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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
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Message started by jjthejetplane on 10/03/18 at 08:13:53

Title: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by jjthejetplane on 10/03/18 at 08:13:53

So, I have had tentative success at getting my bike started and running-for those of you who are in the know on all of my savage's quirks.

I just ordered a new clutch push rod as I realized I am missing one-which would explain why I had no pressure at the clutch lever.

Anyway, I digress. I recently discovered via youtube the wonderful world of bicycle campers. Has anyone tried this on the Savage?

What mods would you guys suggest to make it roadworthy?

I know a lot of ppl would not consider the savage to be a comfortable long distance ride but I've done it a few times and so long as I stick to back roads at cruising speeds it is not wholly unpleasant. That being said, it would be a whole lot more fun if I could pull off and relax for a few hours out on the open road.

I have seen a few that I think could easily be towed(there was a post here saying a savage could pull a 140lb trailer) and know enough welders to be able to dream something up for the hitch but has anyone done this before or am i testing uncharted waters? What are potential pitfalls I should look out for? How much will the additional weight plus a small passenger put on my engine, tires?

I'm a buck ten so it's had a fairly easy run with me.

All feedback welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,

jjthejet ;)

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/03/18 at 10:56:26

Years ago a guy had a hitch.
Not sure how it was used or worked out.
My concern isn't the ability to pull something, but stopping it.
And a
Tow behind your bicycle trailer
May not have wheels designed for highway use.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/18 at 11:23:54

"May not have wheels designed for highway use."

I agree. These components would easily last 1000s of miles being pulled by human power at mostly slow speeds as in like 10-15 mph. I would be concerned about how it handles at higher speeds (does it bounce around/flip over??) and if it could take the abuse of say hitting a pothole at 45-60 mph without blowing a tire, a wheel or simply blowing into pieces!!

That said, reputable bicycle manufacturers usually build great products. It may work, but you going way beyond the intended use and design limits.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by ohiomoto on 10/03/18 at 11:27:26

And I'll add this. No matter how careful you are, you still have a 30 hp machine between your legs. It will be really easy to exceed the limits of that type of equipment. Try loading 30 lbs of gear into the same trailer and user your 2 hp (human power) legs to pull that stuff around a see how fast you go. :)

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/03/18 at 12:14:06

Post a link to your camper

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by norm92de on 10/03/18 at 12:22:23

I agree with what has been said. Safety is my main concern, especially stopping and turning.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by GOF on 10/03/18 at 13:10:05

No way would I pull a bicycle camper with any motorcycle. Nothing on that trailer, tires, wheels, bearings, frame, are built for highway speeds. And when you start looking at something built for the purpose the weight goes up. As has been stated, the problem is stopping. The savage isn't very heavy. Trust me, you do not want to be on that machine when the trailer starts pushing it around. I drove a tow truck for many years. It was always...fun...when pulling something at or over the trucks limits.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by Eegore on 10/04/18 at 14:31:19

I'd be interested in seeing a link to what type of camper you have in mind.

If it is a "bicycle" camper it will not do well with speed or wind as they are not rated, or even tested at high speed. High speed for a bicycle accessories typically starts at 25mph and goes up, but nowhere near the 50+ range that a motorcycle will take it.

It would be nice to know what a bicycle camper is capable of but in a safe environment. I'd tow it at 55mph behind a truck on a closed road for 600 miles and see if it lasts.

As for a motorcycle trailer the ones I am familiar with are too heavy for me to feel comfortable with on such a light motorcycle. I'd talk to a dealer, look over the specs and get more info regarding stopping distance etc.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by batman on 10/04/18 at 20:22:44

You might try looking up single wheel motorcycle trailers .

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by LANCER on 10/05/18 at 03:55:35

I have no idea who makes it but a couple from our CMA chapter had a motorcycle trailer with a built-in tent that folded out and set up while bike & trailer were still hooked up and parked. Seemed to be a pretty nice and convenient camper system.
This one had 2 wheels.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by stewmills on 10/05/18 at 08:03:55

I see the true motorcycle tent trailers on craigslist regularly. Get something that is made for the purpose in this case. Anything less is a safety risk.

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by verslagen1 on 10/05/18 at 12:03:25

could you post a few links?

Title: Re: Bicycle/Motorcycle camper??
Post by stewmills on 10/05/18 at 21:15:27

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/d/motorcycle-trailer/6685341875.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/d/motorcycle-trailer-2006/6683079452.html

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/mcy/d/motorcycle-trailer-2006/6683079452.html