The Mazda 3 will definitely handle towing Spicy Boi; you could get a hitch fabricated and installed (do make sure it's installed by professionals), but probably not something like a 1000 lb boat. 😛 First, I'd borrow that pick-up and ramps from the acquaintance, and see if you can load Spicy Boi into the pick-up, especially on your own if you're going to go on your adventure alone. Go from there. It could just be too much of a hassle to do alone every time throughout your trip; I worry that might distract you from the adventure and make you miss out as you contemplate whether or not the hassle would be worth it. A motorcycle hauler (trailer) would be the most convenient, but would also cost the most.
@@xfzepwhat law is it that makes you say a welded hitch receiver wouldn’t be legal? I’ve not heard of this and some googling about welding hitch receivers doesn’t bring up any legal issues
My thoughts on hauling your bike to FL: Option 1: Using a motorcycle trailer - this is a good option and probably the least expensive. The trailers are relatively light, and your Mazda 3 should be able to handle it. Option 2: Rent a van - More expensive, but probably the most secure option. You won't need to worry about stopping for the night. It has a lower bed than a pickup which will make loading and unloading Spicy Boi easier. Option 3: Borrow / rent a pickup - if you have the right ramp this is a good option. The one I use is aluminum and folds into 1/3's length wise. It's almost 5 feet wide which gives me confidence that I won't fall over if I stop halfway up the ramp. After spending an hour practicing (backed up to a slope at first), loading and unloading is now a breeze.
Hey, I saw your headed to FL w/the Mazda. lol. Be safe. What part of FL. I’m in Broward County. Between West Palm Beach & Miami. How long will you be here visiting? Maybe do a meet up. Your choice. Thx and drive safe.
Congratulations on your PHd completion. I am 68 years old and just completed my undergraduate degree last year at the same school my wife taught at for 10 years. We bought a new 2022 Tri Glide H-D and my wife has always been a rider. Unfortunately, after 47 years being together both in the military and after retirement, she passed away in 2023. I have never experienced so much pain in my life. I just started getting beck out socializing again. However I have been watching your channel and enjoy your content. Thank you!
Really great news! My wife and I had a few incidents on our bikes a couple of years ago. We met more riders who are doctors than either of us remember ever meeting in our lifetimes. In the 80s it was unheard of! The 1st riding doctor I met was a German immigrant who ran a cancer research hospital and rode the only Honda Blackbird I have ever seen. I will be excited to see where you land on your next big adventure.
Hey Lali. You are one of those rare people who can hang on and see the finish line. You probably have 185 hp 2.5 Mazda. You can easily tow a motorcycle if you want. Don't worry about keeping up with us. I am 71 yrs old and ride a 99 Magna. I love your posts and Doodles. You ladies have your heads centered and you can connect with people. Love you and be safe, Barry
Towed my bike from Michigan to Arizona with a little scion xA, struggled a bit on the climbs, but made it, so a Mazda 3 will be fine as well. I'm thinking about renting a bike in Romania and doing a tour of the country soon, as well... Salina Turda, Transalpina, Transfagarasan, Bran's Castle, Cheila Bicazului and many other places, so many beautiful spots in Romania to share with the world.
Hello Dr. Lali, congratulations. I used to deliver new and repaired motorcycles in a Dodge Tradesman 100 Van. I found it easier than a pickup truck because once the van I could wedge my elbow against the door frame to prevent the bikes from rolling back out. I could lean against the wall until I had the bike completely inside. A pickup truck is easy with two or three people or with two ramps. one for the bike one for the loader. I still prefer my van method.
Congratulations Dr. Lali!!! Very excited to see all your ideas. You're most definitely NOT going to be just a One-Hit Wonder. Also, side note, as soon as I saw that High School, I was like... Oh! I remember those roads! I lived in Myerstown many years ago.
Congratulations! As someone who's lost loved ones to cancer, thank you for your hard work. For the towing thing with the Mazda, it's allowed in Europe because EU has reduced speed limits for cars that are towing. If you keep it at 50-55mph and below about 3.5k-4k rpm when accelerating, it should be fine. You may void the warranty, and you should change the transmission fluid more frequently. If you do it often, you should have a trans cooler installed.
