Front Motorcycle Carrier
I'm back from 5K trip with this M/C carrier, worked really great. Mongo HAPPY!
I have found a few threads on this form about front motorcycle carriers. One of the suggestions that came from a past poster, was replacing the tow hooks with a 2x2 hitch receiver clicky to except a carrier. I really liked that idea, with 2 supports the carrier would not have the seesaw movement. So that set me on a course to what I have now.
This carrier fits my '14 Ram 3500 4x4 Diesel w/ '01 Lance 1010. The carrier holds my Honda 250L @ 320lbs. Carrier itself is 80lbs(heavy bottom rail). Weighted my setup and I'm 110lbs over on the front axle, I'll fly with it. The truck doesn't handles any different with or without m/c on.
My first trip after completion I noticed some front/back movement with the bike on bumps. Most m/c carriers have a wider tie down bar for the front end and a shorter one for the rear, build mine that way too. Well I ended up shortening my front to 13" just enough to clear the front forks and back to 11". I then added a support from the receiver to the passenger peg mounting hole, I had already removed those pegs when I got this used bike. That really worked great, nice and solid.
I had my welder add that nut/bolt to the bottom of the receiver to help snug up the carrier. Built the carrier so I can open the hood while the bike is on. In doing so it left enough room so it would cradle the aluminum ramp, extra fuel cans fit nicely too.
As for windshield view it took a bit of time not to do a double take every time I caught something out the corner of my eye at the hood. I'm 6'4" so I don't feel the bike is any safety/view problem. I do remove the bikes side mirrors during transit for less view obstruction.
My license plate is not in full view(no flames please), but will be moving to the tire hoop area in future.
Hope this give some idea's to anyone who might be thinking of a front carrier.
Love having the bike to explore the back roads while leaving the TC setup with a cold beer in the fridge waiting for me at the end of the ride!
Ride safe
Brian
Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park BC Canada 8/16
I have found a few threads on this form about front motorcycle carriers. One of the suggestions that came from a past poster, was replacing the tow hooks with a 2x2 hitch receiver clicky to except a carrier. I really liked that idea, with 2 supports the carrier would not have the seesaw movement. So that set me on a course to what I have now.
This carrier fits my '14 Ram 3500 4x4 Diesel w/ '01 Lance 1010. The carrier holds my Honda 250L @ 320lbs. Carrier itself is 80lbs(heavy bottom rail). Weighted my setup and I'm 110lbs over on the front axle, I'll fly with it. The truck doesn't handles any different with or without m/c on.
My first trip after completion I noticed some front/back movement with the bike on bumps. Most m/c carriers have a wider tie down bar for the front end and a shorter one for the rear, build mine that way too. Well I ended up shortening my front to 13" just enough to clear the front forks and back to 11". I then added a support from the receiver to the passenger peg mounting hole, I had already removed those pegs when I got this used bike. That really worked great, nice and solid.
I had my welder add that nut/bolt to the bottom of the receiver to help snug up the carrier. Built the carrier so I can open the hood while the bike is on. In doing so it left enough room so it would cradle the aluminum ramp, extra fuel cans fit nicely too.
As for windshield view it took a bit of time not to do a double take every time I caught something out the corner of my eye at the hood. I'm 6'4" so I don't feel the bike is any safety/view problem. I do remove the bikes side mirrors during transit for less view obstruction.
My license plate is not in full view(no flames please), but will be moving to the tire hoop area in future.
Hope this give some idea's to anyone who might be thinking of a front carrier.
Love having the bike to explore the back roads while leaving the TC setup with a cold beer in the fridge waiting for me at the end of the ride!
Ride safe
Brian
Bugaboo Glacier Provincial Park BC Canada 8/16
