They aren't that heavy and should work in a pinch. Towing backwards would be a pain since the rider would have to hold the bars steady but better than nothing I suppose. Could have a couple tiedowns handy and strap from the bars to a rack or something to hold them in a fixed position. My buddy made one that was pretty heavy duty and used it on mine a couple times to haul stuff. One other idea is making a frame on wheels (like a tow dolly) that would definitely eliminate the tongue weight issue. Could also make it in pieces so it could be disassembled and brought along if you know you're going to be a long distance from vehicles.

 

i built one for the front of my 2000 sportsman. it was a A-frame. on long pin connected it to the custom from bumper i had. i built it becuse at the time i only had a car. so i towed it behind the car. about 10miles at a time. i did eventuly start towing it 30miles one way. it worked for about 8yrs. id like to build one for my 08. but have no real use for it now i have a trailer.

 

How about something like this?

FIMCO Load-N-Lift Flatbed Cart

It's actually a flatbed trailer, so you could put the whole ATV on it rather than just one axle. It lowers down to ground level so you could roll a broken down ATV right on it and then lift it up and drive away. This particular unit is a little too small to haul an ATV and only has a 400 pound capacity, but it looks like it would be pretty easy to build one a little bigger.

 

That could work well with logs and other stuff too.