Motorcycle towing cradle?

[chiconaduc]

I saw an old Mercedes veggie-burner towing an enduro using one of these and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them?
They seem to range in price from under $100, http://tinyurl.com/cheapcradle to over $600, http://tinyurl.com/expensivecradle. The only drawbacks I can think of are wear on the rear tire and springs. I wouldn't use it for long-hauls obviously, but it would be nice to have a cheap, easily stored way to haul my bike around. Thoughts?

[Motomom]

I like that!! Curious how well it works for folks. If we don't get much feedback here on our forum, I would put it out to the BARF folks. Heck, maybe do a search on their forum and there might already be some discussion on it.

[Enjoy the Ride]

I found this on the net, not sure if it will help.

"well there's not too much weight on the rear since the rider's not on the bike, so it's not all that bad. works out perfect for going to the track, since on the track just the edges get really worn "

http://www.600rr.net/vb/showthread.php?t=150936

I personally have the below but have not even put it together yet (I stopped when I realized that I have a Class I hitch receiver). Its for 2" Class III/IV vehicle hitch receivers only

(Pictures attached are from the "internet" but of the trailer I purchased)

[Rollin on 3]

I want the one that goes sideways on the truck. I know a few guys that have this same style and they love it. Hurry Ul and get by together so I can buy mine. Lol

[chiconaduc]

Cool! The grease monkey & I were just talking about that kind of carrier, Barbara. Do you know what the weight capacity is? And does it become a ramp or do you have to lift your bike onto it?
I've heard equal amounts of good and bad things about towing cradles, so I don't think I'll be investing in one. The across-the-back carrier intrigues me, but I worry about weight--I've mostly only seen dirt bikes, which weigh next to nothing, on them.

[Enjoy the Ride]

The specs say this model can carry up to 600 lbs and it comes with a ramp to make it easy (See pic). Fits any 2 inch Class III or greater square receiver.

My hitch is after market and is a Class I. I was told by A & B Trailer Hitch in Redwood city that I would need an adapter for the trailer to fit the hitch on my Ford and the weight could bend the frame of the truck as well as the adapter :-( Since its a lease I didn't want to risk it.

I paid $322 plus $50 shipping. Don't ask me why I didn't just return it, LOL.

[maygoddess]

That doesn't look like it would be easy to load on that single little ramp..only because you usually walk along side the bike as you run it up the ramp..on this one..you would have to walk on teh outside of the ramp but what happens as it goes up higher?? I would have to see this loaded up..it must work..but that's me!

That other one Wren pointed out is interesting...would be wear on your rear tire..for short hauls I guess okay..but who does short hauls?? Most of MY hauls would be to far away tracks...

[Enjoy the Ride]

Good Point Patty. I checked out some videos and you would need two people one at the handle bars and the other at the tail to keep the balance once you move up into the air. I found this vid but its of a smaller version for just dirt bikes. I am assuming that the loading is similar although I did check and the ramp is better with the newer version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLjhdnuESQ4

I just added the question on barf to see if anyone has ever used it and to see if they can provide some feedback.

http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/sh ... p?t=425157

[CrashDummy]

It appears that once the bike is properly secured it would be fairly easy with the right amount of clutch and throttle to get the truck to wheelie.

[Enjoy the Ride]

LOL. I guess I'll just have to sell it or buy some dirt bikes :-( All good.