K11 Owners Group

Jim · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:07 pm Post subject: camping

I used to load up the Uni-Go, then overload the bike when going on a camping trip.

At my age, I like a little comfort. The Uni-Go just didn't cut it anymore. I needed something that would haul just a little more, and get the weight off the bike.

The solution:

Although I don't think I'd pull the larger trailer on long road trips, it'll be nice for local weekend trips. I plan to replace the cheapo cartop carrier with something a little sturdier. The cooler is a nice feature.

This is the trailer I bought off some guy in NC - it's titled as an '82. I think the only thing from '82 might be the tail lights (which need to be upgraded to LED anyway).

I have a small tent I used to take on trips, but it is so small I had to put the air bed in it first, and then inflate it. A slightly larger tent solved that problem.

If it's not raining sap from trees, I don't put the canopy over the tent - it's just a place to hang out.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:08 pm Post subject:

Pretty cool!
_________________
Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Technician · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:27 pm Post subject:

I myself drag a Squire D18 trailer with all the gear in it. The downside is they cost over £1000 new and we are restricted by size here in Europe and your new trailer is wider than we can tow. I have never taken so much crap with me and can't believe that I used to get it all on the bike alone.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

Jim · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:32 pm Post subject: trailer

The trailer is about 4' wide, less than 4' high, and under 7' long. I wanted a small trailer I can tow behind the K and the Insight. The Insight and trailer pictured below are not mine - they have been "colorized". The trailer I got is a homemade - paid $325.00 or $350.00 for it.

_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

drmalacarne · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

Nice set, Jim!
The parking lot maneuvres must be a challenge, with the trailer on, don't?
I bought the gators from Chicago BMW. Thanks.
Guilherme.
_________________
1994 K1100LT SE n° 0267
1998 HD Heritage Springer 95th anniversary
Yes, a Hog and a Beemer can live together!

Jim · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 6:17 pm Post subject: trailering

Guilherme - when I'm pulling a trailer, I usually just act like I'm still driving a tractor trailer. Big difference is, it was easier to back up/reverse with a tractor trailer than the motorcycle with a trailer.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:39 am Post subject:

Hey, Jim:

Does this mean you'll have to obey the "VEHICLES WITH TRAILERS" speed limit signs? Razz

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Jim · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject: trailers

NO!!! Absolutely not! Those are for other vehicles with trailers Laughing

not for motorcycles. I probably don't obey the speed limit without a trailer - depending on where I'm riding.

I don't have the hitch adapter for the big trailer yet - it's on order - it'll be interesting to see how it does. I might have to balance the little 8" tires, but other than that, I think it'll be fine.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:35 pm Post subject:

You know, with that trailer, you'll almost be able to carry almost as much as Shogs does on her RS. Laughing

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BobZ(IL) · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject:

Any idea how much weight you'll be dragging with that 3-bedroom ranch, refrig and all? I really like the idea of unloading the bike a little.
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'93 K1100LT
'78 R100S
'05 R1200GS
BMWMOA, CRBMWOA, ABC, K11OG #997

Live well, do good work, enjoy the ride.

Jim · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:20 pm Post subject: trailering

hi Bob - I usually figured on somewhere around 100 lbs. for the smaller trailer - the Uni-Go. The payload on that one was supposed to be 110 lbs., but the coil spring collapsed after 30,000 miles or so.

The guy I bought this one from said he usually loaded about 60-70 lbs in it. I figure it's good for all the stuff I used to load in the Uni-Go plus all the stuff I used to load on the bike. Probably less than 150 lbs - but with plenty of room to spare. I know the frame and the suspension is good for more than 150 lbs. - but being as it's home made we don't really know what it would max out at.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Technician · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:47 pm Post subject:

Jim,
Are you sure that the new trailer is home made? I ask only because there is an identical set up available from the the trailer firm Erde in the U.K.

I probably cart around something like 80-90 Kgs in my trailer which legally here is rated at max 150kgs but built to take 250kgs and I've just put new suspension on which is rated at 350kgs which may be too hard, need to road test it with all the gear stowed, going to a rally in a weeks time so will find out then.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

Jim · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:00 pm Post subject: two-wheel trailer

Tech - yeah, it's definitely home made! The title shows a build date of '82 - but the guy I bought it from said it was three years old... Who knows? The North Carolina assigned VIN is stamped into the tongue, but anyone with a set of stamps can do that. The frame might be '82 - but I think it has all newer stuff on it. I'll take a look at the tail lights and see if there are dates on the lenses.

The tongue is made from two pieces of 3/4" square stock welded together. It has newer Harbor Freight springs and newer - but very cheesy (and cracked) Harbor Freight plastic fenders. The Sears cartop carrier is definitely cheesy. The trailer could stand some upgrades!
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000
1992 R100R 24,000 - FOR SALE

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."