been thinking about getting one for my Grom. My SUV has a 5k tow limit and a 500lb hitch limit, so I should be good. Anyone have a specific one they recommend? This would be for 8-10hr road trips.
I've been using a harbor freight model for over 8 years. A few months ago a local welder reinforced it as outside storage was not kind on the metal.
I had an aluminum one that worked well for <300lb dirtbikes. I also have a versa haul that can carry up to a 600lb bike. I modified it with a better wheel chock. The most important part is the anti rattle brace. Keeps the rack from wiggling & tie downs loosening.
https://www.mototote.com/ The best there is. I have hauled bikes thousand of miles with no issues. Everything from my Grom to Ducati Monster.
May be overkill for a Grom, but I happen to have one I've been meaning to list for sale. $600 retail, $400 for mine https://www.mototote.com/mototote-mtx-sport-motorcycle-carrier.html
Only concern should be hitch weight capacity and not exceeding it. Carrier plus Grom and you may want to add a bit since it acts like a lever. I use them all the tim to get a fourth bike on my f350. Finally I have a friend that modified one with a pitbul trs worked really slick for his r1.
thanks. good deal, but still a bit high for what i'd be using it for and the amount of uses i'd get. assuming you're somewhere along route 95 also, because shipping would probably get pricy.
I'm in zip 43055, probably a good hike for you. I'm sure a HF version would be just fine for your use. Mine's rated at 600 lb.
What he said. Buy a good one once, rated for more than you need, and you'll keep it for life and use it more than you think. I can install the Versahaul on the hitch in about 3 minutes.
i appreciate the feedback so far but you guys are recommending a $600 - $1000 kit to hold a 225lb Grom that's worth $3000. is there anything a bit more suitable for what i'm doing, or am i stuck with these fancy kits made for sportbikes?
I have the HD unit and have used it a few times. It works fine. Only a few minor issues: The ramp it comes with is really short so it leaves a steep angle for load/unload. More of an issue with my heavy WR400. It does require a couple wrenches to install and remove from the hitch due to the stiffeners on either side. Makes it slightly less convenient if you have to remove it your destination which applies to me as i is it on my toyhauler. Also had to use a pillow around the handlebar so it didn't ding up the back ramp. Still, for the money it should work fine for your Grom.
I’ve got one of the Black Widow haulers I picked up off a member and it’s pretty stout. They seem to have multiple flavors. I have the one for Full size bikes it’s ~$400 on the site. https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/carriers/c/110/
I'm getting tired of trying to work around my 5th wheel hitch while taking the MX bike to the track. Been looking at one of these: https://www.blackwidowpro.com/motorcycle/carriers/dirt-bike/p/amc-400/ $210 and free shipping.
I had one of those and they work great once properly setup. My buddy uses an extended tongue version on his JK with 35x12.50 spare to head over to Field of Dreams every week.