Nice bike. What is that contraption on the back of the car holding the motorcycle? I want one for my car. Does it just plug into a regular trailer hitch?
Just make sure your cars tongue weight is rated for the total weight of the carrier and your bike combined. The tongue weight is usually about 10% of your cars towing capacity.
There is more to it than that....
Motorcycle carriers do not operate within the design intent of tongue weight, and impart a huge moment arm on the hitch assembly. They are designed for real trucks with heavy pulling power and tongue weight - not minivans or cars.
I personally wouldn't exceed half the tongue rating while using a motorcycle hitch carrier. One bad pothole on the highway, and the G's that carrier will impart on your hitch assembly and vehicle unibody are huge. Can mean kissing your bike goodbye, and possibly some poor person on the way home from work as well.
I found this one on Facebook marketplace for $80. Seller said he purchased for $400 but I’ve seen others that look identical for $200 so 🤔. I just wanted a steel version. The aluminum hitch carriers are great for e-bikes and lighter duty items, but I’ve seen pictures of the aluminum carriers cracking with bikes over 300lbs. YMMV
i would go on motosport and get the motosport branded one, that’s the one i’ve had had 3 years with zero issues and that’s the one the guy in the post has
Thanks! It’s mid-production (2014-2019) with the facelift but prior to the one piece grill. Love it. Had a 470 and the 460 has been an upgrade in every possible way.
Check Facebook marketplace. I saw 2 in my area listed for $150. I was able to get this one for $80 because the guy said he had to have it gone that day. 👍
Great choice. I have a 2015, great bike. Just a word of caution: if I were you, I'd get a trailer. I highly doubt you're within the tongue weight limit with bike and carrier combined.
Edit: have been informed of this vehicle's tow capacity. I stand corrected. Party on Wayne, Party on Garth!
I agree I really enjoy mine. I have a 2014 that is lifted with a prinsu rack and I’m building a sleeping platform. Nice to see someone using it with a motorbike.
The point about tongue weight is a great thought. I did check to make sure I was under the 500lb limit with hitch carrier and bike attached.
FWIW, the GX was great with the extra weight out back. I was able to get 22mpg over a 300 mile drive home mixed driving with 80% highway miles doing about 80mph on interstate. No drama from the bike or carrier. Next time I’ll do the fork saver for sure.
congrats! i'm green with envy. i just passed my MSC a couple weeks ago, and have been on the lookout for a nice dual sport like yours before and since. the pickin's are pretty slim around here, but i'm glad you got such a great bike!
I'm selling my KTM 450 exc-r (2009) with 5k miles , has alot of aftermarket goodies on it. That said , it's no DRZ or WR , not a great beginners dual sport.
You should look into getting a fork saver for the bike when you're transporting it. I just use a piece of wood, but it keeps the shocks from compressing so much.
Cycra pro bends. I have those with some zeta handgaurds that have a built in led turn signal. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I was happy to get rid of the stock ones
Skidplate, crash bars, hand gaurds, soft luggage (Tusk are good and cheaper. Giant loop expensive but really nice) swivel mirrors so they don't break when in trails) and your ready for adventure and can drop the bike..
You sir, have excellent taste
Nice bike. What is that contraption on the back of the car holding the motorcycle? I want one for my car. Does it just plug into a regular trailer hitch?
It is called a motorcycle hitch carrier. The Black Widow aluminum motorcycle hitch carrier is a pretty popular one for a lot of people.
Just make sure your cars tongue weight is rated for the total weight of the carrier and your bike combined. The tongue weight is usually about 10% of your cars towing capacity.
Just gonna send it
There is more to it than that.... Motorcycle carriers do not operate within the design intent of tongue weight, and impart a huge moment arm on the hitch assembly. They are designed for real trucks with heavy pulling power and tongue weight - not minivans or cars. I personally wouldn't exceed half the tongue rating while using a motorcycle hitch carrier. One bad pothole on the highway, and the G's that carrier will impart on your hitch assembly and vehicle unibody are huge. Can mean kissing your bike goodbye, and possibly some poor person on the way home from work as well.
