/or fender damage with that large of a loop. However, it appears that the loops are simply bolted on, and can be removed. If so, you might be better off removing the center loop and riding the bike all the way to the front rail of the bed. Loops don't really do anything other than prevent forward movement, which can easily be accomplished by tieing the rear wheel securely to the rear rail of the trailer. Tie the front forward and the rear rearward adn spread the ties as wide as you can and she won't go anywhere.
300 km on a vectrix without knowing where to recharge can be a nightmare. Not recomended if you are in hurry, only during holidays and don't care when you reach home... Consider duplicating all belts/ties, in case one gets loose or broken, you won't loose the bike in the middle of the road.... best parts to tie: front rim, upper ears hided from front fort, in the up side, and the rear suspension. Avoid any tie on any plastic, it will get scratched
Yes, I agree that can be a nightmare and impossible to do with hurry. But 200km with 2 recharges (during the ride) can turn out to be a pleasant ride if you find the tourist side of it.
The trailer is here. It's beautiful and it should work superb. The guy, that has it, had a normal scooter with 12' front wheel with a disc without any problems. The loop is more of a V shaped, looking from behind or front.
However, I won't be going tomorrow, since my dealer told me, that the bike is not ready yet, since they test drove it today and only managed 20km. I guess they weren't listening to my advice to change the battery. They will change it tomorrow and I will probably drive there on Saturday or Monday. I'd prefer Saturday :-)
If the hoop does present a problem a "low tech" fix would be to insert a piece of 2 by 4 wood (you'll have to convert to metric of course ;-))
This stops the wheel going all the way in and still allows the hoop to provide some side to side stability.
Just a thought.
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
Yep, I've also thought of that :D
Italian members: when does ferragosta begin this year? Tomorrow, 1. august? Is it better for me to wait until Monday to pick my bike up?
I'm a little late to post this, but I've been on holiday in between.
Vectrix fit fine on the trailer:
I had a white t-shirt over the battery compartment until I drove off. It was clear sky and sunny and 30'C (early August) in the morning and I didn't want to risk battery heating through the battery cover.
nice protection! ;-)
Another possibility is to use a hi reflective thermic film, which is ussed commonly on emergency thermal blankets. One side captures heat (gold), the other reflects all heat (mirror plate)...
http://www.spaincare.es/ver_cat.php?catid=738&idioma=en