[ArcticDriver]

Do any of you guys have one of those motorcycle carriers that just attaches into the hitch? Not a trailer but just a platform.

I am thinking of buying one for a 500# bike but not sure if they are stable enough platforms.

Example below:

http://motorcycleracks.net/Road_Bike_Carrier.html

 

[bugman]

I have a friend that made one and uses it to carry his dirt bike around on behind a Nissan SUV. He has no problem with it but I can see where problems could come up with heaver bikes with the weight extending out behind the vehicle.

 

[Little_Giant]

I bought one for my brother to haul around his Yahama enduro. Probably weighs half compared to the bike you are talking about. Works fine.

Only thing I would say, is look at the aluminum carriers. I bought a steel one because I couldn't find an aluminum one locally up here and shipping would have been a killer. The carried itself is pretty heavy making it a pain to install/uninstall.

 

[blue99stroker]

Buy a good one. My dad one and strapped it ice chest to to. Well it decided to break off. Saw the ice chest dragging behind the 5th wheel haha

 

[ArcticDriver]

I will definitely buy a good one and it will be aluminum IF I do buy one.

I am worried about the fact a bigger bike has to be positioned even further from the rear of the truck and so there is the combination of heavier weight AND the magnified force every time that bike starts bouncing.

 

[Little_Giant]

I will definitely buy a good one and it will be aluminum IF I do buy one.

I am worried about the fact a bigger bike has to be positioned even further from the rear of the truck and so there is the combination of heavier weight AND the magnified force every time that bike starts bouncing.

What will you have in the bed? Can you use a regular cargo carrier insert, then put the motorcycle in the bed instead?

 

[ArcticDriver]

What will you have in the bed? Can you use a regular cargo carrier insert, then put the motorcycle in the bed instead?

I have a LEER fiberglass cap that requires four guys from the HS football team to lift.:grin2:

I will probably end up purchasing a lightweight open trailer if I can't find someone who has carried this size bike on the hitch.

 

[bugman]

A trailer would be the better way to go for that size of a bike. And then you can use the trailer for other things.

 

[NickKent]

I wouldn't be worried about a 500 lbs bike. Your hitch should be rated for more than that. I would worry about the weight
of the bike twisting the single 2x2 bar. Can you have something made up so the hitch carrier also has two outer pins it slides into to add some rigidity? Maybe 1 1/4" tongues on driver and passenger side?