ST1300 Towing Set Up

[Paul S]

Seeking information on the best towing, (of a trailer) set up for the ST1300.
Thanks, Paul S

[Williamson]

Seeking information on the best towing, (of a trailer) set up for the ST1300.

Start with a suitable tow hitch.  This will be somewhat dependent on what you want to tow, an Ali-lite (65kg from memory, can I hear Russ' laptop keys rattling?) or Elite (around 100kg heavier).  Aussie Classic hitches are the most common and are okay (I have one now), but they don't hold a candle to the US made Unigo hitch. 

Then the trailer, swivel hitch or not, brakes or not, 8", 10" or 12" wheels - swivel, brake & 12" for mine.  Style, size, storage volume, lights, esky space are just a few other elements to consider.

And that's just scratched the surface, others will chip in with more advice, me too later.

In the meantime, here's one the whet the appetite.


 

[Dragonstaff]

And another.

Poly-block swivel hitch, 8" wheels, SA built Shadow @ 85kg. Independent suspension using a couple of coil-over motorcycle shocks.

If you have Facebook, there is information and a lot of used trailers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AusMTO (Thanks Williamson).

[Williamson]

And another.
Poly-block swivel hitch, 8" wheels, SA built Shadow @ 85kg. Independent suspension using a couple of coil-over motorcycle shocks.

Yes, poly-block hitch, had one on Trailer #3, better than 50mm tow ball (IMHO).

But not a fan of 8" tyre wheels, 12" better (IMHO), wider range of tyres, including tubeless available, better ride, larger brakes, look better.

[ruSTynutz]

> an Ali-lite (65kg from memory, can I hear Russ' laptop keys rattling?) or Elite (around 100kg heavier).  Aussie Classic hitches are the most common and are okay (I have one now), but they don't hold a candle to the US made Unigo hitch.

According to the plate on the drawbar, it's actually 60KG, Michael!

My ST has a Classic Towbar...

[Paul S]

Thank you to all. Fabulous to receive advice from those with personal experience.

I have enough to keep me researching for awhile.

And actual hitches/tow bar for mounting on the ST1300??? Recommendations??? 

Paul S

[Paul S]

Towing set up all sorted and with a Glass Frog trailer!!!

[CallMeSteve]

Photos?   

[Paul S]

Will do Steve...

[Dragonstaff]

What happened to those photos?

Or are you too busy riding and having fun?

[trailmaker]

I am looking for a tow bar for my 2006 ST1300 new or used.

[Williamson]

I am looking for a tow bar for my 2006 ST1300 new or used.

A quote from another thread ...

ST1300 tow hitches are rarer than hen's teeth, finding one close by, and then in your state (QLD?) rarer again.

Having said that, there are at least two commercially made out there, Classic (made in Yandina, QLD) and Unigo (made in the USA).  I've had both, the Unigo is far, far superior.

Classic hitches are good, had one my CB1300, and now have one my ST1300.  The Unigo purchase was a stroke of luck back in 2013 when an OzSTOC member was selling it.  When it arrived I knew immediately that it was a better design and build than the CB's Classic hitch.  I had a rush of blood back in 2018 (I think) sold the Elite camper trailer and Unigo hitch.  After another rush of blood in 2020, I bought another trailer and needed a hitch.  Couldn't find a Unigo hitch, had to settle on a Classic hitch.

I have a couple of more motorcycle camping trips left in me (we were talking of this at yesterday's RTE) and then the trailer and tow hitch will be available, first of all as a package deal.

My most recent motorcycle camping trip was was to the OzSTOC 2022 NatRally at Mannum, SA.  I was to have my last at the 2023 Cold Flame Rally at Native Dog Flat, VIC in Mar 2023, but had a little incident on the way there.  Other circumstances have got in the way of my last hurrah, but I'm now planning this for Nov 2024.

If you can wait until late November, let me know if you're interested.

Another post after the above:

I have a tow bar on mine that was built by Wayne Tingle at Shadow trailers in Adelaide, who may be another possible source. Of course, I also have a shadow trailer to tow with it.

Shadow Trailers
18 Wilton Avenue
SOMERTON PARK SA
Australia 5044

Phone 08 82987382

.

I can't vouch for the quality of the Shadow Trailer hitch, others may be able to.  Either way, hope this helps.

[Williamson]

I am looking for a tow bar for my 2006 ST1300 new or used.

And of course, welcome to OzSTOC from Greensborough VIC.  When you get a chance to introduce yourself, post some details here:  https://ozstoc.com/index.php?board=14.0

Cheers ...

[Dragonstaff]

I am looking for a tow bar for my 2006 ST1300 new or used.

I can't vouch for the quality of the Shadow Trailer hitch, others may be able to.  Either way, hope this helps.

I can vouch for them, as I have one on my ST. They do require a slot to be cut in the top of the mudguard under the seat on each side for the top mounting bolts, but other than that it is a good, light-weight, towbar. Mine is set up for a poly-block hitch, but I would guess that a standard ball hitch would be available.

These are the best pics I have at the moment, but I can take some more specific ones if you would like. The only down-side is that it has to be removed to get the back wheel out, but I suspect that that is the case with all of them.