Bike Rack Dimensions

[Asterix]

I'm going to chop off the existing loading ramp on my horsebox,but I want to leave enough for a motorcycle and bicycle rack,I'm not really sure how much to allow as I don't currently have a motorbike,and I'm not sure what the legal side is either ie max overhang,lights etc.
Here's a pic as it is,once I get it horizontal,I'll get the hinge welded and a plate at each end for extra strength...
Thanks,Dave

 

[Byronic]

An average m/bike is normally widest at the handlebars average bike
say 750/800 mm so to bike centreline is 400mm then you need to add half
the m/bike carrier channel width say 100mm so 500mm for the m/bike. If you
intend to carry a pushbike alongside the m/bike then it'd be best to carry it facing the opposite direction so no handlebar entanglement, but even then you'd need to leave another 200/300mm of ramp to bolt a U wheel channel rail
or similar. Not a common sight carrying bike and m/bike on the back side by
side, too much hassle and to much sticking out. I carry a folding bike inside. Some times a push bike is carried over the m/bike with ladder access. If you obscure the vehicle lights you'll have to fit a light board (more clutter?) and wire it up to the vehicle electrics similar to car caravan, the light boards usually
come with 12v bulbs change for 24v. And take the reflective triangles off if fitted they are for a trailer.
Quite honestly I think you're going to find it's going to require more than a
quick hinge weld up, the loadings on a cantilevered ramp are significantly different to a ramp supported at both ends.
Widest point assumes mirrors are foldable removable or non existent.

 

[Byronic]

Better to consider these things before you get stuck in eh? But if that
ramp top surface is at floor level then I presume +800mm?
Difficult to get a bike over 100kg up practical length of ramp to that
height. However if you intend fitting a hoist of some description then forget
the point I've made.
I nearly got double hernias trying to get a +200kg bike into a 825mm
floor level garage, lasted 2 seasons and I then I changed to about 400mm rack
height and a 125kg bike to take away.

 

[Asterix]

Better to consider these things before you get stuck in eh? But if that
ramp top surface is at floor level then I presume +800mm?
Difficult to get a bike over 100kg up practical length of ramp to that
height. However if you intend fitting a hoist of some description then forget
the point I've made.
I nearly got double hernias trying to get a +200kg bike into a 825mm
floor level garage, lasted 2 seasons and I then I changed to about 400mm rack
height and a 125kg bike to take away.

It will only be a small twist and go sort of thing,I've not ridden a motorbike since I was about 13-14 so I've no idea what it's likely to weigh,but I will get the ends of the carrier bracketed to account for downforce over bumps etc.
All good points I'll have to consider, thanks!

 

[molly 2]

Is the ramp spring loaded if so it will close very fast when lightened..

 

[Asterix]

Is the ramp spring loaded if so it will close very fast when lightened..

It was electric/hydraulic but that's all off now.