Well, I'm no expert, but I do have 150,000 on my current bike('82 R-100 BMW) and I have been driving bikes for 36 years, and I used to be a professional bike mechanic years ago. I would go with the trailer, as that rig will raise your COG enough to affect handling. Way back when, when I used to do some of the work on San Jose P.D.'s bikes, just the radios in the sidebags would mess up the handling if not mounted exactly right. IF I were to start using my bike for going to shoots I wuld make some sort of scabbards to get the long guns lower. I personally don't even like the bags mounted on the luggage rack, too high. I used to pull a trailer with my beemer, still have the hitch and am thinking of doing it again. It gives you lots more room, down low, and even makes the bike work better in the rain, pulls the rear end and keeps it from slipping in the rain so much. Also takes some of the weight off the rear tire. Just have to be more careful when braking hard with a trailer, longer stopping distances and jack knifing being the main concerns.