That’s so cool to see you reaching your goals. Only been subbed for a few years but it’s cool seeing you accomplishing what u been workin so hard for 🤙🏽
Congratulations Dr. Lali, you have earned some extremely well deserved respect and respite! Thank you for sharing both of your continued journeys. I have a truck but still find it much easier to use a trailer to haul a motorcycle on shorter distances because it’s easier for multiple quicker loadings/unloading but it does have a few drawbacks. It’s unfortunately easier to abscond an entire trailer with everything on it, some have speed limitations whilst on the highways due to swaying and lower tire speed ratings compared to the vehicle, and they sometimes get in the way with respect to maneuverability and parking. However, I prefer hauling a bike in the bed if I’m unfamiliar with the areas of travel or lodging for a longer trip. It’s quite toasty here in western Pa too… “Normal” Ducati people can be cool that don’t ride around in full leather racing suits being somewhat pretentious. My Panigale feels like I’m riding on an oven sometimes when it’s really hot outside.
Congratulations Doctor on crossing the finish line! Enjoy your recovery/transition time. I think a trip to Florida would be a blast. A cargo van rental might make moving spicy boi easier, but I have to think your car could pull a tiny trailer. Keep making videos, I'll keep watching.
Congrats on the PHD! You make great videos! In regards to the towing, if you do get a hitch, my recommendation is to get/upgrade your transmission cooler. That and brakes are your weak points when trailering. When I go from MD to NJ I pass by your area. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you around! Again, congrats!
Such a great accomplishment! Congrats! I have a 2010 mazdaspeed3. I do have a trailer hitch that i got in etrailer and installed myself. It was like 140 bucks. I had been able to use it for my bicycle rack and to rent small trailers at home depot to transport large items (workbench, motorcycle). If you have an auto, i would watch the oil temp on the transmission and even go as far as adding a cooler, apecially if you are droving on the summer 😊
Congrats Doc! As far as loading a bike in a pick up the longer the ramp the easier it will be. I have an old flatbed F250 with tall tires that was terrifying to even load a four wheeler on with a standard ramp. Bought a longer ramp and it made it easy.
I'm, defending my master's thesis this coming wednesday. It's a far cry from a PhD, but I will definitely also sleep for quite a while after that (after some well deserved beers, propably). Congratulations, doctor! What a field to contribute in!
Omg congrats on the huuge achievement! you're one of the coolest people on this platform! If you make a tour in romania, may i suggest a destination? Transalpina is one of the prettiest roads i've ever been on, but i've only gone there with a car. it's one of my dreams to ride there one day hopefully
Congratulations on finishing the Ph.D.! I remember the feeling of relief very well. I hope this opens the door to your dream job when you're ready. Well done.
Congrats Dr Lali on your amazing accomplishment All the best for your future plans Enjoy everything you do Be safe Take care out there Ridin in the Wind 😎😎
scientist mind: I must strategize all the things! Never a bad thing, but neat to watch you voice your brainstorming. However you approach it, looking forward to it!
I actually researched trailers and towing a few year back when I owned a PT Cruiser. I asked tow hitch companies, police, insurance providers, vehicle inspection facilities, tow groups, and a few government bodies and the general consensus I got was car manufacturers do not list tow capacity for any vehicle's in the North American market under 3,500 lbs for safety reasons. But the general rule is ANY motor vehicle can tow 1,000 lbs with a tongue weight of 100 lbs with a caveat that it is driver and passenger and full tank of fuel only, however once you start adding cargo to back seat, trunk/hatch, or 3+ passengers you are reducing your tow capacity. If you can find a tow capacity for your vehicle outside North America that will be it's true tow capacity. A class I tow hitch is rated for 2,000 lbs and 200 lbs tongue and the average motorcycle trailer or utility trailer empty is 300~600 lbs giving you only 400~700 lbs of cargo. Additional note the most common failures of the tow vehicle are overheating, transmission overheating/damage, and brake failure. Whenever possible upgrade radiator and replace coolant, add auxiliary transmission fluid cooler and check fluid level and condition replace if needed, and upgrade brake components to premium or performance parts and flush brake fluid. Hope this help Lali
Congrats! I find the best way to haul a bike when your car can’t or when someone suddenly hits it on your street right before vacation (yes it happened) is to rent a van from Enterprise Truck Rental. It cost me $450 for about 6 days to rent with unlimited mileage two years ago for a trip to The Tail of the Dragon. I put my ZX6R in the back and it was out of the elements. I have also done a trip to Florida by putting they bike on the Auto Train in Lorton, Va and took that to Sanford, Florida. Then rode two hours to Tampa, Florida.
