DIY Tow Bar

[BigTed]

Being the tight-arse that I am, I struggle with a $500 cost odd a new tow bar for the ST when it consists of about $30 worth of steel, plus other bits for wiring.

So, I've started to look at making my own. However, in WA the licencing requirements demands certified testing.

I've not found anywhere that can do this, and I expect this will just push the DIY cost near the $500 mark.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Cheers, Rob.

[Brock]

There in lies the problem Rob,  Manufacturers have had to go through the process for each type of tow bar they make. Thats why they are so expensive

[Streak]

with the standards that are involved I don't think you would find anyone to do it (I might be very wrong of course), as the testing they have to go through is very involved just to put one model of tow bar on the market.

Keep us posted with what you find out :)

[ST2UP]

You will occasionally see them come up second hand.....if you can wait most sell from $100 a $150 each and meet Aust Stds 


Cheers

[alans1100]

There in lies the problem Rob,  Manufacturers have had to go through the process for each type of tow bar they make. Thats why they are so expensive

Yes but it's only type approval; not for every bar of a type the sell. The cost of approval on any one single bar shouldn't be that much. The price charged often reflects demand and to what the market can bear.

[STroppy]

Chops had one for the ST1300 for sale at one time . . He may still have it . .

[Chops]

Alf (curious1)has it .. Not sure if its in use

[Jglan10 (Onesie)]

Mine isn't even certified qld did not even check for rego

[Wombat]

My thoughts to this an automotive engineer should be able to certify a one off so it may be a case to ring around.  Otherwise build, take the risk with insurance and all should be ok!!!    I have Gavo's old one that I havent fitted for a 1100 so it could give you an idea on makeup or sneak up behind Blackduck when he is not looking and measure his for the 1300. 
Cheers
 

[blackduck]

Heres a golden rule to live your life by
"if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck etc - etc"
feel free to come over and we can rip mine to pieces with tape measure in hand
WRT compliance my WA trailer building experience has taught me, if its already registered nobody gives a toss
so the only worry is insurance and that only comes into play if something goes wrong

that said ive seen some towbars fitted to bikes here in WA that from an engineering perspective wouldnt pass the pepsi challenge
but they get used frequently
the best one was the one bolted directly to the rear axle pin made from 50 x 6mm flat bar