Dirt bike hitch carrier

[Summitrider]

Hello

New to the dirt bike world.

I have a 2004 Yamaha WR450F dirt bike (weighs about 250 lbs).

regarding transport I was thinking a hitch carrier off the front of a 2002 Ford F-350 with family atvs on sled deck and towing family travel trailer.

I’m seeking you input as to what hitch carrier I should invest? Steel or aluminum?

I have read a number of reviews commenting on the Harbour Freight aluminum hitch carrier where knobby tires get tightly wedged in to the point of prying out the tires.

If you or any of your friends are selling a hitch carrier please let me know n I can follow up with them.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

Regards

jim

 

[tomcycle]

I have the cheap Princess Auto bike rack that fits into the receiver, its poorly built and not made to last, but it works. I have had this unit for many years now and have put on 10s of thousands of Kms on the back of my car and MH. It has done the job at hand and no one has ever tried to steal it. Every time I look at it I want to buy a nice aluminum unit, but it just keeps on doing what I need. If I had to do it over again I would seriously consider a nice aluminum unit, then worry about someone stealing it.

 

[Scott_J]

Ditto on the Princess Auto hitch rack. Paid $99 on sale. Just works. Using with a WR250R at 300+ pounds.

 

[Scott_J]

Ditto on the Princess Auto hitch rack. Paid $99 on sale. Just works. Using with a WR250R at 300+ pounds.

I did buy a locking pin fwiw

 

[tomcycle]

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[ejfranz]

Also have the steel Princess Auto one and it has lasted 10 of thousands of kilometres carrying a WR250r or XT225 or TW200 or DT200.

 

[Summitrider]

Thank you for all your replies and suggestions. Well as luck would have it I was able to get a preowned aluminum unit. Works well so far...

 

[Benj]

I have the Race aluminum. It only weighs 38lb so easy to handle. I use it with a KTM500 but I would not go past a 300lb bike with the rack.

 

[Ando__]

I have the Race aluminum. It only weighs 38lb so easy to handle. I use it with a KTM500 but I would not go past a 300lb bike with the rack.

Does your right hand guard come pretty close to your rear window? I just put a canopy in my truck and was wondering how to secure my klx250 a bit better. Seemed to bounce around pretty good with my straps. But then I have the cheapo princess auto rack as well!

 

[Scott_J]

Same issue so I lean the bike back slightly and also use a hitch stabilizer. Have thought of making a little foam sock but once I was aware of the issue it has not been a problem. Cheap PA rack as well.

 

[Benj]

Yes the bar ends on glass can be an issue. I used a small towel and a Velcro strap and wrap it. Quick on quick off. When I load the bike I lean it into the glass as I get the straps ready. Works great. I had to brake hard on the highway as an oncoming car thought my lane looked fun. Full lockup. No issues.

 

[Ando__]

Yes the bar ends on glass can be an issue. I used a small towel and a Velcro strap and wrap it. Quick on quick off. When I load the bike I lean it into the glass as I get the straps ready. Works great. I had to brake hard on the highway as an oncoming car thought my lane looked fun. Full lockup. No issues.

Good idea. Bet that lock up had you looking back at your bike!