taking your motorcycle along

blues46 · 09-08-2019, 04:14 PM

We have a 2005 Winnebago Aspect 23D. Want to take along our 2011 Yamaha VStar 250. The hitch ramps look scary and not stable. Is a trailer a better choice? Bike is 330 lbs. wet. Thanks in advance for your help!

**ThomB** · 09-08-2019, 04:22 PM

While the Vstar is heavier than some bikes it’s not too heavy for one of the hitch carriers. I bet you’d be fine. A trailer adds to the complications of backing, storing, etc. That said I have a folding Kendon trailer that has a torsion axle and can be loaded on only one side if needed.

**Eagle5** · 09-08-2019, 05:07 PM

Here is how I carry my Suzuki DR350SL:
http://www.winnieowners.com/forums/f...2m-354205.html
I used this from South Bend to Pacifica and back without any problems. Short trips or long trips, it is very easy to use and works well.

blues46 · 09-10-2019, 05:55 PM

Thank you all for your responses. I think the enclosed trailer is is the way to go. Being retired, I will have to wait for a "deal". Thank you all for your help, you guys rock!

**ThomB** · 09-10-2019, 07:02 PM

I’m a member of a TDJ yard sale Facebook group (Track Day Junkies). There are always trailers that come up on there for sale. They’re usually already setup for bikes, etc. You may want to see about joining to see if you can find a trailer there.

NYBobbo · 09-14-2019, 01:11 PM

The Versahaul is a great rack and ramp system.... 40k miles with my bike on the back & never a worry

Siskiyouline · 09-15-2019, 07:26 PM

I have a Road Star and pull it in a enclosed trailer. Had the local trailer supply shop build and install a front wheel chock and also installed four, in the floor tie down anchors. I think it cost around $200.00 to have it done. Haven't been sorry. Admitted I have to tow it around and service it once in a while but, Its always clean and I don't worry about things happening to it if I'm not there with it. The trailer is fairly small inside but, it's tall. I can stand up in it. Best of luck!

NeilV · 09-16-2019, 12:18 AM

It depends on you physical ability. I am a disable senior and load my 250cc bike on a hitch carrier. I start with a short strap hooked from the foot peg nearest the motor home to the safety chain loop on the hitch to stabilize the bike once its on the rack and then proceed from there to strap down the bike. I have been doing it this way since 2009.

I have dropped the motor home off at campgrounds for the family and ridden back home on the bike on numerous occasions over the years and the rack does not have to be unhitched and potentially stored off site or an alternate location like some camps can require for a cargo trailer towed behind a motor home.

If you have to put your motor home in a storage lot when at home you also won't need to pay two storage fees with the rack.

Siskiyouline · 09-16-2019, 12:58 AM

While I agree with you folks about the hitch carrier being less of a hassle, I couldn't put an 800+ pound motorcycle on that type of carrier. Like has been said, it all depends on your abilities and other conditions.

NeilV · 09-16-2019, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siskiyouline

While I agree with you folks about the hitch carrier being less of a hassle, I couldn't put an 800+ pound motorcycle on that type of carrier. Like has been said, it all depends on your abilities and other conditions.

Most of the ramp type are only meant for a 450 lb or less bike like the Original Posters 250cc Yamaha at a little over 300 lbs. With their long overhangs behind the rear axle most coaches won't support much more than that without some modification and some major redistribution of whats loaded into them or their front wheels won't make sufficient contact with the road to handle very well especially in cross winds and on uneven roads. Hitches when installed on motor homes tend to be devalued in their load rating too so they can max out at 400 lbs due to their being mounted to lighter duty frame extensions or the house frame instead of the OEM engine and drive train chassis.

800+ lb bikes would require a lift type carrier and a motor home with the capacity to have 1,000+ lbs hanging off the back of it or a trailer/dolly platform..

dwaller · 09-17-2019, 10:15 AM

Swivel wheel from joes axles and more, three sticks of 3/16 two inch square tube and plywood.

Sun_Seeker · 10-28-2019, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blues46

We have a 2005 Winnebago Aspect 23D. Want to take along our 2011 Yamaha VStar 250. The hitch ramps look scary and not stable. Is a trailer a better choice? Bike is 330 lbs. wet. Thanks in advance for your help!

The best (in my opinion) solution for a motorcycle, is the following dedicated motorcycle tow trailer. It is called a Stinger Folding Trailer, that folds down to the space of a lawn mower when not in use at home. The best motorcycle trailer made...

Here is the link. It is produced in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and if you buy straight from the factory...you'd be paying in CDN dollars...and save in effect, around 35 % off the price, as your C.C. company will reduce that amount! They will ship it to your home, if you arrange for that.

https://ca.stingertrailer.com/produc...xl-112-inches/

This trailer is fantastic, for when you want to just tow your bike without your RV, or taking it to your dealer for tires, tune-ups, maintenance and what-not! It's a great trailer if you just want to tow down (in the Winter) to Florida, at the top of the state...then, store your car and trailer at any outside storage site just inside the Florida state line--> (if you have a Van, as I do...you can actually fold the trailer and place it INTO your van for security) , and then rip and snort on tour, through Florida, right down to the Keys! Been there...done that!