Carrying a Motorcycle with my 2000 Shasta Sprite?

Here is a slightly different perspective. If the hitch and frame are rated to carry a tongue weight, it is rated for that rate whether it is bouncing or not - trailers do not glide on air. Being cantilevered does add to the effective load on the hitch but no more than the 2000 lbs from the front half of a trailer being pitched forward on the hitch from a dip in the road. Those affects would be taken care of in design. In a static sense, 500 lbs on the hitch would add 500 lbs to the axle plus with that wheelbase 250 to 300 lbs that the front axle became lighter. Again, if the manufacturer has provided the hitch rating, these extra loads have already been considered.

The problems in this scenario are finding a carrier that can handle 400 lbs and not weigh more than 100 lbs itself - if your hitch is rated at 500 lbs.

Also, if the rv is pictured in the signature, the short wheel base will accentuate the affects of the 500 lbs on the hitch. Be watchful for loose steering.

Get a small trailer...as others have said, it will put 1000lbs on the rear axle and take 500lb off the front axle.

That Shasta has a short wheelbase. I’d only consider carrying a motorcycle on the front.

I have to agree with Bordercollie… the solution is a small trailer. I am on my third MC trailer over the last 7 years and can assure they work/tow very well giving you far more options. 400 - 500 additional pounds on the rear end is a disaster waiting to happen… and it will.

Look at the Kendon line of folding trailers as they store vertically taking very little room in your garage. Used they can be had for around $1,200. My current and all time favorite is a nice 6 X 10' {8' tall} cargo trailer but they go for around $4K new and about half of that used. I have over 20,000 miles on the cargo trailer hauling my Indian Springfield, Polaris Rzr SXS, furniture, landscaping etc., they are really multi purpose.

:C

Don't forget, that 400 lb. Kawasaki will double or triple in weight when you are bouncing down the road.

You need to weigh your rig first... never mind I see it’s a E350. 400 lb bike plus 100 lb rack is going to put 1000 lbs on your rear axle (500 off front)..ain’t going to work. Maybe a 200 lb bike but now you need to weigh.

Spend some time googling and reading about available rear and front motorcycle carrying options. I have carried my 188 lb Honda Trail 90 on a rear aluminum hitch rack safely with ratchet straps and bungee cords. This arrangement blocks access to rear cargo door, however. The weight of a motorcycle may shift the balance of your rig adding weight to the rear and making the front end light on it's front wheels.

It may be that a small trailer is best and also useful for carrying other gear that won't fit well inside your short rig.