moto-mule a cargo trailer to pull behind your dual sport motorcycle

[Wlfman]

Originally Posted by MrBracket

I'm sure we could figure out the exact tensile strength of the adjuster bolts, if we knew more info about them, and we'd be blown away by some huge number of pounds they can handle. For me, it was enough to see that they can handle the huge forces the engine puts on them through the chain and sprockets (gear reduced no less!) The chain adjuster blocks don't add any shear forces on the adjuster bolts as they are machined to fit inside the swingarm. The weight of the trailer is minute compared to what those bolts put up with from the engine. I am confident they can handle the load of the trailer.

I actually have one of your first trailers, for my KLR. But your logic above is seriously Flawed. There is very little if any stress put on these adjuster bolts by the chain, sprockets or engine. All these nuts do is adjust the axle front to back. Once you tighten the axle bolts you could remove these adjuster bolts completely and continue to ride with no problems. Prior to putting on "locking nuts" I actually lost one completely along with the plate somewhere on a 250+ mile dirt/mud road day.

[weird1]

So Friday I will be picking up my moto-mule!!!!!

[MrBracket]

Originally Posted by Wlfman

I actually have one of your first trailers, for my KLR. But your logic above is seriously Flawed. There is very little if any stress put on these adjuster bolts by the chain, sprockets or engine. All these nuts do is adjust the axle front to back. Once you tighten the axle bolts you could remove these adjuster bolts completely and continue to ride with no problems. Prior to putting on "locking nuts" I actually lost one completely along with the plate somewhere on a 250+ mile dirt/mud road day.

Hi Wlfman,
I don't own a KLR myself, perhaps there is enough friction between the axle and swingarm to prevent the wheel from sliding forward without over tightening the axle?? As for using locking nuts, this seems very unneccessary as there are already two nuts on that bolt. You just tighten the two against each other and have a very effective lock nut. Sorry yours came loose, I hope your solution of locking nuts works better for you. Keep me posted. Also, do you have any pictures to share of you using your trailer??
Thanks,
Mike

[Wlfman]

Originally Posted by MrBracket

Hi Wlfman,
I don't own a KLR myself, perhaps there is enough friction between the axle and swingarm to prevent the wheel from sliding forward without over tightening the axle?? As for using locking nuts, this seems very unneccessary as there are already two nuts on that bolt. You just tighten the two against each other and have a very effective lock nut. Sorry yours came loose, I hope your solution of locking nuts works better for you. Keep me posted. Also, do you have any pictures to share of you using your trailer??
Thanks,
Mike

This is actually a VERY COMMON KLR upgrade/Mod.

I havent really used the trailer yet other than a short test when i first got it. I'm hoping to put it to some use this year

[MrBracket]

Originally Posted by Wlfman

This is actually a VERY COMMON KLR upgrade/Mod.

I havent really used the trailer yet other than a short test when i first got it. I'm hoping to put it to some use this year

Cool. Also, you were correct about my logic being wrong with the chain adjusters seeing the force of the chain. A properly adjusted axle nut should prevent the axle from moving without the chain adjusters in place.
Mike

[MrBracket]

I got a few pictures and some info from Troy, he pulls his trailer with a Suzuki DL 1000 aka V-Strom motorcycle. I hope he writes a ride report about his trip as it appears he had a great time! He lives in Iowa and rode down the east coast to Florida and back with his son. An 11 day adventure I'm sure his son will remember for the rest of his life!

[weird1]

I picked up my Moto-Mule on Friday, and its awesome. Mike is an awesome guy, and the trailer looks great behind the XRL. I will get some pics up soon. Thanks again Mike, I look forward to some of the accessories you have coming.

[Wlfman]

I finally got around to actually using my Moto-Mule. Got it back in Nov. Loaded it up Sat morning and headed to the mountains for a night of camping and some exploring FS roads. Did a little over 400 miles, of which about 100 were on FS roads. Trailer did well. On the highway the only time I noticed it was with heavy crosswinds. I even hit some of the nice twisty roads and it did great. On gravel, you can tell its there in the curves, but its not bad. Went thru one water crossing about a foot deep and NUMEROUS mud holes. Everything stayed dry, but I did apply Silicone beads around the mount points on the outside.

[weird1]

Here is a picture of the moto-mule on an XR650L, I have about 100 miles on it probably over loaded, and I love it. It pulls great and looks great. I will tell you it draws a lot of attention, I have had people follow me just to take pictures, and ask questions. this thing is Awesome. Get one. Thanks Mike.

[Cromoth]

From post #149 "Thanks for the updates on those using the trailer so far and your dealings with law enforcement. Glad to hear that the police are not bothering you so far..."

Finally had a chance to chase down a local officer (1st time I've done that ) & ask him to look at the trailer. In MA there's no need to register or put lights on it.

Still thinking about a little bicycle light to deter cagers from bumping into it. I've heard senior cagers drive by touch until the obvious happens So far, just have http://www.hyperlites.com/stdbo.html on the bike's fender.

[Mr. Fisherman]

[weird1]

I have my lights all working, and am now 100% legal. I have about 100 miles on the trailer, now to pair down my gear for my trip next month. this thing rocks!!!

[hairsmith]

Originally Posted by weird1

I have my lights all working, and am now 100% legal. I have about 100 miles on the trailer, now to pair down my gear for my trip next month. this thing rocks!!!

How about some pictures and details of your light set up !

[Tarzakus]

Thanks for answering my email before Mr. Brackets. I'm wondering if you ever tried a set up where the trailer hitch would connect at the passenger peg bolts? Maybe something with cotter pins that could be removed quickly? I know it would add another chunk of metal, but I thought that if the trailer connected this way it would have the benefit of the bike's suspension... maybe making life less bumpy for gear in the trailer? Just wondered if anyone had tried that idea yet, and how the geometry would work.

[weird1]

Originally Posted by Tarzakus

Thanks for answering my email before Mr. Brackets. I'm wondering if you ever tried a set up where the trailer hitch would connect at the passenger peg bolts? Maybe something with cotter pins that could be removed quickly? I know it would add another chunk of metal, but I thought that if the trailer connected this way it would have the benefit of the bike's suspension... maybe making life less bumpy for gear in the trailer? Just wondered if anyone had tried that idea yet, and how the geometry would work.

It would have less impact on the ride of the gear since the trailer has its own suspension. It would help the bike due to not adding to the bikes unsprung weight. I dont think it it is a huge deal unless you plan some serious hard core riding with the trailer attached. I think it could be done, maybe Matt will add his reasoning, but I think it is simplicity and multi application.