Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Setup & Experience

[artificial_airspeed]

I realized I’d never shared my Motorcycle Carrier. It’s a 600lb Capacity and I welded some small diameter cross-bracing to prevent any possibility of twisting/flexing. I don’t think the additional bracing is necessary but it made me feel better. The remainder of the carrier rigidity and strength come from the ratchet straps to secure the bike. I use front fork straps and strapped rear tire cover.

I’ve traveled about 1,000mi total with the carrier on the hitch and I became confident in it after about 400-500mi. I’ve even hit a few poor areas of roads with dips, holes, etc. that made me pucker at first but I watched the bike and rack and it didn’t move an inch. I’ve also heavily braked in traffic and again, it was a solid ride.

You must have a Class IV / Max Tow hitch receiver if you are going to carry a 500+lb motorcycle. Otherwise you’d be fine with a lower rated receiver for a dirtbike etc. I no longer have the Suzuki V-Strom 800 in photo, now I carry a Triumph Tiger 900 GT which is a little heavier. I do realize there’s tongue weight and engineering considerations etc. It is okay if the math and science makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have go the carrier route if weight/loading is a concern.

The range hit is negligible from my experience, but if you wanted to plan conservatively - I typically knock off about .2 from my average mi/kwh. If you’d rather not deal with this rack setup and loading a heavy bike. I’ve considered a 5x8 utility trailer or a 4x8 folding trailer for Motorcycle transport. The small trailer aspect has the advantage of being able to use the bed for additional hauling. The trailer will come with more of a range impact. Let me know if you have any questions, just wanted to share so y’all know it’s possible.

 

[MotoGary]

Looks like a great setup. I don't blame you for beefing up the rack with the cross bracing. I've used a hitch rack like that before and it always made me a little nervous carrying an expensive bike. I have owned three V-Stroms starting with the 650 in 2007. Great bikes and very under rated. I also rode BMW GSs for a few years.

I test rode a Tiger 900 and almost pulled the trigger and bought it. Great bike! But in the end I decided to move from Adventure bikes to Sport Touring and currently ride a R1250RT. Of course, those are too heavy for a hitch mounted rack. So this has been my trailer setup:

 

[artificial_airspeed]

@MotoGary that is an awesome setup and great bike! Your trailer is really nice, may I ask what brand? If I did a trailer someday I’d probably do 2 wheel chocks. My dad (Triumph Speed 400 lol) and I like to go on trips but we both carry our bikes on hitch racks.

Btw I’m always looking at the Sport Touring bikes, how is the riding position compared to ADV bikes? I’m only 35 but my mid-back hunchback feels like a 89 year old man.

 

[MotoGary]

@MotoGary that is an awesome setup and great bike! Your trailer is really nice, may I ask what brand? If I did a trailer someday I’d probably do 2 wheel chocks. My dad (Triumph Speed 400 lol) and I like to go on trips but we both carry our bikes on hitch racks.

Btw I’m always looking at the Sport Touring bikes, how is the riding position compared to ADV bikes? I’m only 35 but my mid-back hunchback feels like a 89 year old man.

It's an Aluma. They make a single and a double version. Best lightweight motorcycle trailer IMO.

I'm 6'1" and lanky, so I actually prefer the height and riding position of adventure bikes. The best fit for me is the BMW R1250GS. But once I switched to the RT with the better wind protection, adjustable windshield, and quieter/smoother ride....I can't go back!

I used to do a lot of dual sport riding on Suzuki DRZ's and DR's and plan on getting back into that again. When I get another one, I'll definitely be hauling it on a hitch rack.

 

[EFG]

I have a 1250RT as well and I used to have a SnoPro Aluminum trailer with e-track for moving it around. I gave that to my son and I just bought the new Harbor Freight "Modular" 5x10 utility trailer. This thing is pretty awesome but it took forever to put together. I put a wooden deck on it and plan to add e-track to it as well. I tried a buddy's hitch mount for the RT and that did NOT go well. Just too heavy and unwieldy to load and unload. My son has a VStrom 1k as well. Nice slightly older bike. I used a hitch mount on my previous F350 for a ZX-11 Ninja I had back years ago, always was kind of sketchy.

These larger adventure and sport bikes are just too much for hitch mounts it would seem.

 

[Aminorjourney]

So this is an interesting thread! Certainly easier for loading.

While my Vectrix VX-1 is about the same kind of weight as your Tiger, I suspect its wheelbase would be a little much for this setup, which honestly is sad because loading my bike alone is always scary AF.

I have ramps, chock and CanyonDancers… and it just fits with the tailgate down.

