Devon TRF Group Forum

Crocker · Clubman B

Motorcycle carrier racks...

Albert · Clubman A

I carry my trials bike and pampera on one and it works brilliant for that, you hardly know its there and strapping them on is much quicker than with a trailer. Its also doesn't affect your reversing which is handy as any event is generally down a sequence of narrow country lanes.

The limiting factor for bike weight generally is the "nose weight" of the car (or how much can be directly on the towball), most are just 75kg (mine included) but the Disco has much more than that, even the freelander does i think.

There is a list of nose weights of cars here:http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/6678669/noseweights-mo.pdf

The other issue is lifting the bike onto the rack one wheel at a time, my pamp and trials are a doddle but i picked up my DR350 on the rack after a electrical problem yesterday and it was hernia inducing to lift on my own. It also took up all the suspension travel of the car so would have to be desperate to repeat that

doug9270 · Powermonger!!

I used to carry my husky 2 smoke on the back of my disco with no problems at all, just need to go to the gym a bit. I have the rack still for sale if you are interested. Its a cooper rack (the best).

KronreifTrunkenpolzMattighofen · Devon's Best

An EXC450 on a 4wd bongo (ford ranger chassis) is not ideal....
But a 2T would have been okay I reckon.

Jerry atterick · Expert

I used one for a bit years ago, the wheels stick out a tad each side.
I never had the obvious happen but a couple of really close moments made me go the trailer route, then van and finally tow- a-van.
My first single bike trailer, cos I had to take it up an alley, was on 8" wheels (dont like them ideally, but light), pivoted in the middle to allow folding.
A single castor type wheel at end of channel allowed it to easily wheeled around. (think wheelbarrow)
I didnt even bother with suspension units, figured the bike had enough.
(Ive got a feeling that it is a legal requirement these days, but units are light)
It was absolutely fine.
Probably of no interest to anyone - but there you go, tee hee.

Nige · Expert

I put my sherco trials bike on the back of a Passat once. Didn't like the way the car behaved.
Have you considered a foldaway trailer?

Tigerman · Expert

Jerry atterick wrote:
I used one for a bit years ago, the wheels stick out a tad each side.
I never had the obvious happen but a couple of really close moments made me go the trailer route, then van and finally tow- a-van.
My first single bike trailer, cos I had to take it up an alley, was on 8" wheels (dont like them ideally, but light), pivoted in the middle to allow folding.
A single castor type wheel at end of channel allowed it to easily wheeled around. (think wheelbarrow)
I didnt even bother with suspension units, figured the bike had enough.
(Ive got a feeling that it is a legal requirement these days, but units are light)
It was absolutely fine.
Probably of no interest to anyone - but there you go, tee hee.

Just wondered what made you decide to go from a van to a tow-a -van trailer? I have been considering getting one.

I would have thought a van more convenient?

Jerry atterick · Expert

Used to run hi top vans with the business, so went back to bike trailer when retired.
Tow a van more secure, dry for practice events, all riding gear in trailer etc.
Quite often have 3 bikes with friends, so although small tow a van, it is 4 wheeled and excellent brakes, piece of mind.
Tows really well around the speed limit with an A4 tdi (old).
My first choice hi top van (by miles), but economics dictate one less to tax etc

NickJ · Clubman A

Have used a rack to carry my trials and trail (Beta Alp) bike for over 20 years without a problem. Great for longer travel distances, especially on the motorways.

John Leah · Clubman A

Don Smith, factory trials rider in the sixties and seventies and three-times European champion (before it became World), used to carry his bikes on the back of a Ford Cortina:

Don Smith Trials Bike Carrier - 01.JPG

Don Smith Trials Bike Carrier - 02.JPG

Don Smith Trials Bike Carrier - 03.jpg

Cheers,

John