Bike Trader
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Norway is No.1
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08 May 2007 | |
Norway has emerged as a boom market for British designed and manufactured motorcycle luggage trailers, as increasing numbers of Norwegians recognise the benefits of pulling luggage behind a bike rather than trying to strap it to the machine. Squire, based near Moreton-in-Marsh in the heart of England, pioneered motorcycle luggage trailer development in the 1980s with several radical design features including the 360-degree rotating hitch, but they have tended to be more popular abroad than in the domestic market. In recent years over 50% of production has been sent overseas, in spite of the strong pound, and last year Norway emerged as the top market, accounting for approximately 65% of export sales. Many people will be surprised to learn that it is not only legal to tow a trailer behind a motorcycle, but it also has a minimal effect on performance while dramatically increasing carrying capacity. The D21 trailer, for example, has an internal volume of 595 litres, roughly equivalent to 12 pairs of saddlebags! Squire has performed several feats over recent years to demonstrate how easily modern high performance motorcycles can pull a properly designed trailer. In 2002 the company set a record at Millbrook Proving Ground, near Bedford, where a Kawasaki ZZ-R1100 motorcycle towed a Squire D21 trailer at an average speed of 139.5mph. During routine testing at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground near Leicester, they towed a Squire D21 trailer behind a Yamaha FJR1300 to a top speed of 139.9mph, achieving a 0-60mph time of just 4.1 seconds - faster than a Ferrari. Prices for motorcycle luggage trailers start at around £1,000 and tow bar kits are available for many popular motorcycles and even scooters. For more info check out www.motorcycle-luggage-trailers.info Page 1 |
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