building my own trailer

[squishio]

Hi All

I'm thinking about building myself a trailer to tow my pit bike on using my other bike.

I have looked at buying an existing one but am not finding anything suitable for a low enough price. (sub £100)


So I will make my self one but I am stuck on the first hurdle...
Wheels.


Specifically how to mount them....

after much searching I came across these...


https://i.ebayimg.com/16/!BUUMOyQBGk~$(KGrHgoH-EUEjlLl0EpmBKM7oSStJ!~~_12.JPG


Which look like they would do the job, the only problem is the price.
I don't need any high capacity (100kg would do fine)
Suspension not required though I think it could help to keep the trailer stable if I hit a bump or something.


Can anyone advise what a wheel mounting thingymabob for a trailer would be called?
I don't want a whole axel as I will be making it a custom width determined by me.


Any help appreciated

Rich
____________________
Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250

[base]

if you are near gloucester i have a old homemade bike trailer (the welding is rough as old nails) but strong has that type of suspension free to collector, it is rough though it sits on 13inch wheels but hubs can take 10inch mini wheels

[stinkwheel]

Indespension units are what you want.

Or a home made single-wheel trailer.

Single wheel trailers are good because the only minimally upset the handling.
https://www.ratbike.org/photos/show02/y08trlr.jpg

I wonder if you could trail the pit bike behind you in a similar manner?
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[G]

I would go for stinkwheel's idea of towing the bike, possibly with some kind of extra wheel though, if it's got dirt tyres. (Thinking the rear wheel sitting in a little cradle with another wheel.

A bit different, but this is my mountain bike trailer that has worked pretty well so far and can take a fair bit over 100kg I'd say:
https://gees.zenfolio.com/p804091799/h1a2eeef9#h1a2eeef9

[Raffles]

Is it legal to tow a bike? Would the towed bike simply become a trailer or would it have to be street legal?
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.

[stinkwheel]

[Kickstart]

Hi

From memory it is legal to tow a bike with another bike, but having done it it is pretty lethal. BMF mention it as one of the exemptions from not having a passenger in a motorcycle trailer.

Few rules on towing a bike trailer here:-

https://www.mono-trail.co.uk/single-wheel-trailer-law.html

Suspect treating a bike as a trailer would fall foul of both the weight and length limits.

I do know someone selling a bike trailer in the South West for about £100 at the moment.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[G]

[Kickstart]

Hi

Possibly. 2/3 of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle is within reason. Quick google suggests an overall length of 1.65m. Allow about 30cm from the back of the bike to the bikes rear wheel spindle gives about 50cm to play with for the tow ball.

All the best

Keith
____________________
Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[squishio]

I'm in North London so anyone local please contact me if they have anything that may be useful


I found this...

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Trailer-suspension-units-hubs-wheels-steel-mudguards_W0QQitemZ130350325472QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Trailers_Transporters_Parts?hash=item1e597c1ee0


Still too pricey for me


I am planning on using a ladder for the main "chassis" then attach the wheels to that.
So, I need a way of attaching the wheels, Does anyone know of an alternative name for a wheel attachment thing?


I have thought about attaching the front end to the bike and letting it tow on the rear but I feel that would need more fabrication on the attachment to the bike.
I have just realised that I have luggage rack things under my tail which I could use but not quite sure how

The silver bit...

https://www.hyosung-motorclub.nl/Tuning/undertail.jpg

https://www.hyosung-motorclub.nl/Tuning/undertail%20(3).jpg



I then need to extend that and make some sort of cradle to hold the front wheel steady, but now I cant find that.

Something like this...



https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/motorcycle-towing-trailers-4.jpg


https://www.trealestrailers.co.uk/images/series%202%20foldaway%20motorcycle%20trailer_4.jpg





But much smaller as the pit only has 13" wheels
____________________
Current - Hornet 600, Transalp 650, X140 Pit, GPZ400R
Past - SY125, GT250, GT650, CX400, CBF600, Bandit 600, SL1000, GT250