Transporting new cycle

jmcgill · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 6:48 am Post subject: Transporting new cycle

I just bought a Suzuki GT185, and I am trying to figure out how I'm going to get it from where it is to my home in Virginia.

I have looked at various options ranging from Uhaul's motorcycle carrier, to the AMC 400 hitch mounted carrier.

Has anyone out there had experience using the hitch mounted carriers?

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Bikegeezer · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:12 am Post subject:

Which hitch mounter carrier? The one that mounts the whole bike sideways, or the one that tows the bike by the front wheel? If the front wheel version, remove the drive chain to prevent transmission damage. Sideways works good, if your vehicle can handle the tongue load.

Stu

jmcgill · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:23 am Post subject:

Sideways. The AMC 400 is a sideways job that is 75" long. Weight limit of 400 lbs, and my vehicle has a class III hitch that I use to haul my boat.

What I'm worried about is that some of my research says that the GT185 is 76.5" long.....the next step up in carriers is over $150 more.

KirkN · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:36 am Post subject:

hmmm.... if you're already committed to driving there and back to get it yourself, what about just renting a pickup truck? Or renting an open trailer? Or a closed trailer?

What about BUYING an inexpensive open trailer? Use it and keep it, or sell it off when you're done.

Buy some ratcheting tie downs from WalMart or auto parts store, and yer in business!

H2Lou · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:38 am Post subject:

I think that is a tip to tip measurement...
you want the contact point of your tires to the ground...
subtract one wheel diameter.

jmcgill · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:41 am Post subject:

I kind of wanted to own a carrier, as I will be transporting the bike to and from Pennsylvania and South Carolina. A trailer is a hassle, as you have to title it, register it, etc.

This is a small bike and one of those cheaper carriers would work well (I would think).

H2Lou · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 7:59 am Post subject:

the cheap ones rock side to side a bit...but work very well.

jmcgill · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:31 am Post subject:

I'm going to look at Harbor Freight this weekend and see if they have the one on their website.

It will be nice to be able to transport the bike anytime I want.

Joe

Steve Searles · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:32 am Post subject: Tie Down Straps

Rachet tie down straps??? Never, never use cheap K-Mart WalMart rachet light weight tie downs straps for any show bikes or motorcycles that you care about. Only use the heavy duty Ancra cam lock 1,200 lb rated tie down straps. They will last for many years. Rachet staps really stink, what a pain. Just my opinion after 40 years of motorcycling.

H2Lou · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 11:50 am Post subject:

+1
buy the best straps you can afford.

fasterspider · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

I bought a Toyota Tacoma because I knew that I would be transporting motorcycles in the bed that just happens to be low enough that I can load my 650 pound CBX alone.
I buy my tie downs from the Honda dealer, they are equipped with soft ties.

Steve Searles · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject: Tie Downs

Amen brother Ray! Two wheel drive pickup trucks because the bed height is lower. That is what I do. (I need to get a lowering kit for my truck). I now have a 7'x16' enclosed trailer. It is sweet with a ramp door in the rear and front. Big anchors, ancra tie downs and wheel chocks. I can haul 6 bikes.

dorT500 · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject:

Lower even still....In 1976 I bought a brand new black and white Chevrolet El CaminoSS..a few months later,a brand new Honda CB750. I lived in some apartments at the time that just happened to have low sloping grassy mounds ....a couple were the exact height of the tailgate on the El Camino....just rode it right on into the bed. These two vehicles would be at the top of my list for "The Vehicles You Wish You Had Back" uh - oh....not trying to start a new topic within this one. Embarassed

Oh yah...That 750 slept in my dining room.

Steve Searles · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject:

We are all nuts. Motorcycles in the dining room. I bet you had no girl in your life at that time. Uh..Oh, don't want to start another topic that would stir up the pot. Rolling Eyes

dorT500 · Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 2:33 pm Post subject:

Steve,

Are you crazy? Smile

...I was 22 years old and partying in the 70's...who had time to eat? :rocker: