Motorcycle power lift

[greyhoundexpress]

Looking for suggestions on a power lift that will work for Greyhawk 29MV. I understand there are limitations regarding weight placed on rear axle.
Considering HydraLift, Cruiserlift swivelwheel, and Overbilt lift
Motorcycle weighs 525 lbs
Thanks!

[jimp]

Your best and safest bet would be a motorcycle trailer, or enclosed trailer, or a utility trailer. You would not even know it was there in terms of resistance, reduced mpg's, etc. A trailer is a hassle in terms of parking it at CG's, but most have some space for free. JMO

[greyhoundexpress]

Thanks for the reply! Do you pull a motorcycle or have you ever used one of the lifts? Just wondered why the trailer is better? Is it because of weight distribution?

[Rustynuts]

I use both a small 6x12 cargo trailer set up for my BMW 1200GS that I use and I also built my own lift for when I want to pull a trailer. My lift uses a 5K winch to lift it and I have used it for the 1200 but usually take a TW200 or F650GS on the lift when pulling a trailer. Havent had time yet to adapt my lift for our new Seneca. Both ways work but it is a lot nicer having the small trailer as you can set it up for all your gear, extra gas and best of all everything stays clean. A bike on a lift can get filthy from road grime especially if its raining. If you use a trailer I highly recommend the Pitbull motorcycle restraint if they make one for your bike. Locks bike in tight with no straps.

[greyhoundexpress]

Originally Posted by Rustynuts

I use both a small 6x12 cargo trailer set up for my BMW 1200GS that I use and I also built my own lift for when I want to pull a trailer. My lift uses a 5K winch to lift it and I have used it for the 1200 but usually take a TW200 or F650GS on the lift when pulling a trailer. Havent had time yet to adapt my lift for our new Seneca. Both ways work but it is a lot nicer having the small trailer as you can set it up for all your gear, extra gas and best of all everything stays clean. A bike on a lift can get filthy from road grime especially if its raining. If you use a trailer I highly recommend the Pitbull motorcycle restraint if they make one for your bike. Locks bike in tight with no straps.

Thanks! Really good point about carrying the gear in the trailer. My bike happens to also be a 1200GS (low suspension). Do you agree with the other reply that the trailer doesn't add difficulty in driving the rig or increase fuel consumption? (32' greyhawk)
Where did you buy the Pitbull? I've never heard of that but will google it.
We don't plan to tow a car and are new to the RV, do you think campgrounds will accept the trailer at the site in lieu of a car or other vehicle?

[Rustynuts]

The trailer is small and light enough that you dont even know its back there and never noticed a difference in mileage. The Pitbull system is awesome for the 1200GS as you just put the bike on the center stand, install it in about a minute, then just ride bike into trailer and line up the locks and they automatically locks the bike in place. If you have multiple bikes you can buy different pin sets and use the same lock bar, I just got a set for my Dakar. The system is pricey but IMO well worth it!

https://www.pit-bull.com/makes-and-m...roduct_id=1013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zK8...ature=youtu.be

[greyhoundexpress]

Wow, that's really a really sweet system, I'm sold!! thanks for the video link.
How about parking the trailer when you get to state park or campground, will they accept it instead of a towed car? Thanks so much!

[Rustynuts]

I have never been questioned once the bike is unloaded, unhooking it and rolling aside. The trailer is pretty light and easy yo move if the ground is pretty flat.

[jimp]

Trailers are just safer than trying to lift something that heavy up on a narrow rail. I've towed cycles for years, and have an Alumna brand MC trailer, which is all aluminum, has wheel chocks and tie down locations, hide away ramp, and front rock guard. I can roll it's 200-300# dead weight around in my back yard with ease. I had an enclosed trailer at one time with ramp door, bikes are kept clean and secure. An enclosed trailer is heavier, and not as easy to move vs the open trailer that can be rolled/moved around by you.

[greyhoundexpress]

You have both convinced me that a trailer is the way to go, I'm so glad I posed the question in this forum, thanks very much for the guidance!!

[Rustynuts]

I like the covered trailer mainly for security and keeping bike clean.

[greyhoundexpress]

Yes, will definitely go with enclosed trailer for clean bike, security, and the extra space for gear. It hit me that I can spend the same amount on the motorized lift as a trailer but only be able to use it for one thing.

I'm sure there's varying qualities of trailers, and also wondering what size if I'm only bringing the 1200 plus 2 bicycles. Do you recommend 6 x 12, 6 x 10, 5 x 10?

Considering this company but have just started looking. Checked Craigslist and nothing out there new in Asheville. I have a flatbed open utility trailer to trade in or sell.

https://www.leonardusa.com/v-nose-ca...duct-group-155

[jimp]

6x10 or 12 if not cost prohibited. Sometimes the larger ones are just a couple hundred more. I had a Pace American IIRC, no issues with it. No experience with the Leonard brand, google enclosed motorcycle trailers, and surf the web. LOL.

[greyhoundexpress]

Thanks so much for all the guidance!

[MikeThompson]

We just bought a 7x14 Diamond Cargo trailer to pull behind our class A. They're south of you in Douglas, GA. I like i the size because we can carry what we want. We full time, so I wired the trailer and carry a chest freezer, 2 bicycles, a couple storage cabinets, kayak and motorcycle. It pulls great, no noticeable mileage difference, everything is hidden and locked, and we haven't had any problems getting into rv spots.