[OpenRoad]

Has anyone thought about hitching a small pull behind trailer to the scr950? Would be nice to carry some camping gear for a weekend outing.

 

[Cruze]

Something cool like this would be alright. Kinda matches the color scheme too

 

[OpenRoad]

I don't see a towing hitch available for the scr950 yet, so maybe nobody has come out with one or it's just not suggested with a bike that's not meant for touring.

 

[eddie]

The hitch is one issue. The belt final drive is something else and it's a really expensive "else". They reduced the width of the belt when using the V-Star 950 engine in the Bolt/SCR. The weight difference is only 66 pounds, so I'm guessing it was a space issue vs. all-out strength needed. However, pulling a trailer places a greater load on the whole driveline. If the belt can take it, okay. I just wouldn't want to find out the hard way and have one break. Replacement would be involved and expensive. That would not be something I'd want to experience while on a trip. The belt alone is about $340. The pulleys are $177/$530(!)
A chain conversion seems to common among customized Bolts. So, that's doable for strength and gearing changes, at least. Having over a grand in pulleys and a belt sitting on a shelf afterward would be painful! =)

 

[OpenRoad]

Well there goes the trailer idea. Not worth what could amount to a $1k repair job just for a tent and chain conversions are just not worth the effort and expense.

 

[eddie]

The chain conversion would be a good one, it just takes a bit of commitment, $-wise. ;-)

Camping on a smaller bike is doable with some careful packing and good luggage.
I pared down the weight of my tents by swapping the fiberglass poles for aluminum ones.
A summer weight sleeping bag + a small fleece blanket for bedding,
the remainder is primarily clothes, cookware and a few essentials like shower supplies and a first aid kit for me.
I still shake my head at how "slightly" top heavy my old SV650 was when I took it camping a few times! LOL
Even the bigger 919 looked a bit awkward. Still, they worked just fine!

 

[TheScrambled]

The rear bags look fine, what I'm more amused by is the large tank bag that looks like it's blocking your arms and speedometer. With imagination, you can pretty much cam with an sized bike. Once saw a Grom loaded down with three bags. :grin2:

Just not the ideal bike to do so.

 

[eddie]

The rear bags look fine, what I'm more amused by is the large tank bag that looks like it's blocking your arms and speedometer. With imagination, you can pretty much cam with an sized bike. Once saw a Grom loaded down with three bags. :grin2:
Just not the ideal bike to do so.

The tank bag was a defunct Luggagelocker one that attached to the gas cap ring of thus-equipped bikes. I had two of them and they worked great! Despite the apparent bulk, I had full handlebar travel and could see the instruments just fine. Sophie the cat even liked to climb up and sleep in the one on the V-Strom. LOL

 

[TheScrambled]

Must be good if it's Sophie approved. :grin2: For general weekend camping, you're probably fine with a few rear/side luggage bags and a tank bag. Just need to pack smarter and only the necessities. Anything more and you may as well take the car.

Now I need to go get myself a tank bag with a complementary cat.

 

[Cruze]

Does Sophie accompany you on these trips ?!

 

[eddie]

Does Sophie accompany you on these trips ?!

No, she never did, although she was quite content to perch on whatever bike I had at the time.

 

[TheScrambled]

We like to call those seat warmers and anti theft system. :grin2: Think you can reuse any of those panniers on the scr950?