Motorcycle and Bicycle Carrier Buying Guide

If you're in the market for a motorcycle and bicycle carrier, there are several types to consider. The most common types are roof-mounted, hitch-mounted, and trunk-mounted carriers.

Roof-mounted carriers are ideal for smaller vehicles and can carry up to 2-3 bikes. They're also a great option for those who want to keep their vehicle's trunk space free.

When choosing a carrier, consider the maximum weight capacity and the number of bikes it can hold. For example, a roof-mounted carrier can handle up to 150 pounds per bike.

The type of bike you own also plays a role in choosing the right carrier. If you have a large or heavy bike, a hitch-mounted carrier might be a better option, as it can support more weight and provide a more stable platform.

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A high-quality carrier is crucial for safely transporting your motorcycle or bicycle. Industry-leading engineering and premium design can make all the difference, as seen in the Rack N Ride Adventure Carrier's 5-year structural warranty.

The type of carrier you choose should also consider your vehicle's receiver type. For example, the Trackside Motorcycle Carrier works with class III or IV receivers.

When selecting a carrier, think about the features that matter most to you. Do you need secure transport and peace of mind on any terrain? The Rack N Ride Adventure Carrier's multiple tie-down points and anti-tilt bracket provide just that.

Choosing a hitch is a great way to transport your bikes safely and efficiently. Our hitch bike racks are built with premium features that cater to various biking needs and vehicle types.

A hitch bike rack is perfect for transporting all types of frames and geometries, including ebikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and bikes with fenders and racks. This means you can bring all your bikes on a single trip.

Transporting multiple bikes can be a hassle, but a hitch bike rack makes it easy and convenient. Our most premium hitch bike racks are designed to accommodate various biking needs.

If you're looking for a carrier that's built to last, the Rack N Ride is a great option. It's backed by a 5-year structural warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment will provide years of reliable service.

The Rack N Ride also offers secure transport for your bike, with multiple tie-down points that let you fasten it securely. This gives you peace of mind on any terrain, whether you're cruising down the highway or navigating rough trails.

Loading and unloading your bike is a breeze with the Rack N Ride, thanks to its lightweight aluminum ramp (available as an optional extra). This ramp conveniently stores between the bike and your vehicle when not in use, making it easy to store and transport.

The Rack N Ride's unique anti-tilt bracket ensures rock-solid stability, eliminating movement in your hitch receiver and providing a smooth ride for your bike. This is especially important if you plan on carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer.

Here are some key features of the Rack N Ride:

The Black Widow Aluminum Carrier is a great option for those who need to transport lighter motorcycles. It's rated up to 400 pounds.

This carrier is made from high-strength aluminum, making it about half the weight of its steel counterparts, weighing in at a claimed 36.5 pounds. It's a significant difference that can make a big impact on your vehicle's overall weight and handling.

The Black Widow Aluminum Carrier fits any Class III and IV 2-inch receiver, giving you flexibility when it comes to mounting it on your vehicle. The track itself measures 75.25 inches with a width of 5.5 inches.

An aluminum 47-inch ramp is also included for easy loading, and it attaches to the carrier itself when not in use. This ramp also features an AWD (anti-wobbling device) for added stability and security.

The Joe Hauler Cam-Loc carrier is my go-to choice for hauling motorcycles. It's a sturdy, all-welded steel construction that hints at its ability to withstand heavy loads.

This carrier has a ramp that can be secured during use and bolted to the carrier when you're on the road. The ramp is included and doesn't require any assembly.

The Joe Hauler Cam-Loc carrier fits any Class III two-inch receiver, making it a versatile option for various vehicles. It's also powder-coated black and comes with a three-year warranty.

I've had a Joe Hauler Cam-Loc Heavy-Duty carrier in my garage for many years now, and it's been used to haul a variety of motorcycles, including a 2015 Aprilia Tuono V4R.

These carriers are built to last, with a heavy-duty construction that can handle adventure bikes up to 660 lbs.

The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier, on the other hand, is a lighter option, weighing in at just 36.5 pounds, making it easier to install and remove.

A key feature of many motorcycle carriers is the inclusion of a ramp for easy loading and unloading of your bike. The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier comes with a 47-inch aluminum ramp that attaches to the carrier when not in use.

Some carriers also offer additional features like built-in locks and repair stands, making it easy to secure and maintain your bike.

The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier is also designed to be compact, with a width of just 5.5 inches, making it a great option for smaller vehicles.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a motorcycle carrier:

A 5-year structural warranty is also included with some carriers, giving you peace of mind when transporting your bike off-road.

Manufactured in Australia from high-quality Australian steel and aluminum, these carriers are built to last and withstand the rigors of off-road use.

The placement of the carrier at the back of your car can also help improve fuel efficiency, making it a great choice for electric vehicles.

Securing your motorcycle gear while cycling can be a challenge. Locking side cases are a great solution if your motorcycle can accommodate panniers, and you don't mind the extra weight and bulk.

A full motorcycle luggage system can be expensive, but if you do a lot of travel, it might be worth the investment. Top cases are a simple solution that offers moderate storage, but fitting one with a bicycle rack can be tricky.

The Vert Rack positions the bicycle straight up, making it possible to bring along bulky items like a dog crate or a gym bag.

Versatility and security are top priorities when it comes to bike racks. Platform-style tow hitch bike racks anchor bikes on trays, minimizing bike sway and contact during transport.

These racks can carry up to four bikes with extensions and are ideal for heavier models like e-bikes. They're perfect for families or groups with multiple bikes.

Hanging tow hitch bike racks are more compact and affordable, supporting bikes by the frame and accommodating multiple bikes at a time. They're a great option for those with limited space or a smaller budget.

