A Motorcycle Towing a Trailer?

Although it is not very common to see a motorcycle towing a trailer on our roads and in our cities, it is a valid option — but with specific conditions. If you have ever traveled through the American continent, you may have seen beautiful Honda Gold Wings, already powerful and imposing by themselves, pulling a magnificent trailer that can even resemble a mini caravan.

We have mentioned one particular brand and model, but there are many others that you might come across on the road — and they will surely bring a smile of barely disguised envy.

Here in Spain, though not necessarily in the rest of Europe, the regulations are somewhat contradictory. On the one hand, the specific rules are clearly established, since the Spanish Traffic and Road Safety Law states:

Article 12. Rules regarding bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles.

4. Motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, mopeds, cycles, and bicycles may tow a trailer or semi-trailer, provided that it does not exceed 50% of the unladen mass of the towing vehicle, and that the following conditions are met:

a) Circulation must take place during daylight hours and under conditions that do not reduce visibility.

b) The speed must be reduced by 10% compared to the generic speed limits established for these vehicles under Article 48.

c) Under no circumstances may people be transported in the towed vehicle.

In urban traffic, local municipal regulations will apply.

However — and here lies a major inconsistency — it is not possible to install a homologated trailer hitch.

This creates an ongoing dispute between manufacturers and vehicle inspection authorities (ITV engineers), who have not reached a clear agreement on this point. Although some articles suggest that it might be possible, in practice the reality shows that it is either nearly impossible or directly denied.

If you have any personal experience on this topic or can provide a different perspective, feel free to write to us .