Excellent video. Be careful when using the crash bars to strap it down though. I towed my 2010 Voyager, in an enclosed trailer, and used the crash bars. I opened the trailer to find the bike laying on the side. All four crash bars had bent. (I know, Harley's may be stronger, but I'd still keep an eye on them.)
I have switched to using the forks in the front. I still use the saddlebag guards for the rear. I will be making a new video featuring my new 2-bike trailer soon
Great video. Thank you for putting this together and sharing it. I've been thinking about getting a Kendon since I don't have space for an enclosed trailer.
Hi Cue, good tutorial video ! Two comments: Maybe you should tie the front straps to the lower part of the fork so it will not compress the suspension and secondly put a 2x4 under the ramp so it will be easier to fit the rod ion the hole. 😉 Nil from Canada
The owners manual recommends partially compressing the suspension so that there isn't too much travel when you hit pot holes. Probably due to the lightweight trailer. I really like the idea of putting a 2x4 under the ramps. I'm going to try that next time! Thanks for the great idea!
I’m glad to find your video. You have a pretty detail explanation for the trailer. I was looking to buy one and after seeing yours will get one for my ride. Once again thanks for the amazing video!!
Glad you liked it! I just arrived in Knoxville trailering my bike on the trailer. It was easy riding! I now have 2 bikes so I might get their trailer that can take 2
Thanks for this vid. I'll be picking one of these up for my Ducati DesertX ADV bike. Doing a trip from Texas to Colorado in the fall. Not riding it there will allow me to put off-road biased tires on it.
We use to tie down our bikes from the handle bars and crash bars. But soon found out with the bike bouncing up n down it loosens the scraps. So tying them down at the axle is the best way. Once there’re tight they won’t loosen. The bike then can bounce up n down on its own shocks plus no load on the shocks. I have seen a few bikes fall over tied like u have it.
The manufacturer of my trailer recommends partially compressing the suspension. I suspect because you don't want the bike bouncing on a light weight trailer. I considered using the handlebars, but I know that they can move if you put too much pressure on them. I have also used the forks, but you can't suppress the suspension. The crash bars have worked best for me. I strap down the front and rear using heavy duty straps. I'll keep doing research and share any findings.
I just picked up my Kendon from the factory today and I have the more expensive one which the main difference is the ride up ramp verses the single rail. You have the ride up ramp so the more expensive one or the prior owner updated the rear section to be the ride up ramp.
Do you have the single or dual bike setup? I want the dual bike setup! I'd like to be able to take both of my bikes with me when I travel....first world problems!
@@RidingandWrenching I have the single but several people were looking at the double when I was there. They say you can haul one bike on one side and it tows just fine.
I disagree about having a spare in the truck (takes up space- sun damage ) but the main reason to mount it underneath is if you get a flat - you will more than likely want to take off your “weighty” bike to change the tire anyway.
Good point! I have a tonneau cover on my truck, so everything in the bed is secure. I haven't had to change a tire on the trailer......I need to try it!
Kendon themselves recommend taking the spare off for road trips. The main reason being the ground clearance between the spare and the road is very very tight. And they actually say the opposite about needing taking the bike off. You don’t. Your spare is available without taking the bike off to get access.
@@akousticplyr1 very good point. I haven't tried doing a tire change yet....I think I will do that I know what to expect in case it happens on the road
@@akousticplyr1 funny story. The original Top Gun movie inspired me to join the Navy. My goal was to be a pilot. Unfortunately I discovered my vision was poor! So I joined the surface Navy.
Awesome Video! I just picked one up it's older but it's been in storage since 2007 looks new, I will buy a set of tires and grease it up. Only paid $300 for it!
My understanding is that the premium versions have a superior paint finish. We had a single and then later a two-rail, both Go! versions, and the paint finish on our '13 two-rail is well-deteriorated, with a good amount of surface rust. The premium ones I've seen weren't like this. I do find that the ramp on the two-rail is a bit short for me. The angle up is a bit steep for me to be loading a bike over about 425lbs. Loading my 520lb VFRs is a chore and my 680lb FJR is pretty difficult to manage solo. I intend to substitute an aftermarket ramp with greater length to ease the job. Otherwise, the Kendons are by far our favorite trailers for our bikes, they are a cinch to store and tow very easily, even for our smaller SUV.
Great informative video, thanks. Liked your preparation and addressing the questions you received. Good job. One question, is there a specific reason you attached the front straps differently to the trailer than the rear? I.e. you connected both parts of the straps to the trailer in the rear, but connected the two straps together in the front.
I think I did that because the crash bars are closer to the hook which prevents the use of the ratchet straps. You don't have that problem in the rear. You could also use the front forks, however the owners manual suggests partial compression of the front suspension
Before heading down the road maybe take a strap around the center of the ramp to hold them together and remove it in one piece. I'm probably getting one of these trailers and it's just i thought i had if it's not too heavy to move all three pieces together. I'm thinking the tension from the strap will keep the pins from sliding out.
