Those that have a front hitch setup...which one? Also, looking for a dirtbike carrier for a somewhat heavier DRZ400SM (supermoto) bike, about 320 pounds wet. Anyone run something like that?

I had front hitch on my F350 for generator carrying and I used rear hitch on my motorhome for carrying 500 lb PWC. On motorhome I did have triple receiver and that was what it took to carry heavier load without rocking side to side. So frankly, I don't think single receiver will hold 320lb load steady without additional brackets.

Nope, too much rocking! Mine is welded solid. Very strong!

Well I daily drice my truck (for the most part, I can't weld on a carrier) so if this won't work I'll drop the idea..It just seems this is possible with the carrier racks out there with loads that get to or go over the weight I'm looking at.

Pretty easy to do by replacing the front tow hooks with stub receiverstub receivers and then going from there. With the two receivers, you eliminate the rocking. However, for a 320# bike, you may want to add in a lower support also. As the bouncing will put a very large load on it.If you do not have factory tow hooks, then make sure you buy the tow hook kit from Dodge because the kit adds re-inforcement bractets behind the mating surface.Problem with the Dodge diesels is there isn't a weight available for carrying such a heavy load. Usually the axle is within a couple hundred pounds of the axle limit (not tire limit. Good news is one you build for your 07, if you upgrade to a 14 or later, the mount will move over by just slightly enlarging the mounting holes.

I have a front receiver that I had specially installed by a qualified welding shop. We carry two adult bikes each weighing about 35 lbs. They bounce around a lot on these bad roads. I wouldn't want to carry that much weight up there even tho the receiver is supposed to be good for 8 - 900 lbs.I'd think about a trailer possibly an enclosed one that could carry other necessary `stuff' needed for RVing.

Front hitch/dirtbike carrier | Good Sam Community

cmeade
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
I have a 2010 Ram 3500 4x4 megacab. I just installed a Curt front hitch made for my truck. They did not make the hitch to fit. It has 90 degree joints and bolted to the front frame rails. Too bad the front plastic air dam is curved. Ended up cutting square holes in airdam about 8" long for the ends of hitch to clear airdam. Wished they had curved the hitch to fit behind the airdam. Do not buy the Curt hitch unless you enjoy spendind over an hour cutting black plastic!!!!!
Wes_Tausend
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
...

Harbor Freight offers an economical aluminum carrier http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-motorcycle-carrier-99721.html for sale around $130 currently. It is said to hold a 400# bike but I would probably stabilize it from rocking better than OEM suggested.

Wes
hedge
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
this thread is making me want a bike. I wonder what the legalaties are for how far it is off the back. My camper hangs off the back and with the 18" 'comfort step' it'd be a long way back there. I have a superhitch and 36" supertruss extension, I think it would be ok to carry it but extended a long way off the back.
Vinsil
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
Nice. Mine is on the trailer but this is my usual toy we drag along. Not mine but its exactly like this. Don't have any pics on my tablet.
towpro
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
CAJW wrote:
I wish!!! The almost 10k price tag has kept me from the Euro bikes....I'd kill for a KTM...don't know anyone with a Beta..do you like it?
Thanks for the link. Nice bike!!!

I live my 2015 KTM 690 Enduro R :) (and my BMW r1200gs WC).
but I carry them in the trailer behind my truck.
Vinsil
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
CAJW wrote:
Vinsil wrote:
I wish!!! The almost 10k price tag has kept me from the Euro bikes....I'd kill for a KTM...don't know anyone with a Beta..do you like it?

Thanks for the link. Nice bike!!!

Best bike I've ever owned, light, fast, handles like a demon. It's my second Beta, but my boys and I had 3 DRZ400's for 10 years. Suzuki makes a bullet proof bike, but with my gray hair coming on strong, saving 50 lbs. meant I can keep riding and still pickup my own bike, which I do often! My son got a 3 yo KTM EXC450 for half of new, and used Betas can be had for near that. Keep watching the ads, one will turn up, but keep a wad of cash handy as the clean ones are gone often the first day they're posted for sale.

Yeah about the only way to buy any bike anymore...I forget that and '16 DRZ's are $7100 now! Dan's in Salem recently became a Beta dealer...I should at least see one in person. I'm no spring chicken anymore either...50 pounds is a lot! I've lusted after a KTM for years...reading about Beta's now, seem to have a strong following.

Just don't tell my wife that your going to cost me more money...lol.
CAJW
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
Vinsil wrote:
I wish!!! The almost 10k price tag has kept me from the Euro bikes....I'd kill for a KTM...don't know anyone with a Beta..do you like it?

Thanks for the link. Nice bike!!!

Best bike I've ever owned, light, fast, handles like a demon. It's my second Beta, but my boys and I had 3 DRZ400's for 10 years. Suzuki makes a bullet proof bike, but with my gray hair coming on strong, saving 50 lbs. meant I can keep riding and still pickup my own bike, which I do often! My son got a 3 yo KTM EXC450 for half of new, and used Betas can be had for near that. Keep watching the ads, one will turn up, but keep a wad of cash handy as the clean ones are gone often the first day they're posted for sale.
Vinsil
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
I wish!!! The almost 10k price tag has kept me from the Euro bikes....I'd kill for a KTM...don't know anyone with a Beta..do you like it?

Thanks for the link. Nice bike!!!
Vinsil
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
To update.....

AAM rates the front 9.25" axle at 5500 lbs. Just for that will ask a similar question.
CAJW
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
You can do what I did, sold my DRZ400SM for a Beta 520 and saved 50 lbs! As far as a carrier, I'm happy with this Tilt A Rack which I use on the rear receiver. At each end, I make some 1/8" cables with quick release turn buckles to help stabilize the rack, which works well. This rack has the added bonus of an attached ramp so nothing additional to store. You might get in touch with skipro3, he carries his dirt bike on this rack on the front of his TC and might have some pointers. Don't leave home without your bike!