I want to learn to ride... (mileage, Suzuki, 2009, bike)

[johnnytang24]

So anyone have any ideas on how a bike can be carried behind a van? Flatbed trailer is not an option. I don't think the bike will fit inside with all my stuff. How about a front wheel trailer?

Thanks.

[whiteboyslo]

Trailer is your best bet. You can get something bike-specific, but just about anything made to hold the weight of your bike and has places to tie down will do. I tow my bike with one like this:

http://hallmarkmotorstn.com/images/7__x_4__utility_trailer.jpg (broken link)

The trailer works great, although I will reinforce it if I ever use it to take the bike for long trips. I went with a trailer like this because, unlike motorcycle-specific trailers, I can use this one for other stuff as well. It comes in very handy.

Mike

[johnnytang24]

Unfortunately I often travel to places where I will have no place to put a trailer. I was hoping for another solution.

I did buy a bike today though.

[KoobleKar]

Originally Posted by johnnytang24

I did buy a bike today though.

So are you keeping what you bought a secret?

[KoobleKar]

A work for the wise about trailering a bike...

Do not ratchet-down the tie-down straps to the point they compress the front forks. You will blow out the fork seals.

[whiteboyslo]

Originally Posted by johnnytang24

Unfortunately I often travel to places where I will have no place to put a trailer. I was hoping for another solution.

I did buy a bike today though.

Only other option (that I would use) is a pick-up truck or maybe a full-size work van. If you do not plan to move the bike around a lot, you can always rent a trailer from U-Haul. Only downside is that their bike trailers are typically local-only rentals.

So what did you get?

Mike

[johnnytang24]

I ended up getting a GS500. The windshield is cracked and the fairings are scrapped up, but it seems to be good mechanically.

[Nepenthe]

Originally Posted by johnnytang24

I ended up getting a GS500. The windshield is cracked and the fairings are scrapped up, but it seems to be good mechanically.

Windshield? Fairings?

Did you the get the GS500F version?

Suzuki Cycles - Product Lines - Cycles - Products - GS500F - 2009 - GS500F

Either way, congratulations!

[johnnytang24]

Thanks! It is a 2004 GS500F. I don't really like the sport bike look anyway, so I think after I learn to ride, I'll remove the fairings.

[Nepenthe]

Nice.

The wind protection can be nice although depending on your height and the fairing height it might hit you in just the wrong spot.

You could probably get a round headlight and mount it for not too much money or effort. You could even get a windshield made to fit a more generic bike/round headlight if you wanted to reclaim some wind protection.