I NEED this motorcycle transport lift/rack

Trauma · Oct 8, 2012

anthem said:
Your math is not quite correct. There are several factors that you aren't considering. You aren't factoring the moment arm of the actual unit itself. You also need to consider some of the additional forces that will act on your hitch that this carrier imposes.

The tongue weight and the total weight are not the same. Otherwise you could have the bike on a contraption 10 ft long behind the car and you would say your setup is ok. There is a moment arm away from the point where the weight is being imposed.

Couple of other things you have to consider with these carriers - they impose rotational forces on the hitches as well as the forces they impose is different than a hitch/trailer would. A hitch trailer has forces that apply its forces straight down on the tongue, with some side to side forces (yawing). This particular carrier puts forces in a few different directions (including rotataional). Not saying your hitch can't handle it, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with anything less than a IV hitch.

I've used a carrier like this a few years back for a Vespa scooter. It was also a Class III. After 1000 miles (going to Maine/back) - it has ever so slightly bent the hitch down about 8-10 degrees. So it might work for nice short drives, but I would be careful. the vespa is lighter than the Duc and it bent the hitch. . ..

Tie downs shouldn't be a problem as most of these have rings about 12"-18" away from the rail that you can tie the bike down to. The vespa was easily a two person job for safety (though one could put it off). For the Duc - I would imagine you /really/ want two people.

And not sure why people would complain about 4K for a trailer (though you can easily get /many/ cheaper than that) for a bike that is 20-30K. . . One mistake on one of these carriers and its a lot more than you want to deal with.

Good luck. I wouldn't do it but each their own.

I agree with ALL your points. The only reason to even consider a rail, is storage of a trailer, or applicable neighborhood regulations that do not allow a trailer to be seen - my particular problem! I like the idea of going on trips with my Pani right behind me, but for all your reasons (which I am aware of BTW) I probably will never push the button and order

anthem · Oct 8, 2012

Trauma said:
I agree with ALL your points. The only reason to even consider a rail, is storage of a trailer, or applicable neighborhood regulations that do not allow a trailer to be seen - my particular problem! I like the idea of going on trips with my Pani right behind me, but for all your reasons (which I am aware of BTW) I probably will never push the button and order

Storage of a trailer is definitely a concern. The best one for storage issues is the Baxley SBF09. Trailer is a single trailer that is a dream to load (not like the Kendal or other ones) as you just release it and the whole trailer becomes a ramp. . . It folds up and fits under a standard garage door. It is a baxley which means its very very well built - but quite expensive. . . But if you want a fold-up trailer that can fit into a garage with no problems, I haven't seen anything else like it. ..

But in terms of those hitch carriers - not a fan. . .

Reaperz · Oct 8, 2012

I really like this for the size and price.

Stinger Folding Motorcycle Trailer

panigale1199 · Oct 14, 2012

I had a track day today and finally got to use the Moto Tote MTX to haul my Panigale.

I bought the Moto Tote off of their website (about $450) and it arrived within a couple of days. Prior to buying it, I corresponded with one of the company's owners, Marvin, who was very knowledgeable and allayed any fears that I had. Along with the Moto Tote, I purchased some Canyon Dancers and two sets of Ancira Original tie downs to hold the bike in place. Assembly of the unit took about 10-15 minutes.

Loading and unloading the bike is best done on an incline and although it can be done with one person, I felt more comfortable having an extra set of hands. (I'm using the Moto Tote with a 2012 Chevy Tahoe which is fairly tall). Once loaded up, the bike tied down easily and was quite secure. The track is almost 1.5 hours from my house and I felt comfortable driving at speed and making quick stops when necessary. I did not notice any handling difference with the Tahoe and despite all that weight on the tongue, the suspension didn't appear to be impacted. I stopped a couple of times along the way to check on the bike and it was fine.

The nice thing about this carrier is that when I was done, I could just hang it up on the garage wall and didn't have to deal with storing a trailer.

So, after using the Moto Tote today, I am a big fan and would highly recommend this product.

zilla · Oct 15, 2012

Joe Hauler

I believe the original, and American made, is the Joe Hauler. My old neighbor in San Marcos CA. I let him put my 996 on one for pictures but never considered it for myself. I believe the tongue weight issue is a consideration, but most important is to have no slop in the receiver/tongue join. They have something for that, and the MTX had a special bolt though i do not see that as good method. If I were going to put a street bike on one of those, I would customize it with a support coming out from the plate or plates at the outside of the hitch (to truck's frame). It could be done by adding a receiver, welded, or bolt on a strut and it would increase the capacity while eliminating torsion. Barring those mods, I would use tie dwns to stop the torsion

I NEED this motorcycle transport lift/rack

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