Why do Harley riders always trailer their bikes long distances instead of riding them?

Question

I can't understand why anyone would rather trailer their bike than ride it to their destination! This is NOT an anti-Harley question - I'd love to own one!

Any thoughts?

Pedro, I haven't but hubby just completed the 'Iron Butt" challenge on Saturday where he and 2 other bikes rode 1,000 miles in 18 hours. He had a blast, but was very, very tired AND yes, his bike (Suzuki Volusia Intruder) is filthy!!! But - he had fun, and that's all that matters!

Amen, Jerry! Love the 'nads reference -- I guess some bikers just don't have 'em! Plus, if you're like my hubby, he absolutely LOVES giving his bike a bath! (what's up with that?) heh heh heh

Randy, just the fact that you've invited your wife to ride along is sweet, add to the fact that you're considering her recuperation from back problems is just wonderful! I totally understand trailering in your case! Hope she feels better really soon!

Answer 1

I have been riding Harleys for close to 40 years and all I've got to say is if you see my bike on a trailer call 911, it's stolen! I have never and will never trailer my bike anywhere. I have racked up my share of 1000 mile days and I have ridden in all kinds of weather. 20 grand and 20 miles does not make you a biker, If you don't have the nads to ride your bike then sell it to someone who does!!

Answer 2

I've never trailered a bike yet. In 41 years of riding, I've owned 26 different bikes, the last 5 have all been harleys. I've ridden a lot of miles in those 41 years. some long rides of 2400 miles too. But I am thinkin That I might have to trailer my '07 ultra out to the west coast next spring. I am planning a ride from port angeles washington to San Diego with stops all along the coast to visit family and friends. The problem is, my wife had back surgery this year. She can ride for several hundred miles at a stretch, but the planned starting point is a thousand miles from where the ride will actually begin. If she rides that thousand miles, she will be done in and not enjoy the trip. If I trailer to the starting point, than break the next run down the state into managable stages, she can have a great vacation in the time we have allotted. If we ride the whole way to the starting point straight thru, she won't be able to enjoy the rest of the ride. Time being the limiting factor. So, what do you think? Ok to trailer that first part? or is that a bad thing in your opinion?

Answer 3

I have a Harley and a sport bike. Most of the Harley riders that I ride with are 30-60 years old. Most of them are at a point in their life that they don't need to go 180mph for fun. They enjoy cruising at 50 and seeing the sights. Most of them have been riding for decades too. Also, Harleys aren't cheap. The cost of the bike is only the beginning with a Harley. Most of the guys I ride with have enough stuck into their bike to buy 2-4 sport bikes, so they take care of them. The people I ride with that are on sport bikes are younger in comparison (18-30). The bikes are considerably cheaper. The reason these people bought a sport bike is to go fast, which is exactly what they do. Most of the sport bike riders I encounter have only been riding a few years at most. They are young, inexperienced, and out for a rush. While it's not fair to generalize one or the other (Like I said - I ride both) on average I think you will find what I described above.

Answer 4

sometimes its because they are not bikers. they don't really enjoy riding & just invest in a harley as a fashion accessory or they see it as a ticket to the lifestyle, for these people the actual riding is an inconvienence they have to participate in occasionally.been seeing a lot more of this type in the last 10 or 15 years.
if you see a trailer load of customs it may be a builder that has several bikes he wants to show at a rally for sale & he doesnt want to rack up a lot of miles on them.
sometimes people have temporary medical problems that prevent them riding thousands of miles but dont want to miss this years rally.
then theres always the ones that need a new tranny or set of rods etc.but its time for sturgis so throw it in the back of the truck with all the tools so if it breaks down up there they can get it back home. been there done that myself. old parts dont always wear out at convienent times but are usually good for another 500 to a thousand miles after you get there but you dont want to take a chance on a major breakdown on the road a thousand miles from home.

Answer 5

Sorry, I can't explain those guys.
I will admit to putting my bike on a trailer once.
I was delivering a car out of state. I had the choice of riding back in an auto with someone I didn't want driving or... come up with something else. The something else turned out to be trialing the bike so I could ride my own ride. A month later, I made the same round-trip+ on the same two wheels.

At only 18,300 in 15 months, I've really been slackin'.

Answer 6

Wash a motorcycle, ? my dealer never told me that was required when I bought my 06 Virago. lol. Serious I would never trailer a bike, nor attend a show if I couldn't ride there. Have rode in temps as low as 27 degrees with no problem. Prepare for the trip an you will be ok. EXPECT some one to hit you at all times an you will live to ride longer.
Jim

Answer 7

You, my dear , have obviously gotten so bad info.

I know very few who trailer, One guy I know has back problems ,but still likes to attend the bigger rallies.
Some of the others trailer because their whinny old ladies can't handle a day on the bike.

We trailered to an event last year because there were 70mph winds across the desert on the way there.

I don't know of anyone who would trailer by choice, but there are times when it is not a bad idea.

Answer 8

Every Harley rider on here will tell you they've never trailered a bike. But next time you're on the road, look at all the trailered bikes and tell me what % of them are Harleys. I'd say at least 95% - and I'm not exagerating. I don't get it... of course, I don't get the whole, "lets dress up in frilly leather and buttless chaps" thing either. Don't those guys own a mirror?

Answer 9

I rode my HD 1000 miles last week, it all depends on the rider. Most of the new HD owners, do not have the experience to ride over 150 miles and are better off putting there bike in the trailer.

Answer 10

Not sure,I have always ridden to my destinations with all of my bikes,have never had to trailer,In fact a short trip for me is 500 miles one way.Never had a problem with the bike either.