Towing motorcycle(s) across the country

[doublea]

Sooooo... I have an 86 325es that has treated me quite well since I picked it up, other than getting onto its clutch's last leg lately. As it is due for a change, and I will be going out to Cali, from WNY, for a few months on internship starting in mid-November, I wondered if there might be a good Heavy-duty clutch out there.

My plan is to tow my motorcycle out (SV650, not a Goldwang, so relatively light) in a small Uhaul trailer, along with a few other things. The cargo shouldn't weigh much more than 450 or 500 lbs, unless I decide to take my buddy's bike out there for him, which would kick it up closer to 800 or 900 lbs.

Anyone have any experience towing cargo long-distance like this, or have any recommendations? 1 bike, both bikes, leave the bike behind and save your transmission the trouble you'll run into? Any clutches out there strong enough to survive this torture?

Thanks

[jlevie]

A 4-500lb trailer should be no problem at all. I'd be less concerned about the clutch than the brakes.

[doublea]

A 4-500lb trailer should be no problem at all. I'd be less concerned about the clutch than the brakes.

I'm assuming that when you say 400-500lb, you'd advise against 2 bikes?

[fronton]

for the same cost as renting a uhaul for five days, ship it and save the hassle, gas and strain on the e30. Or sell it and buy another one when you want it if they are easy to find. I could live without it if its just three months. You'll also spend $100 on a hitch for the e30 and it won't be great.

[doublea]

for the same cost as renting a uhaul for five days, ship it and save the hassle, gas and strain on the e30. Or sell it and buy another one when you want it if they are easy to find. I could live without it if its just three months. You'll also spend $100 on a hitch for the e30 and it won't be great.

Truth, I guess I have some priority sorting to do. I was hoping to get out to the track on my bike while I was out there, as it'll be snowing in the east coast. Maybe I should just make the best with what I have and improve my car in that time period- yay or nay?

[MR 325]

Honestly, just do it! You don't need to be scared. The Eta engine can handle it, they are made for torque. If you want to give it a little more towing power, swap it to a 3.25 diff. I loved that combo when I had my Eta + E30 trailer.

[frankenbeemer]

Don't forget the trailer weight. The U-Haul 5 x 9 ramped trailer weighs 1,240 pounds.

http://www.uhaul.com/Reservations/EquipmentDetail.aspx?model=RT

[browntown]

And climbing the continental divide is an eye opener. Last time I did it was in a ford escort loaded with everything I owned, and I couldn't even maintain second gear.

[zerokid5555]

you got a eta bro. That thing pulls like a truck!