Fulltime Motorcycle

Oregonjaf · 03-19-2019, 12:24 PM

I know this topic has been talked about, however, I'd like a lot more advice from you guys.

Me? I am a solo, soon to be once again, full timer. I was a full timer a few years ago where I towed my Jeep. I didn't have a problem and I think we all agree in another vehicle is a must. My other hobby has always been dirt bikes. So, having said that, I am thinking on a Dual Sport motorcycle mounted on a hitch carrier.

I'd like to know from anyone who uses a bike (Scooter) with their rigs? Also, anybody use a hitch carrier, the weight, safety and security of your bikes.

Thanks everyone!

cpmath · 03-19-2019, 01:17 PM

This is such a redundant question. So much has been posted before concerning this, hard to give you an answer. What size MC, its weight, your MH, its capacity at the hitch. Perhaps you should check with the folks who are supplying your carrier for their expertise on what you want to do. Not really sure anyone here can or will answer your broad question in a few answers and then guarantee you it's what you should do.

Bob Denman · 03-19-2019, 01:27 PM

I agree: the overall weight of the bike and carrier will need to be carefully considered...

Good luck with your search!

blw2 · 03-19-2019, 08:26 PM

I'm guessing you mainly just want to have a conversation with someone else doing this...

Sorry, I can't help...except to say I've seen a few folks doing it from time to time in various campgrounds. Very few....and I have pondered the idea several times. Seems like most folks I see that look to be full timers (or long term part timers) with bikes, at least around here, have big street bikes on trailers.

I remember one guy in particular that had an electric street/dirt bike that looked like it would be a blast.
https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-fx/
I've thought about that one quite a bit since I saw it a couple years ago.

For me, when I ponder the idea I think it might make sense if your plan is to be moving a lot.... as in a new CG every few days or a week....but if your plan is to park for say a month or a season, then I'd think there would be too many times that you'd want to go to the store in bad weather, haul groceries, etc... so for me I'd want a little car or jeep

The Gritz Carlton · 03-19-2019, 08:38 PM

It becomes all about hitch weight rating vs. towing capacity. Generally that's around 10% of towing capacity but not a steadfast rule. Also, most hitch gurus will advise, any extension of the hitch outward further than 4" of the face plate will reduce the hitch weight capacity by 50%.

DbleDutch · 03-20-2019, 03:06 AM

You will not find a receiver bike rack to carry more than 500#. I have a 700# ST1300 and have looked at multiple options. With the right rig a hydraulic lift for the bigger bikes is slick, but a bit $$$$. I thought of a Suzuki VanVan 325# dual sport on a 500# receiver rack, gives a bit of cushion to the weight limits.
Enjoy FT.

Bob Denman · 03-20-2019, 11:09 AM

We just bought a small trailer, to carry our golf cart...
We don't have to worry about the capacity of the hitch, and it is a much cheaper option.
http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1553082010

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1553082010

Oregonjaf · 03-20-2019, 01:05 PM

Ok! Thanks for the great replies everyone.

The bike I'm looking at comes in at around 300 Lbs. So, given all of your advice, a hitch mounted system would probably work. I'm still young and fairly healthy, so mounting it (The bike itself), I don't believe would be a problem.

I did consider a trailer like what Bob suggested. I pulled ATVs on one for years. I also looked at an enclosed trailer. That way, more gear can be stored. (More BIKES! Ha!)

Have any of you had problems with security on the road with your bikes?

You guys are AWESOME!

Bob Denman · 03-20-2019, 01:09 PM

If you want an enclosed trailer: take a good look at Iron Horse!

They ain't cheap; but they ARE worth the money!

Oregonjaf · 03-20-2019, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

If you want an enclosed trailer: take a good look at Iron Horse!

They ain't cheap; but they ARE worth the money!

WOW! Those are amazing trailers. Good grief, the price tag is amazing too! Haha!

The Gritz Carlton · 03-20-2019, 04:52 PM

A few weeks go I passed a tandem DP pulling a 3 axle trailer paint matched to his rig. Between the MH and the trailer was a full-on Electra Glide mounted across the back with a drive-on, fold up ramp. You can configure anything you wish...it just requires modifications beyond the standard, "tin-man" hitch assemblies that come with our rigs.

Calman · 03-20-2019, 05:26 PM

Before I "aged" into trikes (now ride 1800cc Gold Wing) used a Harbor Freight 48x96 folding trailer for a lot of things. In that list were hauling a 1996 535cc Verago, a 500cc Royal Enfield with sidecar, and a triked out 2009 750cc Honda Shadow. Unfortunately when I moved up to the Gold Wings I had to get a longer and wider trailer.

Once I put a deck and removable side rails on the trailer I was able the to use it for hauling kayaks, trash, tools, etc. AND motorcycles. The three great features when used for motorcycles was ease of loading due to the folding feature (tilted deck back, ride up and weight would level out deck) and plenty of deck room for more storage. The latter included extra 5 gallon gas cans (chained to side rails) and a couple of waterproof, plastic footlockers which I anchored to the deck and used honesty padlocks. Footlockers were great for stowing motorcycle gear, rachet tiedowns, and covers and extra outdoor gear.

Once back home the footlockers went on the garage shelves and the trailer side rails removed and tied down to deck floor and the entire thing was folded up and leaned against a wall.

Can get one for under $400.00 and with a 20% off coupon can save enough to pay for decking and wood for side rails.

Bob Denman · 03-20-2019, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonjaf

WOW! Those are amazing trailers. Good grief, the price tag is amazing too! Haha!

When we were first looking at motorhomes: we narrowed it down to the Outlaw 29-H, and a Compass pulling an Iron Horse trailer (Four our Spyder RT-L). They were about the same price, so we went with the Outlaw so that we didn't need to pull the trailer...

Now: we're back to a Sprinter chassis, and towing a trailer!

blw2 · 03-21-2019, 03:38 AM

Here's a 600# option...just found with Google, I know nothing about it....

or for really heavy options, you have things like these
Motorcycle Carrier | Motorcycle Lift | Motorcycle Trailer | RV | Pickup Truck

and
https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-an...cycle-carriers

I've even seen some that have small tires, basically casters to hold weight, not like a trailer

Problem with trailers is that there are so many CG's where you can't store it in your site....so there's the hassle of dropping it at storage someplace after unloading the stuff at the site.....

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