Rear motorcycle rack

Alshymer

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Hi
Can anyone recommend a tow ball mounted motorbike rack?
Also maybe a lightweight 2 up bike?
Thanks
Alshymer
 
Check the tow ball/ bar max loadt, I suspect any motor bike will exceed this.

Remember carrying a moto on a rack (ball or chassis mounted) will.

Reduce payload by weight of bike & rack
Add 1.5 times the weight of bike & rack to rear axle load and possibly overload it
Reduce front axle load by 1/2 the weight of bike & rack and could possible cause steering and traction.

More accurate formula are available on the net.

I recommend a trailer.
 
r4dent said:
Check the tow ball/ bar max loadt, I suspect any motor bike will exceed this.

Remember carrying a moto on a rack (ball or chassis mounted) will.

Reduce payload by weight of bike & rack
Add 1.5 times the weight of bike & rack to rear axle load and possibly overload it
Reduce front axle load by 1/2 the weight of bike & rack and could possible cause steering and traction.

More accurate formula are available on the net.

I recommend a trailer.
Click to expand...
David Cooper racks bolt on beheld the tow ball. I use mine on my Crafter conversion but not got a pic of it on the van.
9F8BAC76-504C-4770-A70D-A5BD6A72E83E.jpeg
 
If your back axle can take the load you do have options even diy stuff and bolting to towball fixing
 
Hi. Thanks for your replies.
I have contacted Towtal who fitted the tow bar and unfortunately the ball weight is only 100k so I think I may be stuffed!!
Regards
 
caledonia said:
David Cooper racks bolt on beheld the tow ball. I use mine on my Crafter conversion but not got a pic of it on the van.
Click to expand...

Notice that I advised checking the bar limit as well as the ball limit. For your rack, of course, it is just the bar limit that needs checking. That bike looks like it needs strapping down to stop it blowing away in the wind so I suspect you don't have a problem. OP is asking about a bike suitable for use with a pillion.
 
I see a lot of reference to weight and overloading around different forums so my question is has anyone been pulled for being overweight in their vehicle
 
That really is not the point. One needs to be legal to be safe. You see so many vans down on the back suspension!!
 
r4dent said:
Notice that I advised checking the bar limit as well as the ball limit. For your rack, of course, it is just the bar limit that needs checking. That bike looks like it needs strapping down to stop it blowing away in the wind so I suspect you don't have a problem. OP is asking about a bike suitable for use with a pillion.
Click to expand...
The OP hasn’t mentioned what bike he’s only said he’d like info on lightweight bike to ride 2up. The max weight on the David Cooper rack is 130kg. A Honda CG 125 is 114kg so the rack would manage most 125s no problem.
 
Winger said:
I see a lot of reference to weight and overloading around different forums so my question is has anyone been pulled for being overweight in their vehicle
Click to expand...
Or had an insurance claim refused, or had a rear axle fail or got stuck because their wheels wouldn't grip,
A lot of potential problems beside getting pulled.

If you want to take the risk, fine. Just so long as people are aware of the situation.
 
Hi. I was thinking of a Vision or something similar.
The Easilifter is no good if I can only have a tow ball weight of 100kilos.
 
Alshymer said:
Hi. I was thinking of a Vision or something similar.
The Easilifter is no good if I can only have a tow ball weight of 100kilos.
Click to expand...

Before you do anything its probably best to have a look at this article then do the maths further down in it.

www.practicalmotorhome.com

Safe loading and payloads - Practical Motorhome

Exceeding your payload can affect your motorhome’s stability and stopping distances, and could land you with a fine or invalidate your insurance.
www.practicalmotorhome.com www.practicalmotorhome.com

Several things are crucial. The distance between the centre of the back wheel and the back of the van. The shorter the overhang the better, Available payload and if your van uses chassis extenders how strong they are. Armitage Trailers in Ferrybridge fitted our rack in 2008 would you believe and apart from me constantly smashing the trailer board lights its still going strong. Its fitted into the end of the Alko chassis so is as solid as a rock and is rated at being able to take 200kg. However as you have discovered no motorhomes can handle that weight. I Reckon as a rough rule of thumb you need 250kg - 300kg of spare capacity over the rear axle to safely fit a rack and all the bits that come with it and a light bike by the time you add in the overhang into the equation.

We have a Honda Vision and its great. Just 102kg. The one below is an old photo and is the old Peugeot Speedfight 2 stroke we had 100cc but went like the clappers and only 95kg. (well it sounded like it was going like the clappers)

First thing to do is visit a weighbridge, sit in the van with whoever normally travels with you then weigh the entire van and then each axle. Then use the calculator in that link to see if its doable. If it is, talk to Armitage.

bodman-free-night-Custom-pig.jpg
 
Thanks for your trouble in replying.
I am sure I have plenty of payload to spare judging from last weighbridge icket and since saving 30k on lithium batteries.
I ha e chassis extenders on yo the Alko chassis which seem pretty strong but Towtal say to place a max of 100k on the ball.
Regards
 
Hi. Thanks for that. It could be a good solution. I will look into it.
Had anyone on here used one?
Kind regards
Al
 
We visited a weighbridge when fully loaded with a 125cc 120kg scooter including full tank of fuel on a 40kg rack on the back, with a full tank of fresh water, full tank of diesel, both passengers seated, 2 ebikes in the garage (yes I know!) and kitted out with food etc for a foreign trip.

The total payload was 690kg over and beyond the mass in running order MIRO which, for our vehicle, was within its payload limit. Both axles were within their load limits of 2500kg at the rear and 2000kg at the front with 42%
of the weight on the front axle. We have a 4250kg motorhome and have enough spare payload to not have to consider any weight saving options.

There are very few, if any motorhomes, in the under 3500kg range, that have the legal limits to carry a scooter or motorbike on the back without seriously prejudicing the ability to carry anything else!

However if you do have a 3500kg motorhome and you have an empty water tank, a half full fuel tank, and leave the wife at home, you should be OK!
 
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