Towbar hitch-mounted dirt bike carrier

**motocoorg** · 19th June 2013, 15:13

Hi Guys,

Check out the new towball/hitch mounted Moto carrier. Let me know anyone is keen to get one made (can be custom made for the vehicle or standard tow bar). This could be handy if you don't like to tow the trailer every time you want to go for ride. It's quite sturdy and well built, has a ramp that can be stowed on the frame. It can be removed easily when not in use. No Wof/rego required. Thoughts?

**oneofsix** · 19th June 2013, 15:25

requires a mount for a mini rego plate.

Only the lycra riders can get away with masking their plates with bike carriers because they are doing good for the environment.

I need the bike first.

**Rhubarb** · 19th June 2013, 15:51

Originally Posted by oneofsix

Only the lycra riders can get away with masking their plates with bike carriers

Slighlty off topic but ...........

I was stopped by a Mr Plod because my sons bike obscured the vehicles number plate. He didn't look very hard because the bike had an official 'Supplementary Plate' attached to it.

The Plod said they are going to target bike carriers obscuring number plates because it has become a 'prolific' problem (....and because they have nothing better to do & it's easy money !!!???)

The plates are available through a link on the the NZTA website. If I recall correctly it only cost $17 + $11 for the pouch with clips to mount it (pouch is optional).

**motocoorg** · 19th June 2013, 16:58

Originally Posted by Rhubarb

Slighlty off topic but ...........

I was stopped by a Mr Plod because my sons bike obscured the vehicles number plate. He didn't look very hard because the bike had an official 'Supplementary Plate' attached to it.

The Plod said they are going to target bike carriers obscuring number plates because it has become a 'prolific' problem (....and because they have nothing better to do & it's easy money !!!???)

The plates are available through a link on the the NZTA website. If I recall correctly it only cost $17 + $11 for the pouch with clips to mount it (pouch is optional).

Sounds like a good idea to get a extra plate anyway, for that price.

**Jay GTI** · 19th June 2013, 19:36

I got pulled by the plod for my one, was hanging off the back of an old E32 735i. Turned out he was a dirt biker as well, he was keen on seeing how it worked... no ticket, but he did suggest a light board with extra plate would be a good idea.

One thing to be careful of with this kind of carrier is the downward weight rating of the towbar. I had mine built for the carrier, but it still flexed quite a bit, the towbar guy had already seen one towbar fail from one of these.

**gwynfryn** · 20th June 2013, 09:31

Another problem with them is that unless you have a saloon(i.e. conventional boot) once the bike is on you can't access through the rear hatch/doors.

**ARIKI DRZ ROURU** · 20th June 2013, 18:27

yeah i want 1. how do i go about getting one installed?

**motocoorg** · 21st June 2013, 09:41

Originally Posted by ARIKI DRZ ROURU

yeah i want 1. how do i go about getting one installed?

PMed you!

The coming ones will have tail lamps, indicators etc and the plate holder.

As pointed above please check the tongue weight rating of your tow bar.

**BMWST?** · 21st June 2013, 11:37

not only the weight rating of the towbar itself.Having about 150 kg hanging off a point way behind the rear wheels wont do much for handling.Some towbars are only rated for about 75kg toungue weight

**sugilite:Me** · 21st June 2013, 15:14

I used one of these for a few years carting my supermoto bike. I beefed up the rear suspension with stiffer springs. Had it on a toyota estima people mover and barely noticed the bike was there, brilliant. Had no hassles with cops either.

**ARIKI DRZ ROURU** · 21st June 2013, 16:57

yea i got an estima to but mine doesnt have a towbar, instead has a body kit.. u reckon itll still work or nah?

**sugilite:Me** · 21st June 2013, 17:25

Assuming the unit is a similar design to the one I have, then you will definitely need a tow bar and to cut the rear of your body kit up some to make it work. I've had 4 estimas and all needed suspension upgrades all round as the standard jap market stuff is not up to NZ roads and the weights we tend to put in our cars.

**ktm84mxc** · 29th June 2013, 08:52

See you can get stripper poles and base plates to fit tow ball fittings now [ june issue of topgear mag] now that could like life round the camp fire at a two day trail ride more interesting .

**unstuck** · 29th June 2013, 09:00

Originally Posted by ktm84mxc

See you can get stripper poles and base plates to fit tow ball fittings now [ june issue of topgear mag] now that could like life round the camp fire at a two day trail ride more interesting .

What, watching your pissed grubby mates swinging round a pole naked, you sure you dont ride a Honda.