Trailering the FJR
- Hppants
- Contributor
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 6809
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2016 9:22 pm
- FJRModel: 2021ES
- x 13319
- x 12072
Trailering the FJR
I'm crossing into uncharted territory. I'm going to be trailering my FJR across the country.
Can you please show me your setup for this?
Tips?
Tricks?
I'm particularly interested in where you tied it down from? Protecting the plastics and such.
On the Center Stand or not?
?????
Thanks in advance.
Can you please show me your setup for this?
Tips?
Tricks?
I'm particularly interested in where you tied it down from? Protecting the plastics and such.
On the Center Stand or not?
?????
Thanks in advance.
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living. Or get busy dying."
- Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption
![Image](https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc/i-JvCQdwg/0/7b08e49f/Ti/VisitedStatesMap%2011_2017-Ti.gif)
- Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption
![Image](https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc/i-JvCQdwg/0/7b08e49f/Ti/VisitedStatesMap%2011_2017-Ti.gif)
- gixxerjasen
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 5884
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
- FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
- Location: DFW
- x 5425
- x 9003
Re: Trailering the FJR
Canyon Dancer is what I used. Along with the subframe and exhaust hangers. Worked all the way to Georgia and back on a family vacation.
![Image](https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-6m6GQGv/0/2bbb61cf/X2/2014-03-08%2009.04.36-X2.jpg)
The canyon dancer was for left right stability and the other two mainly helped to keep the bike from rolling forward/backward and provide additional stability and a little backup in case of a failure.
![Image](https://photos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MotorcyclesPresent/2007-Yamaha-FJR/i-6m6GQGv/0/2bbb61cf/X2/2014-03-08%2009.04.36-X2.jpg)
The canyon dancer was for left right stability and the other two mainly helped to keep the bike from rolling forward/backward and provide additional stability and a little backup in case of a failure.
Hppants loved this
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
- Festus
- Contributor
- Veteran
- Posts: 4750
- Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:40 pm
- FJRModel: 2013 FJR, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure
- x 3996
- x 10688
Re: Trailering the FJR
I personally wouldn't do it on the center stand. You want to compress the springs and you can't do that on the rear with the center stand down.
I did the canyon dancers as well. If you need to borrow a set, I'll gladly send you mine, if I can put my hands on them. Haven't seem them in quite some time but I'm sure I can find them. I think, alternatively, you could slip a strip up behind the front wheel and pull directly down on the triple tree with a strap.
A good wheel chock cuts out the need for a lot, but if you don't have it, you don't have it and straps will work.
I did the canyon dancers as well. If you need to borrow a set, I'll gladly send you mine, if I can put my hands on them. Haven't seem them in quite some time but I'm sure I can find them. I think, alternatively, you could slip a strip up behind the front wheel and pull directly down on the triple tree with a strap.
A good wheel chock cuts out the need for a lot, but if you don't have it, you don't have it and straps will work.
Hppants loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911
"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
-
- Veteran
- Posts: 1354
- Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:16 pm
- FJRModel: 2014 FJR
2003 Honda VTX1800
2023 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT - Location: Clarkston MI
- x 2428
- x 2580
Re: Trailering the FJR
Condor Wheel Chock. The one below with the wide arms in front. Roll it in, it locks the front tire and you can get off without holding it up. Then tie down. I don't bolt down my Condor Chock. It sits in the front of the trailer and the bike weight locks it in place.
I've used Canyon Dancer (I found the ones with cups on the end was easier on the grips and controls) for many trips many years ago. No issues.
Others will say you tie around the triple tree and strap down (think inside the fairing). I think a lot depends on where your trailer tie down points are.
When I brought my goldwing home in Feb (salt and snow), I used the Condor wheel chock, the Canyon Dancer, and then tied down above the wheel and down....but didn't have to go as tight on any of the tie downs.
On the back I use a single strap (over a cloth to protect the rim) through the rear rim to keep it from moving from side to side. The Condor Chock is excellent.
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-PS-1500-P ... 1575357063
I've used Canyon Dancer (I found the ones with cups on the end was easier on the grips and controls) for many trips many years ago. No issues.
