|
26 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: London, UK
Posts: 32
|
|
Carrying a bike on the back of a 4x4
Later this year I'm off with three friends across Asia with two R1200GSs and a Toyota Landcruiser.
In the *highly unlikely* event of a catastrophic failure on one of the plastic bikes which requires the attention of a BMW mechanic and his magic computer (for example the tail light) we'd like to be able to mount the bike on the back of the 4x4 to carry it to safety.
Is there a contraption one can mount to the back of a landcruiser that you can put large broken bike on? I was thinking of something similar to the spectacles they lower to put the front wheels of your car into to tow it, but maybe there's a more realistic suggestion?
steve
|
26 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
|
|
Steve,
Two options:
1. Make your own receiver hitch carrier; or
2. Get a foldable bike trailer.
I have a Scorpion Racing rear bumper on my Discovery and will be building a rear carrier to fit into the two hi-lift holes. I prefer this setup over the receiver hitch because I'll have two supports instead of one.
In the US they sell these trailers http://www.stingertrailer.com/
or this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700-l...QQcmdZViewItem
There is another one that folds into a bag. I'll have to look for it.
Good luck.
__________________
John C.
|
26 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
|
|
Hi,
Also, if you fit the bike on the rear bumper, think of the extra load placed way behind the rear axle and the effect it will have on the rear suspension.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
|
26 Apr 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Tappan, NY USA
Posts: 158
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman
Hi,
Also, if you fit the bike on the rear bumper, think of the extra load placed way behind the rear axle and the effect it will have on the rear suspension.
|
That should be a problem only if you run the crappy OME suspension..... just playing with you Roman. I saw your website and noticed you run OMEs....
Seriously, my rear springs are uprated 25% to accomodate 300 lbs of gear. Plus I have gas adjustable shocks and Orange Polybushes so I'm not concerned about extra weight. But Roman has a good point if your 4x4 is not setup to accomodate the extra weight.
Nice Disco Roman!!
__________________
John C.
|
28 Apr 2006
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
Take a look at posts #11, #15 and #17 on this thread
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71292
Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
|
4 May 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Luton
Posts: 29
|
|
wise choice with the Toyota Landcruiser Quark, even after work for Land rover most my career I would still buy the landcrusier first any day.
Ok to the question, obviously draging a trailer in whatever form arround is going to be a pain, its bulky and the weight will have to be taken off your total load weight of your own kit! and I wouldnt put anything heaver than a push bike on a bike frame that fits on a receiver hitch its just not designed for that.
Now a friend of mine out in Africa had the same problem which he over come by making a gizmo that allowed you to tow the bike like it was a trailer itself, you simply removed the front wheel and placed the gizmo between the forks and then put back in the front wheel bolt to lock it in place. Then all you had to do was lift the front of the bike up and place the gizmos trailer coupling on the car, the bike ran on its own rear wheel so the car had no great weight on its rear suspension.
it was made from ally locally and fitted in a small holdal bag which he added to his travelling kit.
Jenna
|
4 May 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Aalst, Belgium
Posts: 365
|
|
Is it worth carrying a bulky item like a motorcycle carrier just in case of that rather unlikely catastrophic failure? If you are travelling in convoy, there is always a solution. Worst case you have to ask a local truck to transport your bike to the nearest town, or try putting it on the roof or ...
Just a thought :-)
|
4 May 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Luton
Posts: 29
|
|
Chris the guy i know was a loner so he used the gizmo to move both bike and car at once, but yep i totally agree you SHOULD be with atleast one other rider and that really does beg the question of why your not riding as buddies?
|
10 May 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 37
|
|
Hi Steve,
A mate of mine recently made a bike-carrying device consisting of a galvanised steel horizontal channel across the back of the vehicle, which is pivoted at one end and can therefore be swung out to allow access to the vehilce's back door(s) with the bike still loaded on the channel. The channel is locked in and supported when swung inwards to the rear of the vehicle. The whole contraption can be bolted or welded to the end of the vehicle's chassis - note it can only only be fitted to vehicles with proper ladder chassis, it's no good for monocoque chassis "softroaders". The one he made is strong enough to carry bikes up to 190Kg wet, and we even tested the strength of the pivot by leaving his bike on overnight it with the channel swung out (cantilevering on the pivot) at right angles. It passed this test; there was no deformation of the pivot. We tried to think a name for the device, and the best we could think of was a rather cheesy "Piggy-Bike" (better suggestions on a postcard please...)
The 1200GS is a bit heavier than 190Kg wet, so a beefier version might be required. The GS is also quite wide (I've got a 1100 myself), and this means the carrier might have to be mounted further away from the rear of the Cruiser. This could be a problem, because it is not just the bike's weight which is an issue here, but also the distribution of the load. The further back the carrier is, the more load is proportionately borne by the rear axle. I would guess that, to carry a GS, you would need beefier rear springs on your Land Cruiser. You might also have to remove the rear bumper and/or remount the rear lights, depending on what model you've got.
The American dirt bike rear carrier (for attaching to the tow hook) is a great idea, but frankly looks a bit too flimsy to carry a GS over rough ground, even though the advert says it is good for 700 lb (318Kg). If you are interested, I could put you in touch with my mate (he lives in Cornwall); he might make you a carrier at a price.
Anyway, good luck with the trip.
Nige
__________________
Moto ergo sum
|
10 May 2006
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria - Egypt
Posts: 37
|
|
i had a bike on my hilux modyfied roof rack , maybe you can design a special roof rack to carry a bike .
|
27 May 2006
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Eureka, CA USA
Posts: 323
|
|
They make bike carriers that fit into your hitch reciever. I have one for my bike and it works well. Here is a link to one that is an example. Several companies make them, so look around or make your own.
http://www.versahaul.com/
__________________
John
|
29 May 2006
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Douglas Hackney
type of "limp to help" scenario. Just be sure that the GS driveshaft and tranny can be rolled in neutral for hundreds of Ks without frying a bearing or the tranny.
|
Don't think that will be a problem.
Not for teh bevel drive. Nor the drive shaft.
The gear box is more of a concern - the bike may well be 'nose up' so a lack of oil at the front may reduce lubrication there?
It is not something I'd like to do at high speed or long distance. To the next town, yep. To the next country ... err no. Put it on a truck and go that way.
Hopefully if you have it, you won't need it.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
|
22 Apr 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: london
Posts: 178
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank Warner
Don't think that will be a problem.
Not for teh bevel drive. Nor the drive shaft.
The gear box is more of a concern - the bike may well be 'nose up' so a lack of oil at the front may reduce lubrication there?
It is not something I'd like to do at high speed or long distance. To the next town, yep. To the next country ... err no. Put it on a truck and go that way.
Hopefully if you have it, you won't need it.
|
Slightly off topic but might have bearing on decision to take or not. Does any body know if you have an extra bike do you have to have separate CARNET. I thought you did
Mark
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|