Motorcycle to use as a "toad" with van

[GoingMobile]

I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle to carry on a hitch mount carrier behind my Ford Transit van. My thought is to use it as local transportation like rvers do with the small vehicles they tow behind. (toad)

My experience with motorcycles is with BMW boxer motor, shaft drive, sport touring bikes. I've done several 9,000 plus mile trips and many shorter ones. My riding has been all on-road with no off road experience. With the exception of dirt roads and tracks to find camp sites. I survived 6 years of riding all over the greater Los Angeles area.

I'm thinking a light weight dual-sport motorcycle would fill the bill. For me some basic dirt road and trail ability is desired but my main use would probably be day trips from my camp locations with some highway riding. In trips I've been on I've encountered a lot of people on Kawasaki KLR 650s and that seems perfect except the weight is getting to be a bit much for a hitch mounted carrier on a Ford Transit. I want as light as possible, but also something that is powerful enough and stable enough to do some highway miles without shaking and shimying at barely 60mph. It should be capable on dirt roads and some trails but I am by no means looking to get into serious moto-cross riding. Forest service roads with rough patches mostly.

I'm planning on selling my BMW 1150, which should at this point net only 3,000 dollars, and looking to maybe double that as a price point for a new life in a van friendly bike. Any suggestions for light weight, enough power to stay away from and get around vehicles when needed, good stability on the road, reliable and durable motorcycle?

 

[NoOvernightParking]

I've thought about this too, and I think 400cc is probably the sweet spot for hitch weight, power at highway speed, and not being too heavy off-road. Like a Suzuki DR-Z400S. 317lbs. https://www.suzuki.ca/product/2021-dr-z400s/

 

[GoingMobile]

I've thought about this too, and I think 400cc is probably the sweet spot for hitch weight, power at highway speed, and not being too heavy off-road. Like a Suzuki DR-Z400S. 317lbs. https://www.suzuki.ca/product/2021-dr-z400s/

Its on my list for sure. Seems to be old technology, but that may be a good thing in this case?

A friend who used to be a big off road rider wants me to get a KTM or Husqvarna. Probably way more capable off road than I'd ever need, pricey and if I need parts or work done I'm guessing harder to come by in out of the way locations. At least that's been my experience with BMW. Had to get parts overnighted from more urban areas to motels or campgrounds. Met a lot of great and generous people in cases where I broke down in remote areas, even in the middle of Texas.

 

[NoOvernightParking]

Seems to be old technology, but that may be a good thing in this case?

Old tech in the sense that there aren't fancy features like selectable driving profiles, cruise control, and probably no ABS. But it's liquid cooled, electric start, and you can replace the air filter without removing the gas tank, unlike my V-Strom..

 

[user 423]

x2 on the DRZ400. I'm looking for a smaller dual-sport also and will consider XT250 Yam,KLX300 Kaw,Honda CRF250/300. I think sticking with one of the major brands would be wise. Or maybe I'll go ahead and spend the money to rebuild my 2000 DRZ400E.

How soon will you be selling the BMW? Maybe you could get a decent trade-in value for it towards a smaller dual-sport?

 

[jacqueg]

The other day in Quartzsite, I saw a small semi towing a huge 5th wheel and a car on a trailer. Mounted bunkbed-style on the back of the semi were two ATVs of some kind.

More modestly, many van/RV dwellers carry electric bikes. Whatever you're thinking of, someone's doing it!

 

[AmargosaWayne]

I have a 2015 DR-200S on a hitch carrier. Very useful for exploring or running errands, leaving the RV in place. I have 10K miles on it, 2,400 since March 2021.

The DR-Z400S wasn't being manufactured when I was looking and I wanted new. I also looked at the KLR-250, but it was heavier and higher priced. It seemed that every production run of KLR-250/650 has required an aftermarket fix according to the threads on the thumper forum.

The main thing with the DRs is that the fuel capacity is only 2.6 gallons US for both 200 & 400.
I limit my rides to 110 miles between fuel stops to ensure a healthy reserve, I was getting 57 mpg running to/from Pahrump via Death Valley Junction, avoiding US-95.

 

[Calaverasgrande]

Been seeing a lot of folks with e-bikes or e-scooters at campgrounds. Especially the more spread out ones where it's a 10 minute walk to the facilities.
What really cracks me up are the folks with golf carts.
There was a couple I saw a few weeks ago that had dual axle RV towing a shortbed jeep/pickup, that itself had a golf cart in the back.
The cart apparently did not have any lead acid batteries. Instead they had a little Honda generator in back wired up permanently.
Kind of a redneck hybrid? I was laughing at first but quickly got annoyed. They rode that thing all over the campground all day long.
Sounded like a minibikes running around and around all day long. Kind of ruined the solitude.

