a trailer - behind the Honda

[Roper_imp]

I really don't like saddle bags, not small, not large, and certainly not those big aluminum boxes you find mounted on X-Sahara Enduros.

But I'd like to carry my tent and a few other things every once in a while. Has anybody (in particular in the US or Canada) seen or used a one-axel, one-wheel trailer for the CB1100 ? Please ignore legal and safety issues for a moment. I am thinking of a strong little thing, with one wheel, mounted on the rear or on the carrier rack, which leans into every curve with the bike, good for up to 60 miles/h and carrying a small aluminum box say 30" by 15" by 15", the center bar no longer than 50".

Has a similar trailer been seen ? Any descriptions, snapshots, any good advice ? If not, any related ideas which might complement my (to be detailed) design before it goes to the shop ? In particular what pre-fab parts (wheel, hook) could be used in order to reduce production cost ?

Always safe rides to all !!

I find the idea appealing, and was thinking about it even before seeing your post, somewhat along these lines:[ul] [li]Single small diameter BMX/mountain bike axle and wheel.[/li] [li]Mass: total of 70 kilograms, with 40 kilograms max. cargo load.[/li] [li]If the above can be achieved no need for breaks, but some back/fore and up/down springs and shock-absorbers would be required.[/li] [li]No hard boxes, to minimize the mass. What has to be kept dry goes into heavy plastic bags/pouches. Cargo is strapped to two vertical frames on both sides of the wheel.[/li] [li]Aluminum alloy structural members and steel parts, produced, packaged and sold as a kit for customer/rider assembly. User is responsible for any legal compliance while on public roadways.
[/li][/ul]

That is exactly what I had in mind when it comes to 'approval'. Anything else hard to imagine when a reasonable response-time and cost efficiency is required.
Here in Europe the weight requirements for trailers without "papers" are different from country to country - another reason to stay low in empty weight.

Uni-go and Trail-tail trailers, and probably most others, use smaller 10"-13" wheels with scooter tires that are not rated for higher speeds. Remember that they will be spinning a lot faster than a larger wheel at the same speed, and more affected by potholes. Also remember that in the US, some states reduce the speed limit with a trailer, prohibit riding in carpool lanes, and limit which lanes it can be ridden in.

I would stay away from bicycle components, as they just aren't up to the speed and safety needs. And I'd use a cast 17" front wheel with a tubeless tire. I would also recommend giving it suspension, as otherwise it would be like bolting luggage to your swingarm.

In general I agree with everything you say. Nevertheless I would first aim for something much simpler than a large wheel and suspension, and limit use to low(er) speeds, use a small size scooter wheel, and high quality axle and bearings. Instead of real suspension something (?) else, lighter in weight and rugged, tbd ... In the end you may be right, and that's not good enough, but I would try

An unsuspended/undampened trailer will bounce and get airborne fairly easily from something as unsuspecting as dips in the road. Anyone who has ever witnessed an empty Tow-Dolly going down the road will know what I mean - and that's something that weighs 400-500 pounds.

+1. Years ago, when I rode mountain bikes a lot, I had a Yak trailer. It bounced like crazy on trails, and that was at 15mph max. Downhill. I can't imagine motoring along at 60mph and hitting a bump with a light unsuspended trailer. That would probably be enough to bend metal, or at least wreck wheel bearings after a few trips.