The design of bike racks also impacts security. A well-designed bike rack can prevent bikes from being stolen or damaged during transport.

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Securing your moto gear while cycling can be a challenge, but there are solutions available. Locking side cases are a great option if your motorcycle can accommodate panniers, but they can add extra weight and bulk.

A full motorcycle luggage system is not cheap, and it might not be worth the investment unless you do a lot of travel and need storage for items like camping gear. Top cases are a common solution that offers moderate secure storage.

However, fitting a top box with a bicycle rack can be tricky, which is why 2×2 Cycles created a rack style to create space on the back of the bike. This allows you to bring along bulky items like dog crates or gym bags.

The vert rack positions the bicycle straight up instead of straight out, making it possible to carry whatever you need.

Securing the Server is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Any lock that can be cut off only provides so much security.

A rubber-coated cable lock is recommended to secure the server. This type of lock is more difficult to cut than a regular cable lock.

Running the lock through the server's frame, holes in the rack, and the frame of the rack itself will provide added security. This will make it harder for thieves to access the server.

Locking the server to the rack will also deter opportunist theft. Any security measure is better than none.

A combination lock or a keyless lock can also be used to secure the server. These types of locks are more secure than a cable lock.

Make sure to use a lock that is specifically designed for securing servers or racks. This will ensure that the lock is robust enough to withstand tampering.

Regularly inspect the lock and the server to ensure that everything is secure. This will help prevent theft and unauthorized access.

When choosing a motorcycle and bicycle carrier, consider the type of vehicle you have and the space available on your car.

The most common types of motorcycle carriers are hitch-mounted, roof-mounted, and trunk-mounted. Hitch-mounted carriers are ideal for SUVs and trucks, while roof-mounted carriers are better suited for sedans and hatchbacks.

Roof-mounted carriers can hold up to two bicycles and are a great option for families who need to transport multiple bikes.

Hitch-mounted carriers can hold up to four motorcycles and are a popular choice for avid motorcyclists.

Trunk-mounted carriers are a good option for those with limited space on their car, but can only hold one bicycle or motorcycle.

You'll want to consider how to carry your bike safely and securely on your motorcycle. Not all bike racks require you to take your bicycle apart, but most do need you to remove at least one wheel.

Some bike racks, like the vert rack from 2×2 Cycles, offer an optional tower that allows both wheels to stay on, but this is usually limited to mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Road bikes, on the other hand, typically need their wheels removed.

If you're not willing to give up your SUV or don't want to own a truck, a motorcycle carrier that mounts to your vehicle's hitch is a great alternative.

You'll find a wide range of hitch-mounted carriers on the market, but it's essential to choose one that's well-made, especially if you plan on carrying a heavy motorcycle.

Your vehicle should also be able to withstand the weight of the carrier and motorcycle, so make sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations.

For example, scooters have a significant rear weight bias, so choose a carrier that can handle this weight distribution.

A well-made hitch-mounted carrier can give you the flexibility to carry a motorcycle with a vehicle that couldn't otherwise handle it.

Here are some popular options to consider:

Racks that position the bicycle perpendicular to the motorcycle can create more wind drag and make negotiating traffic trickier.

The horizontal and vertical racks from 2×2 Cycles minimize wind drag and buffeting by positioning the bicycle's forks behind the rider's back.

Riders have compared the difference in handling to riding with side cases or a passenger, forgetting it's even there.

You shouldn't experience much movement if the bicycle is well secured to the rack and the rack is well secured to the motorcycle.

However, if you plan to ride rutted, potholed, or washboard roads, you should prepare for a certain amount of wiggle and jiggle.

Carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle can be a bit tricky, but it's not always necessary to take it apart. 2×2 Cycles offers an optional tower for its vert rack that allows both wheels to stay on most mountain bikes and BMX bikes.

However, most carrier styles require removing at least one of the wheels, which gets stowed on the rack securely in line with the bicycle frame. Road bikes are generally not compatible with this setup, so be sure to check your bike's specifications before attempting to carry it on your motorcycle.

Street Legality is a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to adding accessories to your motorcycle. Some countries restrict how far objects fixed to the back of a motorcycle may project.

Definitely double-check whether you are in compliance before hitting the road. This is especially important if you're planning a trip across borders.

You can take a motorcycle bike rack on your motorcycle essentially anywhere, but it depends on the size and type of motorcycle, your comfort level riding loaded down, and your experience level on different types of terrain.

Wind is less of an issue on larger, heavier motorcycles. A well-traveled rider may be unphased riding on the highway with a bicycle hanging off the back.

Riding on smaller, lighter, less powerful bikes like the XT250 may require staying local. Newer riders may prefer this approach to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Dual-sport bikes or those with off-road friendly tires can access places sometimes inaccessible to 2WD or even 4WD vehicles. These bikes can handle rough terrain with ease.

Easy loading is a must-have feature when it comes to bike racks for motorcycles. The Thule tow bike hitch racks make it simple to lift and place your bikes, reducing strain and effort.

The low height of these racks is a game-changer, allowing you to load and unload your bikes with ease. This feature is especially convenient during long trips or when you need to access your trunk frequently.

Some bike racks, like the 2×2 Bicycle Rack, allow you to customize where your bicycle mounts on the rack. This means you can telescope in and out of the rack to fit multiple bicycles, making it a great option for riders with different bike sizes.

The Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier also features an aluminum 47-inch ramp for easy loading. This ramp attaches to the carrier itself when not in use, making it a convenient and space-saving solution.

A table summarizing some key features of easy-loading bike racks for motorcycles:

These features make loading and unloading your bike a breeze, allowing you to focus on more important things – like hitting the road and enjoying the ride!