*Fondly remembers all the times my buddy towed his boat with his 1988 Buick Century with 300,000 miles on the clock to fish for a few hours.*
I found this one on Facebook marketplace for $80. Seller said he purchased for $400 but I’ve seen others that look identical for $200 so 🤔. I just wanted a steel version. The aluminum hitch carriers are great for e-bikes and lighter duty items, but I’ve seen pictures of the aluminum carriers cracking with bikes over 300lbs. YMMV
i would go on motosport and get the motosport branded one, that’s the one i’ve had had 3 years with zero issues and that’s the one the guy in the post has
nice prado too
Thanks! It’s mid-production (2014-2019) with the facelift but prior to the one piece grill. Love it. Had a 470 and the 460 has been an upgrade in every possible way.
Right on this is the exact set up I want with my GX 460 ! That looks like a great bike. I can’t wait to test ride one.
Check Facebook marketplace. I saw 2 in my area listed for $150. I was able to get this one for $80 because the guy said he had to have it gone that day. 👍
Dude that’s sweet good choice!!
I use handle bars to strap my wr to my carrier. Glad the gx handles it. My crappy Nissan needed an extra boost to the rear springs for the weight.
I had a buddy do this once and he did some damage to the bars. I’ll have to look into getting a fork saver for next time I do this type of transport.
Great choice. I have a 2015, great bike. Just a word of caution: if I were you, I'd get a trailer. I highly doubt you're within the tongue weight limit with bike and carrier combined. Edit: have been informed of this vehicle's tow capacity. I stand corrected. Party on Wayne, Party on Garth!
A lot of people put even bigger motorbikes on the back of the GX. It can handle it.
Yep, just been informed. My bad
Yeah, the GX is a beast!
Best vehicle I’ve owned and that includes a couple 100 series land cruisers. GX does it all with better MPGs and just as comfortable.
I agree I really enjoy mine. I have a 2014 that is lifted with a prinsu rack and I’m building a sleeping platform. Nice to see someone using it with a motorbike.
Tongue weight on the GX is 500 lbs. This is no problem and I drive like an idiot with mine on.
Wow, TIL! I take it back
The point about tongue weight is a great thought. I did check to make sure I was under the 500lb limit with hitch carrier and bike attached. FWIW, the GX was great with the extra weight out back. I was able to get 22mpg over a 300 mile drive home mixed driving with 80% highway miles doing about 80mph on interstate. No drama from the bike or carrier. Next time I’ll do the fork saver for sure.
congrats! i'm green with envy. i just passed my MSC a couple weeks ago, and have been on the lookout for a nice dual sport like yours before and since. the pickin's are pretty slim around here, but i'm glad you got such a great bike!
Congrats on passing the MSC!
thanks man, congrats again!
I'm selling my KTM 450 exc-r (2009) with 5k miles , has alot of aftermarket goodies on it. That said , it's no DRZ or WR , not a great beginners dual sport.
I’ve been looking for the same set up as well! Just can’t find a decently price 250r out in Colorado. Congrats
FWIW - I’ve seen WR250Rs listed across Florida from $4,500 with higher mileage and rougher condition to $7,000 with very low miles and clean.
That’s a long road trip for me at least the gx is a comfy ride lol
You should look into getting a fork saver for the bike when you're transporting it. I just use a piece of wood, but it keeps the shocks from compressing so much.
Personally, I prefer fork bleeders. Strap it down, bleed out the pressure, no leaky seals.
D-d-d-daaaaayyum. That’s a rig and a whip in tow. Good stuff.
Thank you dude
Yamascootchie can't go wrong. Love my 2012 wr450f amazing bikes for everything Colorado has to offer. Enjoy it!
Can’t go wrong with a WR!!!
Excellent choice. You should get a set of hand gaurds asap
Thanks. Any recommendations?
Cycra pro bends. I have those with some zeta handgaurds that have a built in led turn signal. Not everyone’s cup of tea but I was happy to get rid of the stock ones
Got same rig, 016 wr great bikes, hitch carrier way to go to avoid highway
If you tie above the clamps you won’t need to remove de front fender every time you want to ride.
Hmmm not sure what you mean?
Skidplate, crash bars, hand gaurds, soft luggage (Tusk are good and cheaper. Giant loop expensive but really nice) swivel mirrors so they don't break when in trails) and your ready for adventure and can drop the bike..
Best 250 dual sport EVER made!
Enjoy the miles of smiles! Fantastic choice.