Bumper bike carriers

[Bill2001]

I'm going to be looking for bike carrier, the type that fits into the receiver of the trailer hitch.

The two types I've seen are 1) fixed relative to the bumper with a detachable ramp and 2) tiltable relative to tbe bumper and latchable once the bike is rolled on.

I've never used one on my own and know zip. What should I be looking for? And hat should I avoid?

Thanks--

[Dale]

Bill,
I use one that is the fixed type with the detachable ramp. It works great. The mount tube is steel while the deck and ramp are lightweight aluminum. Even so, it is quite heavy and a bit awkward to handle. So, if you go with this type, I would say to make sure that it is mostly aluminum. I think that there are different ratings available. 300 lbs and 400 lbs I believe. Mine is rated for 300 lbs and has held up for 7 years of use. You should be able to purchase one in the $100 to $125 range.

I have seen the fancier ones, but have never used one.
Dale

[RichardMott]

Back in the 1970s when I first got my Ace 100, I had a 1974 Honda Civic. It had real bumpers. I still have the bumper carriers that hooked on the bumper. Of course since cars no longer have real bumper any more, they sit in my garage gathering dust. Anyone want to buy them?

[bchappy]

Throwing this in just for fun. Made these myself in 1969 and they worked until I could afford a trailer. Sorry I don't still have mine.

[Bill2001]

Good info. This gets me started and at least lets me know that this type of carrier is useable. I've seen them in 200, 300 and 400 pound ratings and prices are not that bad. I'll shop around and report back.

[Jack Elliott]

Hey Bill C
great photo . Forget the carrier. Do you still have the bike and the trophy?!
Jack

[taber hodaka]

Same great smile, Dirty bike, skid plate, fork brace, throttle hand protector, cross braced handle bars, but clean straight unmolested brake lever, must have been a good ride, do you remember it?

[bchappy]

Jack, I don't know what happened to the bike as I went on to a Super Rat and then a Combat Wombat and I gave all my trophies (except my largest one) to a Scout Master to use for his scout group.

Clarence, you noticed a lot of things about the bike. You must have blown the photo up to see all those things from a front angle. I do not remember the race as I went to so many cross country races back then (most every weekend for several years.

Bill, sorry I hi-jacked your thread. Your question just brought back a lot of memories.

[Bill2001]

No problemo. The sidebar is wonderful to follow.

[hodakamax]

Hey Bill (Chapman), Love your VW/motorcycle shot from 1969! I got hooked on not only motorcycles, but VWs in that era. Only after several years of treatment in "VWs Anonymous" was I able to drive down the road without having to stop to inspect every VW carcass and see if it was for sale. At least that's how my wife tells it. My you look young in that shot!
Thanks!

Maxie

[bchappy]

Never got that hooked on VWs but I had a few (1956, 1964, 1972, 1973, and 2000.) The 1956 had flag turn signal on the side that had been covered over with bondo but you could see the outline. I was 27 in 1969. I worked for USDA Farmers Home Administration in Statesville NC and had a shop at my house with an after work business called Cycle Performance.

[Bill2001]

Bumper carriers are so Old-School, and perfect for toting a Hodie. And a bit more compact than a trailer. I've got a utility trailer with fittings to carry two bikes, but I'm thinking that a bumper carrier might be easier to use. We'll see how things work out.

[relic]

This one is aluminum and works great. That's my DT400C on which weighs about 300 lbs with gas so more than most Hodaka's. Only caution I'd offer is to remember that all the weight is quite aft of the car/truck and even with my old Dodge van in the photo I can tell when the bike is loaded. Also depending on your set up and the vehicle, the handle bars can be close.

Ken

[Bill2001]

Ken-- good points to consider. My van is a mid-size GMC Safari van, so I'm not expecting miracles. It handles a utility trailer well enough, though I figure that the tongue weight of the bumper carrier would be more than a properly loaded trailer. If the 210 pounds of the W'Bat is too much, I can add air shocks or helper springs.

[Bruce Young]

If I might suggest, please take a look at the two or three bike or atv bumper or hitch type of carriers from Harbor Frtg. Also go to the web sites for motorcycle, small scooter Bumper type carriers . There are several manf. of these items and I know you can find one that will work, some are even Almn. even lighter. You should have no problem finding something. Bruce Young

[Bill2001]

There are brands and types of bumper carriers available. I'll shop around and see what is the best value.

[relic]

I'm certain your van will easily carry the load but you may notice the front end/steering a bit lighter. That was what I experienced with my old Dodge. Not unsafe but definitely lighter. Mind you the old van was always a little slow to answer the helm...

And my vote is for the solid rack with ramp rather than the tilting rack. Always a plus to have a second person around too although I loaded and unloaded my DT quite a few times by myself. Sadly the van is gone but now I have a small aluminum enclosed trailer (700lbs empty) that carries a bike when the need arises. I built a fold down table and fold down bed inside so it serves as a mini (poor man's) toy hauler. Accommodations and bike transport all in one!

Ken

[Bruce Young]

Bill, just saw a post for Bumper Cycle Carriers, on a web site call Shamrock Cycle Salvage, $60.00 check it out, Bruce Young