Tips on Trailering an R18

[Manhattan Matte]

Successfully loaded my R18 Pure for the first time on to my new trailer today. It's an Alpha Sport - a knock-off copy of a Kendon fold-up trailer. Looks sturdy enough, and I've checked all the nuts, bolts, and welds. Used Rhino retractable straps, which were a breeze to use. Have security locks on the hitch and security cables are in place. It looks good to go, but I wanted to ask for any trailering advice. Any essential do's or do not's, based on your experiences? I will be trailering from Texas to Pennsylvania, and then riding up the east coast to Canada to tour the eastern provinces for a month. I'll be taking a longer back-roads route, avoiding interstates so I can hopefully keep the speed down to the recommended 55 MPH limit.

 

[Cu Dubh]

May not be to your preference but something to protect the bike from road debris/FOD. Either a deflector of some sort on the trailer or a full-width mudflap on the truck? Or both?

 

[Manhattan Matte]

Thanks for the advice, Cu Dubh. In retrospect, I probably should have gone for an enclosed trailer, but was trying to save money and garage space with a fold-up trailer. I'm hoping my truck will deflect road debris. I've added the spare tire and ramp parts to the truck bed for easy access. I've ordered a tongue trailer jack, too, to help with parking and off-loading. Thanks.

 

[Cu Dubh]

I can relate. Enclosed trailers are expensive and take up a good bit of space. Maybe figure a way to wrap the front of the bike that won't harm the finish. Maybe shrinkwrap plastic would work... dunno though.

 

[Manhattan Matte]

Thanks for the suggestion, Cu Dubh. I ordered some heavy-duty stretch plastic (used for packing and moving). I'll wrap the front forks, fairing and maybe the cylinder heads, tank and fenders just as a precaution from road grit. It might help - surely it won't hurt anything.