Do you take your pets with you?

[sam104535]

Ok Guys - Need help.

I have a 2011GSA with the 3 factory aluminium cases. I also have a wife and 2 yorkies (5 lbs each). We want to take the dogs with us. I was thinking something along the lines of secured sturdy pet cages on each of the side cases and wife on the pillion.

Seen many pics with dogs on bikes but not sure if these guys parade around town (cutesy stuff) or actually take them at higway speeds and multiday travels. Currently I am doing my research on the feasibilty/safety aspect of this....assessing comfort with the risks, the cages etc. But one thing is for sure, I cannot leave the dogs behind and/or the wife - someone's bound to suggest that

Also considered risks of tipping over and thinking the cases may take most of the impact. But the yorkies are small dogs and I am struggling a bit with that. But then, I see many folks take their small kids on the bikes. Also going as far as considering getting the wife a licence and a used canam spyder - 3 wheeler to eliminate the tippover risk.

So...anyone out there carrying there pets with them on long journeys? If so, what carrier are you using and how are you securing it to your GS/GSA? Any other mature insight, links, stories would be appreciated.

Sam.

[LaurelPerryOnLand]

Sidecar...problem solved.
Unigo...problem solved.
Car...problem solved.
Cages on panniers...problem(s) created.

[sam104535]

sidecar and unigo = no 2 wheel fun/feeling...that's why the spyder solution came to mind.

[mattjw916]

You should've bought an RV not an Adv.

I see a minor get-off resulting in a dog being buried on the side of the road in your future... plan accordingly (bring a bag and a folding shovel).

Taking a dog on a bike for a parade is one thing... taking two bolted to a pannier has to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever read on any mc forum in my 16 years of riding.

I will never understand people's obsessions with their pets.

[sam104535]

Did you miss this point?
"Any other mature insight, links, stories would be appreciated"

I articulated clearly my thoughts, concerns and indecisions...just wanted some mature response from folks who are either in this predicament or know someone who have addressed this challenge.

"Get an RV not a GSA"..."shovel for roadside burial" comments were not solicited and needed...nothing constructive.

your 16 years of riding comes close to my 24...just so you understand who you may be responding to.

[LaurelPerryOnLand]

Sam,
Understand that you truly love your pets and cannot stand to think about leaving them behind. You certainly wouldn't knowingly put your pets in 'harms way' by your 'need' to take them with you, would you? Sounds awfully dangerous. Put the pets safety first in your decision making. This could turn out rather bad.

A car/RV is a great way to achieve your goals. Short of that...leave 'em at home or a kennel.

Just think of how happy they'll be to see you when you do get home!

[DenniSMC]

My dog loves to ride with me. But I doubt I would bolt him to pannier. A top box modified maybe. A dog kennel bolted to the adventure rear rack maybe. At least you won't kill the dog in a minor get off.
Ben usually rides up front on my scooter. I used to have a harness on him with a strap for saftey. But after a year of riding he actually fell off last week and got dragged. So we don't use the strap anymore. He would of just tucked and rolled. The strap made things worse. Even with the drag he was not phased. He got up and ran around. Then climbed right back on. He is a trooper. Some of my friends could use his balls.....

http://youtu.be/MymKSgt7cTo?hd=1

[DenniSMC]

Take your top box and cut holes in them. Then add screens. 2 Yorkies should be comfy. Make sure the windows are to the sides. If the windows are to the back, the will get too much exhaust and road dust. \

I like the rest don't agree with dragging the pets along on real trips. Riding around town is one thing. But the open road is a bit much. On the other hand I don't agree with taking the wife either. Leaving her home would solve both problems.

[rboett]

http://theoasisofmysoul.com/

[sam104535]

Good ideas guys on the top box mod..this is the kind of ideas I was looking for.

One thing I forgot to mention was the trips we will be planning will range from 2 weeks to several months and that is why we must find a workable solution for the yorkies.

We are at the point in our lives that travelling for extended periods on motorbikes is in the near future...6 months to a year. So I am doing my homework and soliciting information from folks here and elsewhere.

Thanks much.

[BmwRudy]

With that length of time on the road I would go the Spyder route or a trailer set up for the GSA, best of luck!!

[German Trick]

I saw this little guy up on Mt. Palomar a few weeks ago.

[Censport]

Originally Posted by sam104535

Any other mature insight, links, stories would be appreciated.

Sam.

Other than "you're on the wrong site for that"...

[sam104535]

- but in all seriousness some real nice folks here....love the community.

[DAKEZ]

Originally Posted by sam104535

sidecar and unigo = no 2 wheel fun/feeling...that's why the spyder solution came to mind.

A unigo tracks on one wheel and is easily forgotten about while riding. It does not detract from the "fun/feeling" of riding a motorcycle.

Putting a tow hitch on your bike will void the warranty (if it still has one) however.