Others will say you tie around the triple tree and strap down (think inside the fairing). I think a lot depends on where your trailer tie down points are.
When I brought my goldwing home in Feb (salt and snow), I used the Condor wheel chock, the Canyon Dancer, and then tied down above the wheel and down....but didn't have to go as tight on any of the tie downs.
On the back I use a single strap (over a cloth to protect the rim) through the rear rim to keep it from moving from side to side. The Condor Chock is excellent.
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-PS-1500-P ... 1575357063
SE Ohio: Never trust a hill.
-
- Contributor
- Veteran
- Posts: 1158
- Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:54 am
- FJRModel: 2007A, 2013A
- Location: Asheboro, NC
- x 412
- x 1162
Re: Trailering the FJR
Canyon Dancer for me too, very similar to this pic for the other straps.gixxerjasen wrote: ↑Tue Jun 20, 2023 2:15 pm Canyon Dancer is what I used. Along with the subframe and exhaust hangers. Worked all the way to Georgia and back on a family vacation.
The canyon dancer was for left right stability and the other two mainly helped to keep the bike from rolling forward/backward and provide additional stability and a little backup in case of a failure.
- gixxerjasen
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 5884
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
- FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
- Location: DFW
- x 5425
- x 9003
Re: Trailering the FJR
Depending on your grips, the canyon dancer is either good or bad. On those rock hard heated yamaha grips, they work fine.
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
- DesignFlaw06
- Veteran
- Posts: 1000
- Joined: Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:49 am
- FJRModel: 2006 FJR1300A
- x 233
- x 1676
- Contact:
Re: Trailering the FJR
I throw up any time someone says Canyon Dancer. That piece of junk is actually responsible for me getting the FJR because it slipped off and totaled the Nighthawk.
I loop the strap around the lower triple clamp and back down on each side. That works well. Then I take a strap around the back tire to keep the rear end from jumping around. Condor chock is your best bet, but a piece of wood to put the front tire against will work just as well.
If it's your own trailer, I highly recommend putting down e-track. It makes the trailer way more versatile when tying things down. Do NOT put any bike on the center stand. Let the bike's suspension do it's job. The tie downs are just there to make sure it doesn't fall over.
Tried and true method for tens of thousands of miles, including one incident where the tongue fell off the trailer on I-80 in the middle of Omaha.
Bikes stayed upright though!
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/TBldmVk.jpg)
I loop the strap around the lower triple clamp and back down on each side. That works well. Then I take a strap around the back tire to keep the rear end from jumping around. Condor chock is your best bet, but a piece of wood to put the front tire against will work just as well.
If it's your own trailer, I highly recommend putting down e-track. It makes the trailer way more versatile when tying things down. Do NOT put any bike on the center stand. Let the bike's suspension do it's job. The tie downs are just there to make sure it doesn't fall over.
Tried and true method for tens of thousands of miles, including one incident where the tongue fell off the trailer on I-80 in the middle of Omaha.
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
![Image](https://i.imgur.com/TBldmVk.jpg)
N4HHE loved this
TimDog!
- gixxerjasen
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 5884
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
- FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
- Location: DFW
- x 5425
- x 9003
Re: Trailering the FJR
How the heck does a CD slip off?
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
-
- Contributor
- Veteran
- Posts: 1009
- Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:18 am
- FJRModel: Gen2, Superior 2006, Gen 3 2013 twice as good!
- x 116
- x 1532
Re: Trailering the FJR
Enclosed or open trailer?
Single or double axle? Yes, it matters.
I trailer out my POS dirt road all the time. At speed. With open and enclosed trailers, single and double axle.
FJR? around the triple tree. Tie downs on rear brackets to keep back end in place. Condor wheel chock up front or my custom made unit in the enclosed trailer.
BTW, ratcheting straps much more secure than 'tie downs' unless using a high quality tie down. DAMHIK.
If an enclosed trailer, I love this system in the toy hauler..
https://boltiton.com/pages/toy-haulers-trailer-installs
Single or double axle? Yes, it matters.
