Motorcycle Towing is Not What You Think - 5 Things to Know

Quick Overview

Towing a small boat with a Honda GL1200 Goldwing motorcycle is possible but requires strict adherence to safety principles, particularly regarding weight distribution (60% front axle, 40% rear axle for trailers) and proper tongue weight (10-15% of total trailer weight) to prevent dangerous trailer sway or jackknifing, especially when navigating curves or backing up.

Key Points: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the Honda GL1200 in the demonstration is coincidentally 1200 pounds, which is the total combined load being towed. Proper weight distribution is crucial: 60% of the total weight must be supported by the front axle (the tow vehicle's rear axle), and 40% by the trailer's axle. Tongue weight must be maintained between 10% and 15% of the total trailer weight; too little tongue weight risks the trailer pushing the motorcycle around, while too much risks squatting the rear suspension. Improper tongue weight can lead to dangerous handling issues like jackknifing or the trailer pushing the rear tire, as demonstrated by a small-scale model where tail-heavy loads caused instability. The video features a Honda GL1200 towing a small Boston Whaler boat on a Road Runner trailer, with two people in diving/spearfishing gear. The narrator emphasizes that while towing with a motorcycle is possible, it requires extra caution, especially when backing up or turning sharply, which can cause the trailer to swing violently. The video promotes Defender Marine as a resource for boat outfitting gear and expertise, noting they have decades of experience assisting boaters.

Context: The video explores the practicalities and safety considerations of towing a small boat using a large touring motorcycle, specifically a Honda GL1200 Goldwing, an unusual setup that requires careful attention to physics and weight management. The hosts, dressed in wetsuits, demonstrate the setup near a boat launch, using both real-world examples and physics diagrams to explain the risks associated with improper loading when towing with a two-wheeled vehicle.