Warmest congratulations, Lali! Now I suppose when I watch a new video, I imagine you saying, with a grin, "trust me, I'm a doctor?" Looking forward to future stuff from you. (And…as for Florida, as cool as it would be for Spicy Boy to accompany you, the safest bet IMO would be to rent a bike once you get there - loading your modern garden-variety pickup is not exactly a doddle - that's *doddle* , not doodle! - and I've watched to many YT videos proving the point.)
Gratz on the Doctorate! It suites you well. On transport, you could rent a U-Haul van with a loading ramp, as that would be easier than a pickup (lower), and you won’t risk loosing auto insurance towing with a vehicle that is “not designed” for towing in the USA. It doesn’t matter that it could be made to do it, it’s the legal loophole from your insurance that can be an issue if you got into an accident with a trailer on your Mazda 3. On trips in other countries, hell yeah! Go for it!
Congratulations on completing your Ph.D! As for truck-loading and offloading (if you go that route)... having a folding ramp and practicing finding good berms with the right slope will make this easier and safer because in the right spot you can roll the bike on and roll the bike off with no slope at all in the ramp. I am always loading and offloading alone, so I had to do a lot of mental labor when I first started riding, to problem solve getting my smaller bikes that I don't ride on the Interstate, to and from the shop for inspections and any maintenance I don't do. I hope that helps. I struggled with the logistics of trailer hitches and my previous vehicle for a while before buying a truck. Even though it would take a hitch mount, I couldn't find one for my make and model vehicle that was Class 2, so I finally gave up.
Towing with that should be fine. Dial back the speeds on the interstate, and take it easy up hills etc. I haul a 400lb trailer and 1000lb 4 wheeler behind my little Chevy Cruze 1.4L all the time. I would definitely tow it and ride local, van or truck is a good option too. Get a Canyon Dancer bar harness to strap it down. If you go the truck route I use 2 ATV ramps. One for the bike 1 for me. Get off the bike. Walk it up the ramps with it running while using the clutch to assist the bike. Make sure the ramps give you enough "belly clearance" so the bike doesn't bottom out. If you need to stop use the front brake to hold it. When unloading I have the bike off in gear. And use the front brake/ clutch to slow the bike down the ramp.
Congrats, Doc! Check out a U-Haul facility…larger ones do hitch installation, and you should be able to get one mounted on your Mazda, with wiring…then you can pick up a small trailer for your bike, put a wheel chock on it and away you go! Ramps into a pickup truck takes a bit of practice and can go terribly wrong! 👍
Been here from the beginning and I'm not planning on going anywhere 🫶..... really liked the idea of going to Romania and exploring 🥰.... Do things that are easy and build up to more adventures. Well done 🎉🎉🎉 Dr Lali 🎉🎉🎉🫂🌶️🏍️🌶️🏍️
Congratulations Loli on your Dr. degree. Keep us informed of your searching for motorcycle trailer , lighting hookup, tie down all need to be researched. Once you get everything together, plan a trip to South Dakota to the Sturgis motorcycle Rally.( Aug. 4-10) The Black Hill Tourist area is massive and some of the best riding you can find. (Ask anyone who has been there.) It may inspire you and you may get leads from companies for demo's. Talk it up long before the event.
Bravo! Fericitari! Prin Busteni ar fi frumos, Sinaia si poate Peles ca tot e "p-acolo" :) Moldova in general, Iasi... Cine stie daca e cu putinta poate chiar si Chisinau pentru ceva mai deosebit / diferit? Sighisoara... sooo many options 😆 Imi place ideea ta in care video-urile sunt naturale si in care te simti ca si cum petreci timp cu un prieten, speri sa continui cu genul asta. Numai bine, abia astept viitoarele video-uri.