I trailer out my POS dirt road all the time. At speed. With open and enclosed trailers, single and double axle.
FJR? around the triple tree. Tie downs on rear brackets to keep back end in place. Condor wheel chock up front or my custom made unit in the enclosed trailer.
BTW, ratcheting straps much more secure than 'tie downs' unless using a high quality tie down. DAMHIK.
If an enclosed trailer, I love this system in the toy hauler..
https://boltiton.com/pages/toy-haulers-trailer-installs
- raYzerman
- Contributor
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 9529
- Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
- FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
- Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
- x 3059
- x 11290
Re: Trailering the FJR
Depends on your trailer and tiedown setup.........
If you have crash bars, tie to them and pull the bike forward into your front end, preferably some kind of wheel chock. Canyon Dancer is a good backup to keep it upright, but shouldn't use that for a main tiedown point for long distances. A Harbor Freight wheel chock works fine, but any chock should be bolted down. At minimum if not bolted down, you need to have your ratchet straps tied to the trailer and not the chock.
Rear wheel, just loop a strap around the wheel and tie to each side of the trailer so the rear wheel doesn't wander sideways.
If you have crash bars, tie to them and pull the bike forward into your front end, preferably some kind of wheel chock. Canyon Dancer is a good backup to keep it upright, but shouldn't use that for a main tiedown point for long distances. A Harbor Freight wheel chock works fine, but any chock should be bolted down. At minimum if not bolted down, you need to have your ratchet straps tied to the trailer and not the chock.
Rear wheel, just loop a strap around the wheel and tie to each side of the trailer so the rear wheel doesn't wander sideways.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
- bungie4
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 6910
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:43 pm
- FJRModel: 2013 FJR 1300
- x 3694
- x 6284
Re: Trailering the FJR
Hauled my fjr across the country and back on an open utility trailer. First thing, remove the fold down brake, i mean ramp. This by itself was worth about 5 mpg. I strapped on a set of aluminum ramps.
Soft tie downs on all contact points. Use ratchet straps. Up front around the lower triple tree. This is your main attachment point. Double them off you want extra security. Tie downs and ratchet straps are cheap insurance. Around the back wheel to keep it centered and from bouncing around. Tighten the front straps so your front suspension is compressed approximately half way. This keeps everything under tension while still allowing some front movement.
Do not use the center or side stand.
I made the mistake of putting extra security straps, with soft tie downs sound the bars. This scuffed the powder coat and lightly flapped against the black dash covers 'polishing' those spots. Do not do this.
Use a wheel chock to make loading and unloading solo much easier. When you ride the bike on the trailer, commit to it. Unless you're a world class trials rider.
Stop and check all tie downs after the first 25 miles. Then again after 100. Check all tie downs before departing in the morning if you overnighted somewhere.
Check trailer tire pressure. Make sure you have a means of both jacking the trailer and removing a wheel in case of flat.
Can i come?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmwHzb7WdTrFnLqg6
Soft tie downs on all contact points. Use ratchet straps. Up front around the lower triple tree. This is your main attachment point. Double them off you want extra security. Tie downs and ratchet straps are cheap insurance. Around the back wheel to keep it centered and from bouncing around. Tighten the front straps so your front suspension is compressed approximately half way. This keeps everything under tension while still allowing some front movement.
Do not use the center or side stand.
I made the mistake of putting extra security straps, with soft tie downs sound the bars. This scuffed the powder coat and lightly flapped against the black dash covers 'polishing' those spots. Do not do this.
Use a wheel chock to make loading and unloading solo much easier. When you ride the bike on the trailer, commit to it. Unless you're a world class trials rider.
Stop and check all tie downs after the first 25 miles. Then again after 100. Check all tie downs before departing in the morning if you overnighted somewhere.
Check trailer tire pressure. Make sure you have a means of both jacking the trailer and removing a wheel in case of flat.
Can i come?
https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmwHzb7WdTrFnLqg6
WWPD.
#SnowMexican
Choo choo mf'r.
D.F.I.U.N.
#SnowMexican
Choo choo mf'r.
D.F.I.U.N.
