Transporting Motorcycles With a Motorcycle Carrier
When is a motorcycle carrier safe to use? A motorcycle carrier is always safe to use as long as the motorcycle and the vehicle follow strict guidelines, usually recommended by the manufacture of the vehicle and the carrier.
The weight limit of the carrier and the maximum tongue rating of the hitch receiver is very important to follow.
Failure to comply the weight limits can often result in extremely expensive damage to the motorcycle and the vehicle.
Typical weight limits of motorcycle haulers are 400 and 600lbs depending on the design and material the carrier is made out of.
Most carriers that are made for dirt bike transportation are made out of aluminum and have a 400lb weight limit.
The carriers that are made of steel usually have a 600lb weigh limit and are designed to carry sport bikes or cruisers.
Loading the Motorcycle Loading the motorcycle on the carrier is often times where most accidents occur.
Always have two people present when loading the motorcycle, one person on each side of the motorcycle to balance the bike.
Never have the motorcycle running while loading the bike, a slip of the clutch can send the motorcycle into the vehicle or into some on loading the bike.
After the motorcycle is up the ramp have on person securely hold the bike while the other uses ratchet straps to strap down the motorcycle to the motorcycle carrier.
Always use at least four ratchet straps to secure the motorcycle.
Two on the front of the motorcycle and two on the back of the rear of the motorcycle, preferably on the seat frame.
Driving with the Motorcycle Carrier The most common mistake drivers make when transporting a motorcycle on the carrier is the assumption that they will be able to drive as if they are not transporting the motorcycle due to the absence of a trailer.
Special attention needs to be taken when driving with the carrier, especially when driving over rough terrain such as dirt road, speed bumps and on-ramps to interstates.
Failure to drive carefully can result in failure of the ratchet straps or other locking mechanisms that will securely hold the motorcycle to the carrier.
The weight limit of the carrier and the maximum tongue rating of the hitch receiver is very important to follow.
Failure to comply the weight limits can often result in extremely expensive damage to the motorcycle and the vehicle.
Typical weight limits of motorcycle haulers are 400 and 600lbs depending on the design and material the carrier is made out of.
Most carriers that are made for dirt bike transportation are made out of aluminum and have a 400lb weight limit.
The carriers that are made of steel usually have a 600lb weigh limit and are designed to carry sport bikes or cruisers.
Loading the Motorcycle Loading the motorcycle on the carrier is often times where most accidents occur.
Always have two people present when loading the motorcycle, one person on each side of the motorcycle to balance the bike.
Never have the motorcycle running while loading the bike, a slip of the clutch can send the motorcycle into the vehicle or into some on loading the bike.
After the motorcycle is up the ramp have on person securely hold the bike while the other uses ratchet straps to strap down the motorcycle to the motorcycle carrier.
Always use at least four ratchet straps to secure the motorcycle.
Two on the front of the motorcycle and two on the back of the rear of the motorcycle, preferably on the seat frame.
Driving with the Motorcycle Carrier The most common mistake drivers make when transporting a motorcycle on the carrier is the assumption that they will be able to drive as if they are not transporting the motorcycle due to the absence of a trailer.
Special attention needs to be taken when driving with the carrier, especially when driving over rough terrain such as dirt road, speed bumps and on-ramps to interstates.
Failure to drive carefully can result in failure of the ratchet straps or other locking mechanisms that will securely hold the motorcycle to the carrier.
- Never drive over the posted speed limits
- Always slow for rough terrain
- Always take turns as slow as possible
- Always load the motorcycle onto the motorcycle carrier with two people.
- Always choose a motorcycle carrier designed for your motorcycle and vehicle
- Always drive safely as if you were pulling a trailer when the motorcycle carrier is mounted.
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