Trailering Options - Anyone use a Moto Jack Rack or Moto X Caddy?? - Ducati.ms

SilverTT · Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:16 pm

This might be a stupid question as why would you need to trailer a bike that drives so well on the street, but I do have some traiilering needs like when I'm going somewhere long distance or moving the bike with lots of parts / bags, etc and need to trailer it.

So I actually own an old Moto X Caddy that works really well for moving around dirt bikes, Vespas, etc. I'm thinking the HM might be pushing the weight limit of it which is probably right around 3-400 lbs (not to mention max tongue weight is probably 350lbs). I am using a Cayenne Turbo to move the bike around.

Has anyone used this "Moto Jack Pack" or something? I've heard some great reviews but can't seem to find the companies current website or any useful info on it.

Thanks, Dan

CR10 · Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:51 pm

I use one of these to trailer my bike around. I didn't have the space for a full trailer hitch but wanted something to take the bike up to Tahoe and to track days. It was $400 out the door (I bought an anti sway part that is really nice as well). I was totally stressed the first couple times I used it but it works GREAT. I have over 2000 miles on the hitch and not one issue. It is super easy to get the bike on and off (I just have my girlfriend hold it while I get two straps on it.)

http://www.discountramps.com/hd-motorcycle-carrier.htm
Motorcycle Hitch Carrier

I make a visual inspection of the welds and structural pieces every time I use it. I trailer it with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, Class 3 hitch (750 lbs tough weight). I would double check your tough weight. That is the most critical issue.

Cheers

CR10 · Sep 22nd, 2009, 12:55 pm

I put the wrong link in. That one is the made in America one (3X the cost).

This is the one I got. Along with the Silent Hitch Pin.
http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600...cle-hauler.htm

v12gte · Sep 22nd, 2009, 1:15 pm

I use the same product from discountramps, two trips and nothing fell off. But I employ extra soft figure 8 loops to wrap around the frame. Tie downs hook up to those. Having another person helping you load is a good idea, mostly to steady things on the trip up the ramp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CR10

I put the wrong link in. That one is the made in America one (3X the cost).

This is the one I got. Along with the Silent Hitch Pin.
http://www.discountramps.com/smc-600...cle-hauler.htm

archimedio · Sep 22nd, 2009, 1:29 pm

Motojack rack isn't sold anymore and it wouldn't work for a streetbike anyway. With regards the hitch mounted carriers, know that, unless you put air shocks in the back, you will seriously overweight the rear of a pickup or SUV. You can't just go by tongue weight, as those things hold the weight about 12-24 inches off the trailer hitch and the lever effect is huge.

Can you do it? Yes. Is it safe? Not really.

If you have any questions, go on the VersaHaul website and look at the load ratings for various vehicles. Note, the weight INCLUDES the weight of the carrier itself, so you have to add that plus the weight of your bike, then compare it to those numbers.

SilverTT · Sep 22nd, 2009, 1:36 pm

Very helpful guys, thanks.

That one in the link is very similar to the Moto X Caddy carrier I have. Also I checked my tongue weight and I was way off. I saw a few aftermarket hitch setups for the Cayenne that have max tongue weight of 600lbs and 6000lbs towing capacity and I know the Cayenne Turbo factory hitch has a 7600lb towing capacity so I would assume the tongue weight is even higher as well. Either way, it is well over the 400lb weight of the Ducati HM.

v12gte · Sep 22nd, 2009, 1:39 pm

Not exactly. 5 vendors all sell racks for street bikes. Would they all assume the liability, if the system was not safe?
I understand the Archimedes "give me a lever long enough..." idea, but the racks are designed for:

Class 2 or 3 hitches (Mine has 500 lb max on the Ford Expedition with the towing package)
Bikes that weight up to 600 lb

Racks weight 40-80 lb, hyper weighs 400 lbs (+6 lbs for each gallon of liquid), which puts it under the 500lb tongue weight and the 600 lb total, as well

The combo must take into account the distance from the hitch to the CL of the weight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by archimedio

Motojack rack isn't sold anymore and it wouldn't work for a streetbike anyway. With regards the hitch mounted carriers, know that, unless you put air shocks in the back, you will seriously overweight the rear of a pickup or SUV. You can't just go by tongue weight, as those things hold the weight about 12-24 inches off the trailer hitch and the lever effect is huge.

Can you do it? Yes. Is it safe? Not really.

If you have any questions, go on the VersaHaul website and look at the load ratings for various vehicles. Note, the weight INCLUDES the weight of the carrier itself, so you have to add that plus the weight of your bike, then compare it to those numbers.

Greg_S · Sep 22nd, 2009, 2:11 pm

I use a moto-tote and have been very happy with it. My Navigator holds 600#'s on the tongue and has air-ride suspension. Not sure I'd use it on a 350# TW.

disgo duc · Sep 22nd, 2009, 3:03 pm

doesnt that porshe have air suspension already on it stock or is that only on 2010 models ...read something at the dentist office the otherday in a mag on that. oh yea moto jack rack wouldnt work for like it was already stated i have one but since the hyper dont have a frame underneath the bike u would be jackn from the bottom of your motor.

archimedio · Sep 22nd, 2009, 6:59 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverTT

Very helpful guys, thanks.

That one in the link is very similar to the Moto X Caddy carrier I have. Also I checked my tongue weight and I was way off. I saw a few aftermarket hitch setups for the Cayenne that have max tongue weight of 600lbs and 6000lbs towing capacity and I know the Cayenne Turbo factory hitch has a 7600lb towing capacity so I would assume the tongue weight is even higher as well. Either way, it is well over the 400lb weight of the Ducati HM.

You cannot go by tongue weight. Tongue weight is calculated based on force directly down on the ball from above. These carriers actually suspend the weight off hitch at lease 12-18 inches, which creates a lot more stress on the rear suspension of the vehicle. Do some research and you'll find that the stock suspension of just about every pickup and SUV is too weak for these things and the manufacturers recommend installing air shocks before installing one of these. It's all laid out on the VersaHaul site.

I've seen people with these things on the backs of SUVs bouncing around and just looking incredibly unsafe. Again, can you do it? Sure. But it's not all that safe or good for your rear shocks.