Chapter M-2's Technical Corner

Howard Halasz's October 2008 Technical Article


" Trailering Your Gold Wing "

The first and probably most important thing is to be sure that the trailer that you are using is structurally capable of carrying a heavy touring motorcycle such as a Honda Gold Wing. Don't try to carry a Gold Wing on a trailer if the rear wheel extends out behind the end of the trailer.

If the trailer has structural steel channels for the wheels or a channel shaped ramp, make sure that you can load the Gold Wing on the trailer by yourself. Don't even try to do it by yourself if you have any doubts. Get some help.

Once the Wing is on the trailer, put the side stand down if the trailer has a place for the side stand. If it doesn't, get someone to hold the Gold Wing up and apply the front brake at the same time. Loop a tie-down strap around the right fork above the lower fork clamp. Tighten it enough to raise the side stand off of the trailer floor if you're doing the job by yourself. At this point, move the side stand to the “up” position. Snug the strap on the left side next. Tighten both right and left tie-down straps alternately until the forks are about half way compressed. Adjust your strap tension until the Gold Wing is standing straight rather than leaning to one side or another. Tie a rope or a tie-down strap around the front wheel and to the trailer to prevent the Gold Wing from rolling backwards. Tie another strap or rope around the rear wheel to the trailer to keep the back end of the motorcycle from bouncing up and out of the trailer on rough roads. Use tie-down straps between the motorcycle frame and the trailer frame to prevent the motorcycle from rocking or leaning side to side when sharp turns are made.

It is important that the side stand is not down after the bike is secured. The frame or side stand could be damaged if the bike is towed with the side stand left down.

Make sure that your trailer has functional tail lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights. Don't try to put a 2 1/4" trailer tongue on a 1 7/8" ball! Make sure that the tongue matches the ball and attach the tongue to the ball. Try to wriggle the connection and if you detect any free play in the hitch connection, adjust it until there's no more free play. Connect your safety chains and electrical connections. Have someone help you test the turn signals and brake lights. Try to rock the motorcycle to make sure that it is securely tied down to the trailer.

You are now ready to transport your motorcycle.

Howard Halasz, Chapter M2 Technical Coordinator

GWRRA #26650