Wilsons Sandbox

Greetings; Wondering if anyone has used a motorcycle carrier that secures to the receiver hitch of their vehicle to transport their KLR. I'm considering such a carrier for my 650, but not knowing anyone who has actually used such a carrier, I don't have a lot of trust in the product. An example can be found at: http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_carrier.htm

I have one that I bought at the MC dealer. It is very simple (does not raise/lower, no ramp to load the bike on etc). If I recall it was only "rated" for 300 lbs or so. I was a bit skeptical but after many trips hauling my bike from the Bay Area to the Sierras it worked fine. It takes a bit of work at times to get the bike on and off without help but it is doable. Craig A18 San Jose CA

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Randy" wrote: > > Greetings; > > Wondering if anyone has used a motorcycle carrier that secures to the > receiver hitch of their vehicle to transport their KLR. I'm > considering such a carrier for my 650, but not knowing anyone who has > actually used such a carrier, I don't have a lot of trust in the > product. An example can be found at: > > http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_carrier.htm >

I have and use the Tilt A Rack 610ACR. I started with the ACR410 (400lbs limit), but it folded like a banana after a few hundred miles on the highway. The company sent me free the 610 model rated to 600 lbs. Couple minor complaints: 1) the channel is too wide for skiiny tires. You want to secure tightly the front tire. I fabricated a new front wheel holder for the skinny KLR650 and it's much better. 2) When wet the aluminum is slick, so the tire will spin trying to get up the ramp. I adhered some non-skid material to eliminate that problem. You can use momentum too but I prefer the non-skid surface and taking it slow/easy. One other thing, when I load I put a shipping blanket against the truck gate. Once I get the beast up the ramp and it goes level, I shut-off the engine and lean it to gate. This way I lock the tilting mechanism and begin tying down by myself. Just make sure you cynch down the bike very securely (which is why a smaller front wheel receiver would be much better) so it doesn't tip over and scratch your truck or end up 'levitating' just barely above the road. Don't ask! But I'm happy the kind Mexican guy driving behind me not only got my attention, he helped me bench press the angry beast back into position. I thought I had it sufficiently tight...not! Overall, I like the rack but still prefer loading my KLR into the truck bed directly over the axle if I have the room. Just make sure your trailer hitch receiver is rated for the weight, too (wet moto + the rack itself). I used it when my truck bed was loaded down and I drove from Boston to San Diego to Fairbanks and back to San Diego. It survived the woop-dee-doos in Yukon and Alaska roads (frost heaving)! It perfromed well and a lot of people asked me about it. Most never had seen something that tilts. I give it a solid B, otherwise it would get an A if it came with a narrower front wheel receiver and non-skid surface material where the rear wheel is likely to spin. Of course there are other models that don't tilt, but I've never tried one. The all-in-one tilt is pretty handy. Brian

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Randy" wrote: > > Greetings; > > Wondering if anyone has used a motorcycle carrier that secures to the > receiver hitch of their vehicle to transport their KLR. I'm > considering such a carrier for my 650, but not knowing anyone who has > actually used such a carrier, I don't have a lot of trust in the > product. An example can be found at: > > http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_carrier.htm >

Randy, I had one made up for my motorhome, and for stability added two 2" receivers, each about 18" from the center one. Hauled my KLR from Alberta to AZ and back twice - worked like a damn!!! Sold it to a guy who added the two extra receivers to his SUV, and he's had GREAT service from it! Cheers, Ed

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Randy" wrote: > > Greetings; > > Wondering if anyone has used a motorcycle carrier that secures to the > receiver hitch of their vehicle to transport their KLR. I'm > considering such a carrier for my 650, but not knowing anyone who has > actually used such a carrier, I don't have a lot of trust in the > product. An example can be found at: > > http://www.discountramps.com/motorcycle_carrier.htm >

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Matthew Howton wrote:

> > Moderator, moderate !! This is a KLR site, not political. Someone better do something or

there is going to be no one here but a person that owns a KLR and want to talk politics.

> Start making some changes and talk only KLR discussions and or like allot of

others.............Im going to be outa here. Mr. Matt

>

Fixed.