-
- Casual Rider
- Posts: 88
- Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2022 3:27 pm
- FJRModel: 2014-A
- Location: DFW, Texas
- x 183
- x 147
Re: Trailering the FJR
If you have a flat bed trailer or an enclosed trailer, these make it much easier to load a scooter by yourself.
Expensive, yes!
https://www.pit-bull.com/browse-yamaha/ ... 0075ma-100
T-Rex makes a kit specifically for a Kawasaki C-14. Might want to check with them to see if they can make a kit for the FJR.
https://www.t-rex-racing.com/Strapless- ... -s/158.htm
dan
Expensive, yes!
https://www.pit-bull.com/browse-yamaha/ ... 0075ma-100
T-Rex makes a kit specifically for a Kawasaki C-14. Might want to check with them to see if they can make a kit for the FJR.
https://www.t-rex-racing.com/Strapless- ... -s/158.htm
dan
- escapefjrtist
- Veteran
- Posts: 1220
- Joined: Sat Jan 19, 2013 12:51 pm
- FJRModel: '15 FJR 1300A
- Location: Snohomish WA
- x 2116
- x 1722
Re: Trailering the FJR
Using Niehart's Aluma trailer, front wheel chock with soft ties and your choice of strap around lower triple clamp. I prefer a quality ratchet strap but have also used Ancra straps. Add two straps (one each direction) on rear wheel to keep bike centered. I secure loose strap ends with velcro ties.
Good luck!
~G
Good luck!
~G
IBA34365
'15 FJR-USD-A
'18 Tenere
'15 FJR-USD-A
'18 Tenere
-
- Veteran
- Posts: 2136
- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2018 10:17 pm
- FJRModel: 2016
- Location: North Alabama
- x 3527
- x 1956
Re: Trailering the FJR
Mega dittos! Dirtbike handlebars were designed for abuse but not FJR handlebars. Not to mention handgrips or the throttle!DesignFlaw06 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 20, 2023 5:00 pm I throw up any time someone says Canyon Dancer. That piece of junk is actually responsible for me getting the FJR because it slipped off and totaled the Nighthawk.
The Right Way™ to secure an FJR is to route the ties over the lower fork bridge just inside the fork tubes. Easiest way is to drop the tiedown through from the top. Route both hooks down from the top, strap over the bridge, hooks affix to the trailer but not so far apart the strap tries to spread the fairing.
Never use sidestand or centerstand. Neither are designed for the impacts of riding in a trailer.
In the back I usually use footpegs, but forgot what I used on FJR. Primarily the rear ties are to keep the rear wheel from hopping left/right going down the road. On trailer my dirtbike rear wheel always moves if not tied, but not in truck.
Would post a pic of two FJRs on my trailer but my ISP won't let me ftp to the web server tonight. Will try tomorrow when I can get someone on the phone.
- danh600
- Veteran
- Posts: 4398
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2014 3:36 pm
- FJRModel: 2022 FJR1300ES
- Location: Roughedge,NC
- x 5086
- x 9108
Re: Trailering the FJR
I use the Condor wheel chocks too! Good product.D-Eagle wrote: ↑Tue Jun 20, 2023 3:37 pm Condor Wheel Chock. The one below with the wide arms in front. Roll it in, it locks the front tire and you can get off without holding it up. Then tie down. I don't bolt down my Condor Chock. It sits in the front of the trailer and the bike weight locks it in place.
I've used Canyon Dancer (I found the ones with cups on the end was easier on the grips and controls) for many trips many years ago. No issues.
Others will say you tie around the triple tree and strap down (think inside the fairing). I think a lot depends on where your trailer tie down points are.
When I brought my goldwing home in Feb (salt and snow), I used the Condor wheel chock, the Canyon Dancer, and then tied down above the wheel and down....but didn't have to go as tight on any of the tie downs.
On the back I use a single strap (over a cloth to protect the rim) through the rear rim to keep it from moving from side to side. The Condor Chock is excellent.
https://www.amazon.com/CONDOR-PS-1500-P ... 1575357063
I run straps through the rear wheel. Then I have soft loops (like figure 8s) that I put on the top of the front forks. Then attach straps to the loops. So Condor chock and four straps. Bikes are very secure. I usually stop after about 20 miles and check the straps. Then good for the day.