 

[jddimo]

I realized I’d never shared my Motorcycle Carrier. It’s a 600lb Capacity and I welded some small diameter cross-bracing to prevent any possibility of twisting/flexing. I don’t think the additional bracing is necessary but it made me feel better. The remainder of the carrier rigidity and strength come from the ratchet straps to secure the bike. I use front fork straps and strapped rear tire cover.

I’ve traveled about 1,000mi total with the carrier on the hitch and I became confident in it after about 400-500mi. I’ve even hit a few poor areas of roads with dips, holes, etc. that made me pucker at first but I watched the bike and rack and it didn’t move an inch. I’ve also heavily braked in traffic and again, it was a solid ride.

You must have a Class IV / Max Tow hitch receiver if you are going to carry a 500+lb motorcycle. Otherwise you’d be fine with a lower rated receiver for a dirtbike etc. I no longer have the Suzuki V-Strom 800 in photo, now I carry a Triumph Tiger 900 GT which is a little heavier. I do realize there’s tongue weight and engineering considerations etc. It is okay if the math and science makes you uncomfortable, you don’t have go the carrier route if weight/loading is a concern.

The range hit is negligible from my experience, but if you wanted to plan conservatively - I typically knock off about .2 from my average mi/kwh. If you’d rather not deal with this rack setup and loading a heavy bike. I’ve considered a 5x8 utility trailer or a 4x8 folding trailer for Motorcycle transport. The small trailer aspect has the advantage of being able to use the bed for additional hauling. The trailer will come with more of a range impact. Let me know if you have any questions, just wanted to share so y’all know it’s possible.

Which brand/manufacturer is your 600 lb. motorcycle carrier made by? Where'd you buy it?

 

[MountainAlive]

Who knew there were so many Lightning bikers out there but great to see the hitch on this truck is so strong.

 

[Brons2]

I have a 65cm Rivendell Clem Smith Jr bicycle that will not fit in my back seat area with the seat up, even if I remove the front wheel. Not going to remove the back wheel cause it's dirty.

Said bicycle weighs probably 40lbs, so I've kind of been hesitant about getting a regular hitch mounted bicycle deal, but this looks pretty nice, in my case wouldn't need the cross bracing though.

But still if I had my bike plus touring gear mounted it could be upwards of 100lbs so I think this is interesting. Not removing panniers for car transport would be a win. Anyway.

 

[Mcfly]

I have a moto tote carrier. Works great, super solid. Pricey compared to most but worth it for peace of mind. Rated up to 600 lbs. I've only used it for my dual sport and ruckus. I'm going to try my cbr600rr track bike on it at some point.

 

[Al_V]

Here is my 60HP ELECTRIC Stark Varg on my Lightning hitch carrier.
I love all 3 (the bike, the truck and the hitch carrier), they are all the best I've owned of each!
The hitch carrier is a JoeHauler, which I purchased used on Marketplace ($50!), and it has a wedge system that clamps inside the receiver to prevent rocking.
I added the wheels to make it easier to move the carrier around, and also helps when doing wheelies with the truck!
I can charge the bike from the truck on 240v on the rare occasion that that I need more range.

 

[Al_V]

I have a 65cm Rivendell Clem Smith Jr bicycle that will not fit in my back seat area with the seat up, even if I remove the front wheel. Not going to remove the back wheel cause it's dirty.

Said bicycle weighs probably 40lbs, so I've kind of been hesitant about getting a regular hitch mounted bicycle deal, but this looks pretty nice, in my case wouldn't need the cross bracing though.

But still if I had my bike plus touring gear mounted it could be upwards of 100lbs so I think this is interesting. Not removing panniers for car transport would be a win. Anyway.

I highly recommend the One-up hitch carrier for bicycles, like everything it's pricey, but VERY good quality and super fast and easy to use. (I found a used one for a great price).
https://1up-usa.com/product/heavy-duty
Photo from their website:

 

[Aminorjourney]

I highly recommend the One-up hitch carrier for bicycles, like everything it's pricey, but VERY good quality and super fast and easy to use. (I found a used one for a great price).
https://1up-usa.com/product/heavy-duty
Photo from their website:

Ok, I would like the Landy please. I called it first. Someone else can have the bike. The Landy is mine (British girl coming out)

 

[Al_V]

Ok, I would like the Landy please. I called it first. Someone else can have the bike. The Landy is mine (British girl coming out)

Great news!
We can just ‘claim ownership’ of stuff we see! You just have to be the first to call it!

 

[Aminorjourney]

Great news!
We can just ‘claim ownership’ of stuff we see! You just have to be the first to call it!

I'm just taking lead from a certain world Leader

All jokes aside though, that Land Rover is beautiful. If I had a bottomless pit of funds, I'd build one with electric innards.

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