Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

I don't know d*** about trailers, but remembered that Oak Okleshen wrote something about trailers once. To me, pulling a trailer is a specialized thing, from getting it properly attached to the bike, having the proper setup on the trailer (brakes, lights, etc.), and then knowing how to run with a trailer.

Oak mentions two things. First a book called "Pulling Your Tail" by Bill Brobst from Duck, North Carolina. Second, the book and trailer equipment are available from the company Black Tie Accessories in Amherst, Ohio. They don't have a website, but contact information is here:

http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/c ... any=440961

Sounds like the key aspect of a trailer hitch is something that swivels so the connection between the trailer and the bike don't influence each other. Another obvious factor is to properly get the loads into the bike frame to beefy members and down low.

Kurt in S.A.

Hi Kurt

Trust you to be the first to reply.
Must be your morning ritual, eh?
Thanks for the feedback!

I found this link
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/hitch-pa ... itches.htm
and wrote to them.
Being from Canada, (which is 1/10th the size of USA) it seems we're limited to what we can find here.
I've read a few articles, but what I really need is a picture of the assembly.
I think I'll have to tie it into the rear pegs, and down from the upper frame. (not easy when the bags in the way)
It seems to be a custom make.

Cheers, Kurt

Roland

Just wanted to share some info..
Here's what I've found out so far,
according to this company.
http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/hitch-pa ... itches.htm

"There was a company called renolds and renolds that made these hitches.
They had the market so tied up that no one tried to compete with them,
Then one day they disapeard. So options are, we can get you one out of
Australia for $550 with shipping or you can find a used Renolds and
Renolds hitch."


Roland

Hadn't noticed that Reynolds did trailer hitches. But checking this page of a ca-1983 brochure, they do list a few models.

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/reynolds/reynolds12.jpg

The rest of the brochure is here:

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/reynolds/index.htm

Kurt in S.A.

I suspect that's a different company, Kurt. (or a spin off.)

cheers

Really? I've never heard of a company called Renolds before. Reynolds was big in the early '80s, selling replacement centerstands, backrests, and racks. I have a Reynolds backrest on my /7.

From the name that you provided (did you get that from the Dauntless website?), it struck me that was a reference to the defunct Reynolds company out of Salt Lake City.

Kurt in S.A.

Jay, from that company link, Dauntlessmotors, replied back with what I pasted here. I don't know any more than that.
The spelling's different, and it was, 'Renolds and Renolds'.

Hi

So I'm planning a trip, and what comes to mind? Yeap, a trailer.
I have a 70 75/5 ..am I crazy? naaaah

I found this link to a sweet little trailer.

Vetter Windjammer 5 Fairing

Love that design! (doubt I could ever find one.)
I'm thinking of modifying a small Harbor Frieght unit.

anyway
the real issue is
Does Anyone have any links /pictures/sourses for the hitch assembly for my year bike.
Do I need to have one custom made?


thanks , eh!

Well, after a lot of research on trailers, and hitches, in the end, I decided to make my own, both trailer and hitch.
The hitch is made from 1 inch steel tube, mounted to the back pegs, and bolted to the saddle bag supports.
Took some time finding the right shape. I first used light 3/4" aluminium tube as test pieces before actually bending the steel ones.
The trailer should come in at about 150/155 pounds, swivel hitch and spare tire incl.
Keeping the weight down was important!
Aluminium chassis/fenders... leaf springs, stub axles, 8" tires, marineply cargo box... and it also folds out into a one man sleeper/tent.
Of course, add cargo to all that and it might add up to a couple hundred pounds. we'll see...

I've also decided to have the clutch looked at by a pro, given that it's a 40 year old bike, and that I'm towing, plus the fact that when the engine gets hot, the clutch tends to grab/bite all of a sudden. Rather annoying, that.
(I'm wondering if the plate warps in high heat, (and slow traffic)?)

So far the hitch and trailer has cost about $1400, which isn't too bad considering both would of cost me about $4000 plus, retail.

Anyways, fellas/gals, I'd be glad to share more info if you're interested in doing the same thing with your slash 5.
It took a lot of weekends, but the pleasure and rewards have been well worth it.

Now for those first three weeks of R and R!


Cheers, eh!

oops, double post