Ducati Monster Forum

I've always thought about really making use of my bike by connecting and pulling a small single wheel trailer.   It would really be useful for those that use their bike as a main transport.   It would be cool to be able to use a motorcycle exclusively as a daily transport.   Pulling a small trailer gives it even more carry capacity.  Of course, it would be more useful on a long cross country road trip.   I don't see myself getting a GoldWing anytime soon.  So, my Monster will be my touring bike when I do go on one.

There are a few trailers out there but Uni-Go is one of the more popular one's I've run across (not in person).
http://www.uni-go.com/ (http://www.uni-go.com/)

Since I'm sure a hitch hasn't been designed for a Ducati, that would have to be a custom made part.   I would think that pulling a load of 150 lbs shouldn't task it too much.

Anybody did this or thought about it?   Thoughts?   Dumb idea?   Cool idea?

what the hell do u plan on carrying everyday??? :o get a car!

ever try to drive a pickup with a trailer everyday. its a PITA. cant imagine it being any fun on a bike. especially back up or trying to find parking, or parking on a hill facing the wrong way.

I have a car.  Remember, I live in MI.   I wouldn't use it everyday.   I was just thinking out loud.  I plan to move to Cali one day.  There, I wouldn't need a car for most of my needs.  I'd rather ride my Monster everyday than a car (even if it was Porsche!).   It would be something I thought would be kinda cool, more than something necessary. 

I haven't seen one of those on a Monster, although I have seen them on many bikes, from Vespas to sport-tourers.  I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work; just as you said; you'll have to custom create a hitch setup.  But yes, it should make for a useful addition.  I use my Monster daily, and indeed went for 17 years in SoCal using it as sole transport and not owning a car.  It was rare, though, that I would need a trailer.  I was able to operate fine with backpacks, bags, bike luggage, and bungees.  Such a trailer would have simplified some things, though.  Grocery shopping would be simpler.  Etc.  I'd say go look at it.  The bike will handle it just fine, and the narrowness of it being a single-wheel would allow you to still split lanes.

PhilB

I have thought of those little trailers.

They don't make an economic sense for me and I put many miles on my bikes.  It is easier and cheaper to plan and pack as light as possible (even if it requires buying specifics for one trip) in "traditional" luggage.  Even on two up tours, we have found ample storage in onboard luggage for up to a week (bike-dependent, but there are always options).  Any longer, and you will surely pass a place with laundry facilities.

Uni-go: ~$3.5k after delivery (with some options  ;D)
Hitch: ~$500-1500 if you pay someone to design and install (depending on their comfort with assuming liability risk)
Result: an extra 180 lbs. dragging around behind you (if you only fill it to recommended weight) for a cargo space of 140 liters

Givi wingracks + 3x E45 cases: ~$1500 (assuming you have to start over, judging by your pics you are halfway there)
Result: cargo space of 135 liters

that said: if you've got the money and the drive to do that, far be it from me to stop you!  I just want to see pics of the completed project!

Good cases for not doing it.   This forum is great for just bouncing ideas off of.   I think the biggest case is that I can load up three Givi boxes with almost the same volume as a trailer.   I didn't realize that bit of info.   I already have the rear MonoLock plate.  I'll have to figure out brackets to mount boxes on the sides.  It would have to clear the hi mount Termi's.   With 45 liter boxes on either side, it will be quite a wide load.  But that setup would be for touring only.   Anyway, thanks all for your replies - even you He-Man!  Sometimes, I just need to be hit on the forehead with a 2x4!!

If I ever see a Ducati pulling a trailer, I will have to kill myself......  [bang]

Drive a car or get a Goldwing.

thats not fun. trust me. ive got stitches to prove it.  [evil]

Ok, I'll drive a car!  My next car will be an air-cooled 911.   It will a nice garage-mate to my air-cooled Monster.   I'll get a goldwing when I turn 70, maybe. 

Ha!  Thanks for the warning! 

I think the biggest issue for me would be the trailer trying to push the rear wheel out of line during braking or corner entry.  I think you can do it, and obviously the touring crowd is already, but it does not suit what I enjoy most about my bike......when I see a seductive ribbon of asphalt, I twist and enjoy.  [evil]

Oh...

this one makes the Uni-go look old:
 http://sbt.fi/ (http://sbt.fi/)

Empty it weighs 70 lbs, full it weighs 125, and it looks sexy (which the unigo does not).

Oh, that's cute.

PhilB

(http://twistingasphalt.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy_images/Ducati_996_sidecar_02.jpg)

I'd rather do a sidecar than trailer