Motorcycle Carrier

msmith1199 wrote:

FIRE UP wrote:

msmith1199 wrote:

Dachristianman wrote:
Why not just purchase a small trailer? Seems to me that would be less stress on the coach, easier to load/unload, and probably just as cheap. With that little weight, I imagine that you wouldn't even know it was back there. Also, if you bought a larger trailer, you have instant extra storage.

Just my $.02 and worth about 1/2 that.

Tom

If there is no desire to also have a toad then a small trailer is probably a fraction the cost of one of the motorcycle lift systems out there for the big bikes.

Well Sir, first off, he's showing no desire for a trailer either. Second, he's already stated a lift is out. So, that leaves a "carrier" of some sort that is stout enough to do the job. And third, yes, you can find cheaper small M/C trailers that will haul a single bike for a reasonable price vs the cost of a NEW lift. A brand new Hydralift hovers north of $4500.00 and that does not include shipping and installation.

I bought my Hydralift used, for $1800 and, picked it up myself and, installed it myself. It all depends on how versatile and, resourseful one can be in a situation like this.

But, if he's (the OP) resourceful enough, he should be able to find:
1. A good welder that can help him out with a nicely made rack for his bike and his coach or,
2. A factory made one that, is not being used anymore by someone and, is for sale on C/L or, ebay etc.

But sir, he originally said he wanted to carry a bike weighing up to 600 pounds! A Harley FLSTF weighs in at about 700 pounds so I thought he was talking about a big bike. I don't think I've ever seen a drive on ramp type carrier that could hold 600 pounds, but I haven't looked at them all. And based on the weights he posted, I wasn't the only one that assumed he was looking for a lift system.

Well,
You're just about right if, he plans on the 600 lb. machine. But, if the lower weight one is the choice, then a good quality drive-on should work. But, if a three-receiver unit is built correctly, it will withstand 600 lbs. easily. That's technically only 200 lbs. per receiver. I've built those and, it's not very hard. But, it all depends on how the OP want's to handle it.
Scott