Motorcycle carrier systems . Advice

[73 Peanut]

I have looked at a few motorcycle carrier systems that attach to the tow bar but would like to know if anyone uses one to carry a 200 - 250 kg motorcycle behind there SUV . Do the cops give you a lot of grief .

[BuRP]

I carry all my bikes up to my 790, so ~200kg, on a rack I made which is mounted to the bumper (hence also towbar-bolts) of my Landcruiser bakkie.
It mounts with 6 large bolts: 4 on the towbar-group and 1 each on the side to the bumper i.e ladderframe of the vehicle for stabilization.
I know it will take an even heavier bike but a BM boxer will not fit width-wise.
The bike rides on/off via a ramp with me alone doing this, I need no help, and I clamp the wheels via turnbuckles.
Then a few tiedowns do the rest to stabilize the suspension preventing it 'bouncing' on the springs.

I made this rack myself hence know it is seriously strong enough, and the inspiration was the Xramp principle... but this system I think is way too flimsy for anything bigger/heavier than a plastic.
A cruiser is also a big-enough vehicle for doing this: a plastic loaded I don't feel, neither my 701, but the 790 I do notice a little, especially offroad.
I've been asked quite a few times already if I won't make some of these racks due to the simplicity of loading as well as fastening the bike!
Answer's No, pls make your own - look at an Xramp, make it stronger AND attach it to the ladderframe (sides!) of the bakkie so as to prevent longitudinal rotation (twist). And yes, a bakkie would be your minimum, forget any cars.

After I made it I stopped at a few roadblocks where several officers were present, showed them this contraption on the back of my bumper (it makes the vehicle some 75 cm's longer) and asked if this is going to be a problem legal wise.
NO was the unanimous answer I got - and do note that the wheels stick out a bit either side - they all thought this was perfectly legas plus a nice thing to do.
I've 'doubled' the lights & numberplate etc, plus a plethora of reflectors make it a christmastree at night when headlights fall on it.
Because the cruiser is rather high I look over the bike from my rearview mirror, no problems in this regard.
Works super, can recommend it!

[73 Peanut]

That is a awesome rack and I am going to do the same and add the lights . The X ramp does serve its purpose but I also thought that it looked a little flimsy for a heavier bike .

[BuRP]

You're welcome to come have a look for any ideas, after all I sortof copied it too: @Runner has an Xramp and suggested I at least had a look, and of course I did.
I'll never admit he had a good idea though, so don't tel him pls 

[BiG DoM]

Excellent unit Burp, great fabrication  I had an X-Ramp and fed back some of my own R&D on it as well. Admittedly only used it for an enduro bike and was fitted to a Subaru Forester. Ideal as noted is to stabalize it to the chassis so not just attached by the tow hitch as will inevetably flex and twist. I eventually sold it and reverted to a trailer as there was alot of other kit that could go on it and I could also take heavier bikes and more than one.

[Kortbroek]

I've been toying with this idea as well, my only concern is I think the weight might be a bit much on the rear of a 2.5 hilux chassis? What do you think @BuRP? XR650R is approx 135kg dry, so say max 155kg fueled with the long range tank. My biggest concern actually is damaging the chassis somehow, should I be concerned about that?

[BuRP]

the weight might be a bit much on the rear of a 2.5 hilux chassis?
XR650R is approx 135kg dry

Nah, go for it!
The OP is talking about an Elephant, but in comparison the XRR is a Gazelle.... OK, a Kudu but that's still part of the gazelle family innit? 
Do NOT make it to fit the bullbar itself (the hook&ball thing) but rather use the square plate with the 4 boltholes of the bumper - which I will presume here will be an aftermarket steel affair like mine is.
This bumper should connect to the chassis rails, and you make sure it cannot hinge here.... by perhaps extending the connection plates so that another bolt through the rail can be used: 2 bolts each side prevent hinging hence you can put load on.
I'd not worry about the chassis itself but do keep the bike as close as possible to the rear wheels/axle - like I've done, the handlebars would interfere with a canopy but I don't have or want one.

Then lastly, if you hammer your Lux' over speedhumps and/or offroad to such an extent that the Pig would be launched into orbit if not tied down and the chassis bends then you obviously will dislike me and wanttomoer me.... but I'll not be home then 



PSst: I've used a very similar layout for the 'channels' (main gutter & ramp) but have increased the height as well as material thickness. This makes for little extra weight but massive strength gains, I can only recommend doing same.

[Kortbroek]

Dankie Oom @BuRP. I reckon I'll give this a shot

Sent from my Armor_6E using Tapatalk

[73 Peanut]

Being busy making myself a carrier for my motorcycle which seem to be turning out ok but  but  but my tow bar is weaker than my carrier so please check your mounting points and brace where possible before loading a adventure bike. 

[73 Peanut]

Finished building my carrier for my bike but now I need to fit stronger springs as I clearly did not think about the fact that I have a short wheel base which tends to show the weight more on the rear . At least it filled some of the lockdown time .

[73 Peanut]

Trying to attach a pic of the 650gs

[katana]

My version I build to carry my trials bike.  I would be worried about road holding with a 650GS.  My NP300 steering starts feeling vague with just a 75kg bike and the +/- 15kg of the rack.

[evansv]

This is mine that I built about 10 years ago. My KTM 625 SXC goes on it, complete with long range fuel tank no problem. I made it so that it fits into the back of my double cab when disassembled.

[Buffel B]

73 Peanut. wanneer laas het daai bike seep en water gesien? Vra namens 'n vriend 

[73 Peanut]

I think a she will have a bath and a service tomorrow.

[macker]

What do you think of this type of carrier?
Bought just before lockdown to tow my Honda XR 400R and have not used it yet.

I am doing a mod to help strengthen the tie down method, but I am still not convinced on the safety for a long trip / tow (+/- 200km).

[Kortbroek]

What do you think of this type of carrier?
Bought just before lockdown to tow my Honda XR 400R and have not used it yet.

I am doing a mod to help strengthen the tie down method, but I am still not convinced on the safety for a long trip / tow (+/- 200km).

If you are going this route, remove the chain before you tow. Also, unnecessary wear on the rear tyre I think.

[Pullaway]

Macker, I used one long ago for a YZ. As Kortbroek mentioned, remove the chain and also don't turn to sharp, or try to reverse. Not good for the tyre over long distances. Does your front wheel touch the rear door?

[73 Peanut]

My only concern with just clamping the front end and letting the rear turn is if it's dry sump is that components are still turning with less oil to lubricate and cool which should do some damage over long trips . Am I correct  or not .

[BuRP]

If you are going this route, remove the chain before you tow. Also, unnecessary wear on the rear tyre I think.

I'd rather put the rear wheel in, and let the front wheel do the rolling - tied down straight of course.