Hitch tow lift

[backlander]

Throwing this out for pro and con comments on this idea I have. First a picture of the Hitch lift I have. This slides into 2" receiver and is 12v winch operated and will lift 500 pounds from ground level to truck bed height.

My idea is to mount a good locking wheel chock in the center of plate and put tie down rings on each side to tie front of bike to plate with 1200# rachet straps. To load and unload, simply lower plate to ground, drive bike into chock, place in neutral, strap down front end, lift plate with winch approx 12 inches off ground and tow away.

My concern is whether it could cause any damage to the transmission or the rear end of a Goldwing.

 

[danf]

that is really something, I would love to see it in operation....

 

[dan filipi]

Just off the top of my head having been inside these engines more than once, I think the transmission and driveline would be ok running like that. Reason being is since the front is raised that might raise the oil level in the rear of the crankcase so the primary chain would sling it around. I'm not certain though, it's been awhile since I was in there.

 

[riff raff]

I think without the engine running and no oil pressure as a result the internals could burn up. I may be wrong but I believe they can't be towed like a car, dragging the rear wheel. :read:

 

[flash2002]

I don't see why you can't tow the bike, in nutral the only thing turning is the drive shaft.

 

[joedrum]

i agree ...it could be tow at least small distance for sure with no trouble ....especialy when you consider the the blue bloods would stop you so much and write you tickets ...it coulldnt get to hot :help: :Awe: :mrgreen:

 

[riff raff]

I would play it safe and ask a couple dealers about it. When my bike is running in neutral on the center stand the rear wheel will spin on its own. That's why I would err on the side of caution and not drag tow it. You'll still be spinning gears and bearing that need oil and I don't think they're splash oiled. :whistling:

 

[toytender01]

In the old days (50-70) if you toed a dirt bike you woyld byeh our rhe output shaft bearing as the motor needed to be running to pump oil to the bearing. JUST A THOUGHT TO INVESTIGATE.

 

[backlander]

I just studied the lubrication diagram for the GL1200 and it appears that the front and rear bearings on the output shaft would not receive any oil while the trans is in neutral. Their oil supply comes from the oil pump and the primary chain. The primary chain, driven off the mainshaft would not be rotating and the oil pump would not be pumping with the engine not running.

Therefore, the Hitch Tow Lift is on hold until I can think of how to build a better mousetrap. :builder: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[joedrum]

hmmm interesting mike good reserach

 

[backlander]

It probably wouldn't hurt anything for say a cross town pickup if you broke down, but I am looking for an easier way to fetch these parts bikes and barn finds without having to drag a trailer around. I'll come up with something. You know how I is, I might give out but I never give up. :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[julimike54]

What about a wheel dolly for rear wheel, tow trucks use them on cages. Maybe an adaption of that would work so rear wheel is not rolling?

 

[Omega Man]

I have never seen a bike dragged. :read:

 

[Ansimp]

I am always concerned when the towed item is as heavy or heavier than the tow vehicle, especially when it is not really designed as a tow vehicle

 

[slabghost]

Agreed! Maybe it could be mounted as a side car?

 

[backlander]

Think there's some confusion here, the hitch lift here slides into the Reese receiver on the back of a four wheeled vehicle, in my case a 3/4 ton dodge diesel pickup, not a motorcycle.

 

[slabghost]

In that case. Maybe a lever to lift and lock the rear wheel up after backing the bike on. Then strap the bars to hold the front wheel straight.

 

[backlander]

I have one of those large self locking wheel chocks from Harbor Freight I bought to mount on the hitch lift, then use two 1200 pound ratchet straps to strap it down to the lift. The bike could be hauled backwards like you say with the front end locked straight

 

[ekvh]

That sounds like it might work. Ideas are circulating. Backing up with it concern to anyone? Windshields would need to be addressed. Vetters and the like would be a parachute. The nice thing is it might lower your bike's mileage.

 

[slabghost]

Good point on the shield being a parachute. If speeds are kept low it should work though. For distance runs though I think trailer is best.