Wondering if I could trailer two Harleys with my 2004 S.

Looking at about 1600 pounds. Also, is there a trailer hitch that will Mount without welding? Does the receiver come out just above the exhaust or below it?

 

Get the MINI-Do-More hitch

You'll prob be a bit over the GVWR for a MINI, iirc it's 1000lb trailer weight and 100lb tongue weight.

(Edit: can't get the link to work right, just Google it)

 

http://www.minidomore.com/

 

The numbers that I've gone by are about 1400 pounds total weight and 200 pounds on the tongue. However, the last time I looked (at least a couple of years ago), MINI USA does not publish this data. My guess is that it may have been translated from European specs where a hitch is offered as an option. The folks at MINI-Do-More (now owned by Out Motoring I think) or Curtis would know what the limits are.

 

I'm really looking for people with past experience and opinions. Is it feasible to consider towing a couple of Bikes with a mini?
There's no chance of the car flipping over or anything like that, right?

 

You gonna be towing with the stick? Not ideal....
Any trailer brakes? Gonna tow in a flat or hilly area? Ever tow in a non-mini?
The very short wheelbase on a mini means you should be a VERY smooth driver....especially if you are at the limits (of the suggested max).

 

We'll you can flip anything if you try....but even if a rollover isn't a concern, there are numerous other factors which include but aren't limited to the total trailer weight when loaded, the tongue weight of the trailer, the tongue weight the car can handle, the total trailer weight the car can handle....etc etc etc. I have a MINI Do More hitch and I use it to pull a small utility trailer with 2 kayaks on it. It's about 5 feet wide and 8 feet long (or so). I've had my lawn tractor on it, and I've moved various other things including a pile of laminate flooring (this wasn't one of my smarter moves, as it weighed in around 1500lbs.....waaaaay more than I should have had behind an R53). The best thing to do is get wet weights on all your components for this puzzle, and put them together. As a professional truck driver, I've seen some pretty stupid things on our nation's roads....please don't join that crowd.

Sorry if this comes off as harsh, I'm really trying to be a help here, even if it means pointing out the flaws in your plan.

 

Hey, thanks for the info. I really appreciate that. I was hoping I could safely trailer the two bikes to Sturgis, however, it seems this may not be the case. I do want to protect my investment... The cars and the bikes

 

They look like great trailers, but unless you have some VERY lightweight bikes, you won't be towing them with a MINI. The single bike trailer is 850# and the dual bike trailer is 1050#.

 

I've trailered 2 Harley's to Sturgis and elsewhere in the past, but used my Honda Ridgeline which has a 5000 lb tow capacity. My 2 road-ready Harleys + trailer + gear + occupants have a GVWR close to 3000 lbs, way more than could conceivably be handled by any MINI.

It would be very difficult (dangerous) to pull that weight and get up to highway speed, and even more dangerous to try and stop with an ton and a half pushing you forward. You'll end up screwing up your MINI and wrecking 2 nice bikes!

 

Why not get bikes you could actually RIDE for these long trips? I've been to Daytona, Sturgis, the Horses Burn Out, Laconia and various other rally's, and every time I rode the whole way there and back in two wheels. Before you start thinking I am on a big Bimmer or a Gold Wing, understand the biggest bike I ever rode to a rally was my 1000cc Iron Head Sporty. Most of these were done on twenty plus year old CB 750s, though I did Bay Area to Sturgis on a H2 Kawi and NYC to Daytona on a RD400, both in the early 90's.

 

As a rider myself I have to agree with the last poster about actually riding the bikes.....but to each their own. On trailering, and someone who just hauled 2500 lbs of wood 200miles out of the north woods with my jeep I can tell you that there is more to towing than just hooking up and pulling. I prefer stick over auto as it does allow better gearing for hills, traffic etc, not to mention wear. Also towing a load trailer brakes or otherwise you need to plan your braking and anticipate your stops. This is important even if properly loaded. While this information my not apply to the OP....any person concidering towing in General should think about these things. I have towed over my recommended weight by using common sense, prudent speed and efficient braking.....but avoid it when necessary.

 

I have ridden to Sturgis and back; just this past August, as a matter of fact. We rode 2-up on my 2001 Road King. It was a great trip, 4-day to get there, three days to get back.
I was only thinking of trailering since my GF will be riding her bike for the first time, newly licensed. We got her a 2000 Fatboy. Hoping to get there in a day and a half, and spend 7 days riding in and around Sturgis.
I do think a truck will be better suited for the trip. She does have a 2000 Nissan Exterra that does have a hitch, however, it is a pig on gas mileage.





http://s304.photobucket.com/user/gcz...2013%20Sturgis

 

Nice bike, have an old airhead BMW myself but my wife wants a triumph scrambler....someday soon hopefully. She rides a Kawasaki now.

I could never imagine spending a whole week riding around a crowded motorcycle rally, especially when I was a new rider. I would imagine the leg and clutch pulling muscles would get pretty sore. Not to mention the risk of dropping a bike and damaging some expensive chrome, my own or others. Have you though about just taking several slow days to get there, allowing her some time to get her legs under her?

 

Most people, myself included, normally spend only one day at the rally. There is so much great riding through out the area, like the Black Hills and the Badlands. I like to stay away from the crowded rallies.