Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Hey everyone, I was wondering if any of you have experience using those front wheel up, back wheel down towing apparatuses for motorcycles?

I recently bought a 2010 Jetta TDI, thinking I could put one of those European-style hitches on it and trailer a motorcycle around, but now that I am actually doing the research afterwards (dumb) it does not look like I could use that style of towing because of ground clearance and hitch compatibility. I do not have space to store a motorcycle trailer, so that is not an option. An example of the style of "trailer" I am considering is Tow-ster Motorcycle Carrier | Tow-ster Motorcycle Trailer | Hitch | Towster | Toaster | Motorcycle Trailer | Towing Service | Towing Service | Made in America | 35 pounds | Motorcycle Mount

I also have a 2000 Chevy Tracker that I could get a cheap trailer hitch for, but that thing is incredibly underpowered and on its last legs. I have considered getting rid of the TDI (and the payment) for a first-gen CRV, because those things are rock-solid reliable and they have more power than my Tracker does, and they accomplish a similar role for me. I am trying to pare down my vehicles to one reliable daily and have a motorcycle as the fun thing. I am wanting to go back to school and I am on on schedule with my savings, but there is no way I can feed and mod a Miata on a student budget while going to school, so hence the reason I want to get a stone-reliable DD like a CRV and have a motorcycle that I won't have to mod to have fun.

MartinezA92

iTrader: (4)

I'm surprised that thing exists. Sounds pretty sketchy to me but I've never towed a bike so I don't know. My CBR just barely fits into my girlfriends moms Sienna so I use that to take my bike to the track. Also as fast as motorcycle tires wear I'd find another option.

Probably sounds like no fun at all but have you considered getting a small truck? If you don't care about a fun DD I would do that, just throw it in the bed, fitment would depend on what bike you have though.

I've seen people get creative with this. I've seen an R6 packed into a Honda Element.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

How do you get a motorcycle into a truck bed?

MartinezA92

iTrader: (4)

Motorcycle ramps. or 3-4 moderately strong men. Bikes arent that heavy.

fooger03

iTrader: (2)

The concept behind the option you linked is sound.

If possible, I would recommend that you remove the chain during transport.

Since that is not likely, my alternate recommendation would be to disconnect the linkage between the shift pedal and the transmission to reduce the likelihood that a bump, rock, small animal strike, etc. could inadvertently throw the bike into gear.

How heavy a bike are we talking here?

lexintexan

I had one of those moto-totes, absolutely hated it. 2 times one of the tie downs came undone on the lower mounts and sent the handlebars of my motorcycle into the back glass of my landcruiser. The steel version pictured above may be better than the aluminum one I had, I dont know.

OP: I had a buddy in highschool that used one of the towing setups you are referring to, it worked fine, but was hardly an ideal scenario. If your talking motocross bikes, those tires will get thrashed.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

I am strictly talking about street bikes and around 425 pounds maximum. I am looking for something that I can do by myself. I don't want to have to have 2-3 people helping me to get it ready to go.

The sideways mounts look promising, but the 2000 Tracker I have has a really short wheelbase and having 400 pounds cantilevered off the back end of it sounds scary. Plus it has zero hp and an automatic transmission.

Chilicharger665

iTrader: (2)

Ok, I have done some more research and it now appears that I MIGHT be able to do this if I get an American style hitch. The bad thing is that they are all 1.25" and the Tow-ster thing I linked above needs a 2". There are 1.25 to 2 adapters, but they all seem to be not for towing. I also would probably need a riser hitch if I put one of the American style hitches on the TDI.

Does anyone make a ball to 2" hitch receiver mounts?