I don't crank down hard on the suspension, just snug.
- raYzerman
- Contributor
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 9529
- Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
- FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
- Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
- x 3059
- x 11290
Re: Trailering the FJR
And, don't forget to inspect/service/grease your trailer wheel bearings. Tires good? Carry a spare?
N4HHE loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
-
- Veteran
- Posts: 1354
- Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:16 pm
- FJRModel: 2014 FJR
2003 Honda VTX1800
2023 Honda Goldwing Tour DCT - Location: Clarkston MI
- x 2428
- x 2580
Re: Trailering the FJR
https://www.amazon.com/USA-Ratchet-Stra ... 53567&th=1
I use these for straps. Seem to be better than anything I found in stores and I like the "S" hooks have the spring mechanism so they cannot slip off.
Don't be fooled by the "made in America" claims though.
I use these for straps. Seem to be better than anything I found in stores and I like the "S" hooks have the spring mechanism so they cannot slip off.
Don't be fooled by the "made in America" claims though.
Festus loved this
SE Ohio: Never trust a hill.
- Festus
- Contributor
- Veteran
- Posts: 4750
- Joined: Tue Mar 28, 2017 3:40 pm
- FJRModel: 2013 FJR, 2023 KTM 390 Adventure
- x 3996
- x 10688
Re: Trailering the FJR
I have a set of those too. They are really good, compared to all the other garbage out there.D-Eagle wrote: ↑Wed Jun 21, 2023 8:13 am https://www.amazon.com/USA-Ratchet-Stra ... 53567&th=1
I use these for straps. Seem to be better than anything I found in stores and I like the "S" hooks have the spring mechanism so they cannot slip off.
Don't be fooled by the "made in America" claims though.
D-Eagle loved this
"That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be" - 1911
"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
"Stay thirsty, my friends"....... Wouldn't that mean I'm dehydrated all the time?
- gixxerjasen
- I post more than I ride
- Posts: 5884
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
- FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
- Location: DFW
- x 5425
- x 9003
Re: Trailering the FJR
This right here. Most folks find that if they don't crank down on the strap tension, that when you hit a bump, the bike's suspension compresses and the hooks slip off. One tip to stop that is to run a bungee cord between the rings on the hooks to keep tension on the hook so it doesn't pop off. Go back and look at my photo though, I learned from an old racer, instead of using something with the spring method, I have those rings which go through the circular part of the hooks on my straps, not the hooked part. This way you can bring them down snug, but there's no amount of bouncing that will cause the straps to come loose. I do the same thing with soft ties on my dirt bikes. Then you can travel without the suspension compressed to hell and back and not worry about the bike coming loose, it'll bounce a little but that's what the suspension is designed for and at the same time you aren't putting undue pressure on any part of the bike.
Here's another example.
![Image](https://photos.smugmug.com/Misc/i-mK3nDLC/2/3257f585/L/TieDown-L.jpg)
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L
I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
- SkooterG
- Veteran
- Posts: 573
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2019 11:39 pm
- FJRModel: 2004 X 2, 2009 X 2, 2013 X3, 2014, 2017, 2023...... I have issues!
- Location: Skootsdale, AZ
- x 913
- x 1407
Re: Trailering the FJR
Yamaha stopped using the Canyon Dancer on the FJR Demo bikes many years ago due to problems. Not sure what problems. They strapped down to the lower triple clamp. One or two rear straps just for stability.
bigjohnsd, N4HHE, and danh600 loved this
Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
IBA #327
'04 FJR (X2) -- '09 FJR (X2) -- '13 FJR (X3) -- '14 FJR ES -- '17 FJR ES -- '23 FJR ES -- '14 BMW GSA What can I say? I have issues!
IBA #327
'04 FJR (X2) -- '09 FJR (X2) -- '13 FJR (X3) -- '14 FJR ES -- '17 FJR ES -- '23 FJR ES -- '14 BMW GSA What can I say? I have issues!