Riding on your motorcycle can make you feel like an entirely different part of the world. The way the wind goes through your hair, the sound of the engine, and the smell of fresh air as you ride can be one of the most incredible experiences of your week. However, you can’t always ride your bike, and sometimes you need to find a way to transport it. Some people turn to motorcycle haulers, but purchasing a carrier is often more cost-efficient. Let’s look at ways for you to haul your motorcycle around by utilizing motorcycle carriers.
Top 4 Best Motorcycle Carriers on the Market
1. Rage Powersport Double Motorcycle Carrier AMC6002
We are going to kick off our list with a motorcycle carrier that offers you dual hauling ability. The Rage Powersport Carrier has 600 lb capacity with two mounting brackets for motorcycles. All you need is a 2-inch hitch receiver that is at least Class II, and you’ll be able to get hauling right away. Add on your straps to keep your bikes perfectly in place, and you should be ready to roll in only a few minutes. This carrier is also perfect if you have a dirt bike or a lighter, smaller ride that you want to haul along with your primary motorcycle.
Founded by a hardcore biker who wanted the perfect loading ramp, this lightweight carrier can carry up to 600 pounds between the two tracks. With the included youth adapter bar, both adult and youth motorcycles can be easily stored so that the whole family can enjoy riding. Black Widow offers affordable loading, unloading, and transportation options for Powersports users, such as motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs. Hitch motorcycle carriers are not recommended for use with tow trailers such as 5th wheels, camping trailers, motor homes, or RVs.
2. Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier
Direct Aftermarket’s Steel Motorcycle Carrier is the affordable solution to all of your hauling needs. This hitch-mounted carrier comes replete with a few great pieces of technology installed. First off, you have a rack ramp, which makes for easy loading. This carrier features Anti-Tilt technology to help prevent your bike from wobbling as you drive your hauling vehicle around. Nothing is worse than hauling your expensive motorcycle around on the highway only to hear the unmistakable sound of steel wobbling. Finally, it’s made of steel, head to toe. It is a rugged carrier that is easy to assemble, easy to install, and even easier to use. You can use this carrier with a 2-inch hitch that meets Class II standards and above.
3. Black Widow Steel Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carrier (600 lbs)
The Black Widow Steel Motorcycle Carrier is as tough as it sounds. This carrier is completely made out of steel, and it is perfect for hauling around motorcycles as its weight limit reaches up to 600 pounds. The carrier itself works with 2″ hitches that are Class III and upwards. You’ll have the anti-tilt technology, an extra loading ramp that can be removed, and 6″ of clearance space between your carrier and your bumper will help to prevent those ugly scrapes and scratches over time. This is one of the finer single bike carriers on the market, and if you are serious about moving your motorcycle around, you might want to invest in one.
4. TMS T-NS-MRC001 Heavy Duty Motorcycle Carrier (500 lbs)
We are going to round out our list of carriers with the TMS Motorcycle Hitch Carrier. The MRC001 is one of the most affordable options on the marketplace, and that’s saying something as it is made head to toe out of steel. The MRC001 can handle up to 500 pounds, and it features a loading ramp with anti-tilt technology to keep your bike upright and safe. You can load from either side of the ramp, and you can fix the carrier onto any 2″ receiver you come across. This is a mostly no-frills carrier, but it gets the job done with ease.
Choosing a Motorcycle Carrier
When it comes to shopping around for your motorcycle carrier, you will have to get familiar with a few different metrics by which to judge them. While most motorcycle carriers may look similar to one another, they are pretty different. Let’s break down a typical motorcycle carrier into its most essential facets.
Hitch-Mount
Our focus is on the most durable type of carrier available: the hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier. The hitch mount is located on the back of your vehicle, and it will come in a variety of different sizes and weight ratings. First, reference your car manual to find out what your hitch class is, and from there. Then, you’ll be able to decide what hitch-mounted carrier you can purchase. Hitch mounts are easy to use, reliable, and exceedingly sturdy.
Body Material
The first decision you’ll make will also be the simplest one: the body material. Like all things in life, there are different grades of material that make for positive and negatives. The two types of motorcycle carriers that you will be running across include aluminum bodies and steel bodies. The distinction is pretty straightforward, and there are positives to both types. Aluminum carriers are going to be lighter and easier to install. Steel carriers are going to be much more durable and reliable during transport.
Weight Limit
You will want to make sure that you choose a motorcycle carrier that pairs well with your actual motorcycle weight. There are numerous carriers out there that are rated for up to a certain weight. Some carriers are meant for motorbikes, and these tend to get confused as motorcycle carriers. Matching up the weight of your bike with the weight limit of your carrier is integral.
Multiple Bike Capacity
If you are hauling more than one motorcycle or feel like that is a potential situation in the future, you will want to look at more expensive carriers that allow for second bikes. Of course, if you know that you will only ever be looking after your own motorcycle, you can easily ignore it. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye on in case you want to haul your friend’s motorcycle as well.
