Dirt bike hitch mount

I bought a used Versa Haul hitch mount motorcycle carrier. I think this will be a good way to transport my dirt bike.

 

For a bike that size it seems it'd do ok. Those things scare me though, that's a lot of weight set way behind the rear axle.

 

They're great actually! I have an all aluminum single one for my scooters. Used it on my 09 Subaru with class 3 hitch. My scoots are about 200 lbs. It had zero problems with it.

I just bought my 2012 Tacoma, so I've only pulled a 5 x 6 trailer with 2 scooters so far. But I plan on using my hitch mount when I only need one.

And it might matter to say I'll be putting a cap on in about 2 weeks, so no scooter in the truck bed.....

 

My only question would be.....Can you see your rear lights when carrying the bike/scooter ?????

The OP's picture shows very little of the Taco's lights.....instant way to have a LEO "light" you up or have a "text'r" shorten your truck.......

 

I thought of this too. I bought a set of magnetic tail lights that sit on the hitch between my dirt bike tires. Plug into the trailer lights receptacle. Hopefully this will alleviate a ticket and also help prevent an accident from behind.

 

My scooters are much smaller and shorter already, but that's a great idea with the lights.

 

They work great.

There are a couple of models, one capable of carrying two bikes--that I probably wouldn't consider for the weight and this one.

OP, you might want to weld a piece of 2" square stock to a plate so you can stand the VH up in the garage. Makes storage a lot easier. Also, careful of the threads on that aluminum hitch tightening thing. They'll strip pretty easy.

 

Thanks for the good tips. Right now the VH sits at the back of my garage, leaned against the wall. I'll be careful with the threads.

 

Do you have aftermarket suspension? Or are you still stock. I'm quite confident that weight cantelevered would max out my stock suspension. I'd like to get one of these so I can haul my DRZ and have my topper on for camping. But I'm waiting until I get a real leaf pack.

 

I ride sport bikes and often put my 417lb Duc in the bed with no real issues aside from lack of SECURE tie down points for the nose, and of course the tailgate stays down. I'm usually pretty comfortable hauling her around that way, as long as the roads don't get too twisty, since there is ample weight above the normally light rear axle. I have had a few pucker moments, especially in very technical roads with tight corners and banks. Have you noticed any changes to the rear end's behavior with this setup? I don't know if I'd be comfortable with it.

 

I've still got stock suspension, three leaf pack. I've only used the hitch hauler for my CRF450X. It weighs ~250lbs, pretty much the same as your DRZ. Your topper will add weight though, so you might burden your suspension more than I do.

 

Sounds like you need a trailer IMO.

 

Any one use these with a cap/shell? Or would the handlebars hit the glass? How far is the bike from the tailgate?

 

Any one use these with a cap/shell? Or would the handlebars hit the glass? How far is the bike from the tailgate?

 

You cannot open the shell while a bike is on it. Otherwise, works just fine and is far enough away that the bike won't hit the gate or shell.

 

I've been eyeballing this carrier, any updates or opinions on the versahaul.

 

Enclosed trailer is the way to go. I don't know how I lived without one. Bikes stay in there when I don't ride them, and going to the trail or track is a crazy easy process. Hook up the trailer and go. All the gear lives in the trailer, tools, helmets, fuel... it's so easy it's dumb.

 

Do a lot of solo dirt riding and am liking the idea of this rack ,,, enclosed trailer def for multiple bikes ,,wife's quad etc,,, time to check used I date say

 

In CA, at least, the trailer limits you to 55mph on the freeway. Makes a hitch carrier so much nicer

 

If you get a rack look into http://www.joehauler.com/
Those are the originals and built with thicker material and stronger than all the others available. I use one on the back of my Jeep TJ and can still off-road with it on the back! It does rock a bit but it doesnt go anywhere.

Took me a while to get used to seeing a swaying bike in the rearview! After checking it 100x I realized it wasnt going to go anywhere, haha.

A buddy of mine has one of the HF aluminum ones and it actually broke off and jacked up his bike really bad, careful with the cheap ones, would suck to ruin a $10K bike due to having a cheap carrier! The Joe Haulers cost a little more but there is a reason. Cheap insurance IMO.