Great video; thanks for making. I think I saw that your in Shelby County TN. Are you required to register this type of trailer and get a license plate for it in TN? Thanks again!
The longest trip I've used it for is about 1,000 miles. I'd feel perfectly comfortable going across country. It's fairly light weight, so you don't feel it behind most tow vehicles. I've used an F250, Ford Expedition and a Ranger. No issues with any of them. It is a little easier to go backwards with a shorter wheel base tow vehicle
Excellent video, thanks. What to do with the ramp once the HD is loaded is an issue. If your pulling the trailer with a full size car, then we can expect their will be no room to store the ramps. The manufacturer should of been creative and found a way to store these ramps, say under the trailer for example. Hum…. Too bad.
Nice video, thanks for demonstration, how is it once you strap it down, is it solid, or do you have movement. I never had a trailer, I always loaded my bikes in my pickup and it was always solid, no side to side play. I'm picking up a used kendon trailer next week for two bagger's, it's an earlier one 2004 hope there's no issues. But nice job on the video and some Kool music.
@@RidingandWrenching thank you for getting back Jimmy heading down to Florida from New York the end of January. I'll send pictures looking forward to that warm Florida weather. Thank you
The owners manual has a recommended service interval but I can't remember the mileage off hand. I am planning to service the bearings before riding season starts. The ramps can be mounted on the trailer, but I normally put them in the back of my truck
Looks pretty lightweight. Will it handle high speeds with a full load. Lately I have seen people pull Fifthwheels ,Flatbreads and Utility Trailers at 80 mph on the Freeway.
I recommend that everyone follow the recommendation of the tire manufacturer and trailer manufacturer. I have found my trailer to be stable at all speeds. It makes more noise when pulling it empty, but still tracks steady
I believe I did it in this video: Unloading a Kendon Trailer and more Questions and Answers ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-w-fQK_I9wjI.html
@@RidingandWrenching My Kendon two bike trailer is a 1995 model. It has 4 steel swivel wheels, not 3. When I tip the trailer up, the trailer rolls forward on these swivel wheels. It is impossible to keep the trailer stationary unless I can jamb it into something low enough that the fenders/tail lights don't hit the stationary object. I am going to look into rubber wheels with foot wheel brakes.
Cue, I picked up that '04 double kendon trailer, do you have a video on doing maintenance on the wheel bearings. I have to get a better look tomorrow, not sure if I have to take wheel off and pull bearings, and hand pack them with grease. Or leave wheels on, and pump grease in with a gun. Can't find any videos on RU-vid with guy's doing this maintenance on a kendon. I see all other types of trailers except these. Thank you
I haven't done a video yet, but I've been planning to. I am also thinking about getting the double trailer like yours. They are pricey though! I have been researching other videos regarding bearing replacement on generic trailers. I'm just going to try it and see what happens! I'll post an update
@@RidingandWrenching thank you for the response so quick, I paid $1,000 for it. I think I got a great deal, spare tire, ramp, I just want to do my maintenance on the bearings. I was just looking at the pictures the guy sent me before I bought it. And it looks like I might have to pull the rubber seal off the housing and pump the grease in. Instead of hand packing. Good look if you get your double trailer
Hi, Cue! Thanks for the video! I have a question for you. Can you make a video about how to unload the bike? I have a problems with that. Seems like one-man job is not enough for that. I really appreciate your work. Thanks again.
I've had mine for 2 years. I recently purchased the 2 bike version. I will be selling by single Go Series trailer. The only issue I've had with it is the bracket for the fender broke. I will get that repaired. I have been using it with one fender removed!
Great question. When I'm traveling, I put the ramps in the tow vehicle. There are slots on the trailer for storing the ramps but I don't use them. When I store the trailer in my garage, I put the ramps under my car. Again, you can attach them to the trailer.
@@RidingandWrenching thanks. I was just there over the weekend. Enjoy the crazy main st. We enjoyed visiting Cabbage patch, Speedway and Ted Morse’s HD dealer. Stay safe
Do you think the front wheel chock would safely secure and hold upright, smaller wheels like those on mini motos like the Honda Monkey until the bike is tied down?
Great video! I've been considering buying one of these trailers for a long time. Any idea of the tongue weight on your hitch when fully loaded? I drive a Subaru Outback wagon and the not to exceed tongue weight is 200 pounds. I ride a 2011 Road King Classic (about 850 pounds).
I normally load them into the back of my tow vehicle. However, there are places on the trailer to store the ramps. Putting them in the tow vehicle is faster
I dont think there is a max speed recommended by the manufacturer. The tires have a max speed. The max speed I do is 80. I set the cruise control abt 75 sometimes
