The Types Of Motorcycle Transport Trailers
The term motorcycle trailer can be used to refer to one of two things. It is either a trailer pulled behind a motorcycle, usually with a slim design to match the cycle it was built to go with, or it is a trailer used to transport motorcycles that is pulled behind a larger vehicle. While choosing a trailer to pull behind a bike may be easy, it can be harder to find the right trailer to use when transporting the motorcycle itself. Motorcycle transport trailers come in a number of sizes and styles and it is important to consider your, and your motorcycle’s, specific needs before buying or renting one.
Features of motorcycle transport trailers
Motorcycle transport trailers all have several things in common that differentiate them from other transportation devices. They all include tracks that hold the bike’s wheels and prevent the bike from sliding around during transport. They also include tie down points, to ensure that the bike does not tip while it is in transit. While it is possible to transport a motorcycle in a standard trailer, it may slide or tip without these security features, causing damage to both the bike and the trailer.
Types of transport trailers
Motorcycle transport trailers come in two basic types; open-frame and enclosed. Open-frame models usually have a more basic construction than their enclosed counterparts. Based on a flatbed design, they are composed of little more than a flat bottom with an axle and wheels underneath, and a grate to prevent the bike from slipping off the back, should the trailer tailgate come loose. Enclosed models, on the other hand, have a roof and four walls, providing greater protection from the elements as well as the added security of a locked door. Enclosed trailers are heavier, however, and may cause wind resistance, slowing the towing vehicle and reducing mileage. Some manufacturers address this problem by building shorter models, or slimmer models, or by using a lighter material, while some drivers choose to use a more powerful vehicle, like a truck instead of a car.
Many motorcycle transport trailers come with additional features that make them easier to use and offer greater personalization. For example, most manufacturers offer models made especially for either one or two motorcycles. A trailer built for two motorcycles has two tracks for the wheels and double the number of tie down points. Additional features may also include ramps to assist in loading and unloading, or a collapsing mechanism for easy storage when not in use.