Dr. Lali, A Gorgeous woman that rides and is intelligent beyond schooling is wonderful and so is enjoying your videos. I've traveled the country sleeping next to my bikes under a tarp but now I am living on the road in my 26' camper I've converted into a toy hauler. Currently my cat Queen enjoys the view of the pond here in Missouri where on the days I don't work I ride the twistys and wooded hills. Seeing any country by motorcycle demands getting off and enjoying hikes and walks around interesting and beautiful locations, you cannot go wrong! For your towing the bike your car is sufficient and capable just get a good hitch installed and learn how to drive and maneuver with a trailer. Slow starts and controlled slow stops not only add to your mileage but they save you and your vehicle. I wish you all the best just as I congratulate you on getting your Ph.D, you are a terrific young Lady. Be sure and take a tent and camping gear as sleeping in nature is so much better than riding through and sleeping in hotels. With Love and Respect Dr. Lali, You are in my prayers Hoka Hey
Congrats on the PhD! You deserve the break if you have a little cash flow! Yes, even the small hatchbacks can tow a minimum of 1200 lbs. As a fellow professional and researcher, take as much time as you can afford before work, nail down the job with time to spare. I would love to see Romania first, easy for you to do without a lot of planning, Thailand if you can swing it, then hit up the Sturgis Rally to get your fix and cruise to Florida after the heat of the summer. Whatever you chose, we’ll love it and can’t wait. 😊
Congratulations on finishing your degree. This is a lifetime milestone. The feelings of,”I should be doing something for school will subside over time.
First congrats on your accomplishment. Secondly, there's an additional option to get your bike to Florida. Look up AMTRAK AUTO TRAIN. It takes you from Lorton Va to Sanford, Fla. Inexpensive and a comfortable ride.
I have a 2500 promaster ram van. Bed, kitchen, toilet, shower one side. Bike on the other. Good on gas, no need for motel rooms, I save soo much money this way. Easy to start out with using camping cot, table ect.. showers portable or at campgrounds, truck stops, everything is always locked up and ready to go. It makes traveling with a bike the simplest and cheapest way possible. 😊
Congrats on your PhD, Dr lali... I was in the same situation so I sold my little Toyota and bought a minivan.. what I'm getting at is I took the seats out, and my bike fit comfortably inside... And on my way to South Carolina I took the Blue ridge parkway stopping off camping in the minivan and did some motorcycle touring... Best 3 days ever....:-)
I had an old VW golf, and it was the same way, but I put a hitch on it, wired up some trailer lights, and it towed my Honda 919 with any issues. Your Mazda will be fine.
Congrats on the PhD! Keep the rubber down and shiny side up! My only thoughts about your trip is why not ride? Yeah, you'll have to stop every hour or two, but if you're not doing anything until August, give yourself a break and take a ride down to FL. I can't speak for most of the east coast for things to see, but I can tell you that a ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway is awesome. It's beautiful. When I ride back home from the east coast, I stop about every hour and a half. Takes me about 8 to 9 hours. Just something to think about, and I completely understand the hesitation to do it.
Congratulations, Doctor Lali! As for the FL trip, personally I'd ride the bike. So what if you have to stop every hour or so? I rode from DC-LA and back on my Yamaha 500 years ago (still have that bike, rebuilding it, has 124,000 miles on it). It got about 125 miles per tank of gas, and only the first ride of the day would be a full tank without stopping, after that it was stopping every hour or so to stretch the legs and such. One of those days was 900 miles or so (Marshfield, MO to Albuquerque). Just stay the hell away from I95! I never use it if I can avoid it. I'll be heading up into PA the last weekend of July, looking to find some covered bridges I haven't seen yet (Lancaster area) and then on up some of those marvelous PA state roads I haven't ridden yet too. I've stretched a 250-mile direct route into almost 400 on previous trips just to see new roads and find more covered bridges.
