How do you transport your dog or cat on a motorcycle?

Motorcycling is all about sharing. Would you like to share this pleasure with your favorite pet? Whether it's a dog, cat, dwarf goat or guinea pig, there are many ways to ride with your furry friend. What does the law say? Do I have to switch to a sidecar to travel with Medor? Does my dog have to raise his paw to thank a motorist? We cover all these topics in this article.

Nothing. Just like that, it's simple. There are no restrictions on the size of the animal, nor is there any mention of compulsory equipment. The only point to bear in mind? The Highway Code stipulates that you must remain free to move around freely when riding. So you don't want to have a St Bernard lying on your tank or a goat on your shoulders. And above all, respect the animal's well-being! This kind of experience can generate a great deal of stress or motion sickness, and could even be considered mistreatment.

If you have an accident while riding with Cannelle, you'll be insured as if you were on your own. In fact, your insurance won't cover any injuries to the poor animal. What's more, if you've cobbled together a 100L "top-case" kennel that could have altered the bike's behavior and caused the accident, that's another story altogether... Goodbye to your coverage...

Angora dogs, cats and rabbits are not born bikers. So you have to get them used to it. It doesn't matter whether you've opted for saddlebag travel, a converted cockpit, a trailer or a sidecar. The method? Start by familiarizing the animal with the motorcycle, engine off and stationary. For example, we'll encourage the doggie to jump into the saddlebag or sidecar by putting a toy or food inside. Under no circumstances should he be forced to enter. Repeat the operation while the vehicle is stationary, but this time with the engine running. Only when the animal is comfortable at a standstill can you start out on short laps of a kilometer or two, then gradually evolve towards longer outings, taking breaks to allow it to stretch its paws. How long does this learning process take? It depends on the dog or cat. It may take him 3 weeks to feel comfortable around a motorcycle with the engine running, or 3 months. As you can see, the key word is patience. Patience and lots of cuddles.

Don't forget to adapt your driving to the presence of your hairball. Limit acceleration noise and accelerator pedal strokes. Take regular breaks so he can walk, drink or urinate. If temperatures are a little chilly, cover him with a fleece.

Mind you, we're not talking about cutting Happy into two bags. The question is: should the animal be allowed to roll its head out of the bag? It's up to you to decide, depending on the animal's behavior. Some like to watch the scenery go by, others like to snooze. Some may also be afraid to stick their head out of the bag. So it's up to you to study your four-legged friend's behavior. You should also know that all our products are ventilated, so there's no need for Medor to stick his head out to air his nose. What's more, they all feature straps to secure the animal. So there's no chance of him jumping out to chase a squirrel.

Unless your pooch is a greyhound-cheetah cross, there's little chance of his physiognomy being adapted to a 130km/h headwind. So, unless he's riding in a closed saddlebag, you need to protect his eyes! He's not safe from dust, gnats or jumping stones. Which model to choose? In the absence of a French brand, you can opt for the reference in the field: Rex specs. Allow a little time to adapt, as it's not really in a dog's nature to wear a ski mask. What about the ears? You need to protect them too, to avoid the inconvenience of strong draughts. For this, you can simply opt for a neck brace. Last but not least: the harness. In fact, it's the basis. Whether in a saddlebag, cockpit or sidecar, it's essential that your pet is attached to the bike. This means a well-fitting harness and a strap connected to a fixed element on the bike.

Kuryakin Grand Pet Palace Saddle Bag

As its name suggests, this product is a mansion for your pooch, or rather, a mobile castle for King Rex. Waterproof, ventilated, UV-resistant, with a spacious 44L interior and a rooftop terrace for Bouboule to stick his head out and admire the scenery. In short, this bag is worthy of the finest Parisian palaces. And best of all? When you arrive at your destination, you can use it as a travel kennel. The kind of product that makes you want to buy a dog just to look cool on your Harley. The only downside? You'll have to choose between your dog and a human. And yes, unless you have a rear rack, this product straps onto the passenger seat.

----> Küryakyn GRAND PET PALACE pet saddle bag

Saddlemen PC3200C saddle bag

Does your Yorkshire listen to ACDC? Has he just got "Born to Ride" tattooed on his paw? Then this is the model for him. Made from leather, with an interior volume of 32L, a resting cushion and compartments for his beer and kibble, this is the product designed for the canines of Sturgis. And best of all, this product can be strapped onto the sissybar of your chopper, even providing a back cushion for the passenger!

----> Saddlemen PC3200C PET CARRIER pet tank bag

Puppy tank bag

Is your pet making eyes at you, wanting to go round and round with you on your R1? Then this model is ideal! Comfortable and sturdy, it also features a trapdoor so your pet can stick his head out and enjoy the scenery. The detail we love? The plastic "window" that allows the pilot to easily take a look at Medor or Felix.

----> Bagster PUPPY 20-liter pet tank bag

----> Bagster PUPPY 30-liter pet tank bag

The luggage trailer, practical and safe

With one or two wheels, braked or unbraked, streamlined or naked, there's a trailer to suit every taste and budget! We invite you to take a look at the creations of Sylgerdesign and Harness Moto Inov.

What about legislation? Obviously, the hitch must be type-approved; you also need to inform your insurance company of the use of a trailer attached to your two-wheeler. The trailer must weigh less than 50% of the unladen weight of the motorcycle, and must be fitted with brakes if its GVW exceeds 80kg. That's it!

The rear cockpit, compact but careful!

This platform for your big dog has several advantages: it's economical, doesn't take up much space, you can build it yourself, the animal is in the open air, and so on. But be careful, because you can't afford to make a mistake when assembling it, otherwise Cannelle will valdingue at the first turn. What's more, in the event of a fall, no protection is provided for the canine. Many travelers have made this compromise, such as Robin and his pilot(Robin ni 1 ni 2 j't'embrouille) or Paddy, the traveling dog. Don't feel up to DIY? You can put your trust in specialist manufacturers such as Goruffly, the US market leader.

The Sidecar, the no-compromise solution

Having a third wheel is pretty handy. And this bathtub, basket or coffin offers a more than agreeable carrying capacity. So there's no excuse for taking your Irish greyhound for a ride! Would you go so far as to imagine crossing the world in this way? It's up to you. Some have already done it, like the Bike Side story trio.

Now you're ready to share your road-trips with your favorite animal! One thing to keep in mind? Despite years of evolution, our precious pooches still haven't mastered speech. So it's important to keep an eye on their behavior on two wheels, take frequent breaks and give them plenty of love and affection. That's all there is to it!

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