CB1100 or ST1300?

[the Ferret]

Thanks for all the comments...I'm "soaking" them up! I'm in southern Indiana and my trips would be to the Smokies or Florida....Panama City is the closest for FL, but still about 500 miles. I want to cruise the coast and the curves of the mountains, just not thrilled about the long trips to get there. I'm entertaining a new thought of purchasing an enclosed motorcycle trailer for my CB1100std...my brief search shows some nice tandem 7x12 V-nose for two motorcycles for about $5000. Any suggestions or comments about using a trailer, where to buy one, near southern Indiana within a 200 mile range? Trailer brakes needed?

As long as you have a good tow vehicle no trailer brakes needed.

Let me say something about enclosed vs open trailers...and btw towing is not a bad option. Save your energy and tires for the good roads is a common theme for towers.

I've had both open and closed and both have their strength and weaknesses from my perspective

Enclosed

pros :better bike protection from elements and prying eyes.
You can store motorcycle gear tools etc in the enclosed trailer with the bike
With fold down ramp/ door it's easy loading and unloading

Cons: higher cost
More weight..harder on tow vehicle, uses more gas
Can't see through them to traffic behind you
Must back tow vehicle to trailer
Cannot see into it to see if tie down has come loose or broken


Open trailer

pros: less expensive to buy
Can be moved without tow vehicle
With fold down back gate its easy loading and unloading
Less weight easier on tow vehicle uses less gas
can see through it to traffic behind you
Can see if tie down strap is loose or breaks

Cons: Bike in the elements and prying eyes can see what is on your trailer
Must pack motorcycle gear and tools inside tow vehicle


You have to choose which pros and cons are most important to you. I sold my enclosed and bought an open trailer for the times I must/ choose to to tow my bike/s, which isn't very often.

Whichever model of trailer you choose, make sure it has " at least" 13" wheels and that the wheels are equipped with bearing buddies or equivalent for maintenance. Get a spare tire, a 4 way lug wrench and a scissor jack before you tow your first mile.

Edit..isn't southern Indiana the center piece of trailer making?