Trailer trash - towing behind a Fazer

[ChristoT]

Carried on from the "What did you do with your Fazer?" thread. Synopsis: I plan to get a trailer, and tow behind the Fazer, for my trip back to France via Holland - a trip of around 1,000 miles. To avoid thread rape, the discussion continues here. 

"The bike will lean better round corners" - are you sure?
Ok, I see it for a one-off trip where you'll be using mostly motorways, but I definitely don't see it improving handling. Plus, you said about your panniers being wider than your bars, yet you're going for a 2 wheel design, "max width"?

The main reason I mention the panniers' width is because they lean with me!! A trailer won't, the weight is purely a drag factor (in terms of cornering forces). As for the trip, it certainly won't be one off, but it should be a rare occurence. And the trailer will only be used as a "mule" - lugging large volumes long distances, not for anything exciting.

Also think Mickvp may be right about where you mount it from, although I also wonder about the strain on the rear wheel spindle with Luke's example.

I'm not keen on attaching to the swingarm as a) I want it detachable (no welds, or brazing on our ally swingarms), b) I want to tow not inconsiderable loads, and c) extra strain on the chain and axle. My swingarm is a bit focced - previous owner dented it, overtightening the axle bolts!!  :eek

although, if your mounting to the pillion peg, wont that mean the trailer affects the rear suspension on the bike? if you mounted it to the swingarmlike luke it would be "lighter" as it is unsprung weight?

Micky - you are quite right, it is sprung weight. But because there will be an additional pivot (the trailer axle), the effective vertical force on the shock will be reduced, as the load will be shared by the rear mount and the trailer axle.

I look forward to seeing it anyway, sounds like an interesting build (I asume you will have some sort of "swivel" mounting so you can still lean over with it fitted?)

Just going for a standard car tow ball. I don't plan on going mad round corners with the trailer. The chap building me the bracket uses this, and leans his bike further than I do round roundabouts (sans trailer, let it be said though)!!

I'm hoping to get a small car box trailer (ebay, gumtree etc) then do it up with better bodywork / a lid. Then use that.