I'm debating getting either a Brompton style fold up bicycle or an ebike type thing.
I would love to get a little dirt bike, but my right wrist is pretty jacked up.
I'm not sure aout mounting on the back using a trailer hitch receiver mount. I kind of like keeping it stealth. So something that can fold down into the back garage would be cool.

 

[Oldwolf]

Don't laugh, but I really like the new Honda Monkeys. Great mpg and small enough for one person to store and carry about on a small van.

 

[user 423]

E-bikes, monkey bikes, small scooters, Honda Trail 90s,etc. are OK if you're just puttering around a campground or exploring trails but for me a bike needs to go at least 60-70 mph. Many of the state parks or FS campgrounds where I tend to stay are quite a ways distant from shopping, so you need something that can half-ass keep up with traffic.

One example is Caballo Lake SP near Truth or Consequences,NM. It's 20 miles to town on a narrow 2-lane highway with no shoulders. Another is Cherry Creek CG that is 12 miles north of Silver City,NM on a narrow local road.

It's dangerous enough on any motorcycle but if you're slogging along at 20-30mph, it can be much worse. YMMV

 

[hugemoth]

The Honda Trail 90 is the ideal bumper bike for my use. I modified my 1968 model with a new 140cc engine, and lots of other parts to make it faster, lighter, and to require less maintenance. Weight is 170 lbs, speed 55 mph, 100+ mpg.

I used to haul my old 500cc Honda around but it was just too heavy and totally worthless on trails. Then I hauled my 200cc Enduro which was better on trails but couldn't keep up with highway traffic. Now I haul a cheap Chinese 250cc quad on a light open trailer. Perfect for the Arizona trails and washes and I found I can use it to get groceries, gas, propane, water, transfer station, etc..

 

[user 423]

The Honda Trail 90 is the ideal bumper bike for my use. I modified my 1968 model with a new 140cc engine, and lots of other parts to make it faster, lighter, and to require less maintenance. Weight is 170 lbs, speed 55 mph, 100+ mpg.

What gearing do you have?

 

[Catalystgrrl]

I'm doing exactly this. I've got the extended Ford Transit, with duallys. Just got the hitch mount installed and had my V-twin Hyosung 250 maintained (new sparks, battery, carbs cleaned, brake fluid, petcock... ad infinitim) and now I'm searching for a decent carrier. I feel a 250 in any brand is going to be enough power, without being too heavy on the hitch mount. I'm not sure a dirt bike or eBike is big enough for touring around the mountain towns comfortably. Fine for just cruising around the camp area. I didn't realize how challenging it is to find a carrier that isn't going to break your bike or break the bank. They also have to be far enough away from the van so the handlebars don't break the back windows of the van. Something to consider!

 

[PeterPiper]

The Honda Trail 90 is the ideal bumper bike for my use. I modified my 1968 model with a new 140cc engine, and lots of other parts to make it faster, lighter, and to require less maintenance. Weight is 170 lbs, speed 55 mph, 100+ mpg.

I used to haul my old 500cc Honda around but it was just too heavy and totally worthless on trails. Then I hauled my 200cc Enduro which was better on trails but couldn't keep up with highway traffic. Now I haul a cheap Chinese 250cc quad on a light open trailer. Perfect for the Arizona trails and washes and I found I can use it to get groceries, gas, propane, water, transfer station, etc..

You have a Trail 90 ?? ha! Most won't even know what that is.
Oh man you are soooo lucky!

I have a CT70 but it has a bad 2nd gear I need to fix.

 

[GoingMobile]

How much does that Hyosung weigh? Any promising leads on carriers?

A friend who used to be a big dirt bike rider has been trying to steer me towards KTM and Husqvarna Their dual sports are great for dirt riding but sound like they are a quite tiring to ride on the highway, excessive vibration, compounded by low gearing, and very frequent maintenance schedules. Pricey as heck too. But even for a 500 under 250lbs. Fantastic weight to power ratios.

I did find a blog of a guy who rode a KTM 500 EXC around the world; https://blog.ktm.com/around-world-ktm-500-exc/
Probably the bike I would go with if price and modifications needed for comfortable highway use were not considerations.

So far front runners for my use, light dirt tracks/trails, dirt fire roads, but also comfortable highway cruising, are the Yamaha WR250R (just under 300lbs) Suzuki DRZ400s (315lbs) Suzuki DR650 (350lbs) Kawasaki KLX 300 (300lbs) Some similar bikes by Honda and others seem to be mostly off road oriented and less comfortable on the highway. Small Adventure bikes seem to be 380 to 450 lbs which I'm guessing would be more of a trailer and less of a rear rack situation.

I'm pretty sure I want something that will be comfortable in keeping up with any vehicles 50-65mph on 2 lane highways and if unavoidable, occasional 65mph freeway miles. I imagine a 250lb motorcycle will be much easier to deal with on a rear hitch mount and wondering how much more difficult a 300-350lb bike will be getting onto a rack and safely carrying?

 

[GoingMobile]

Those Monkeys look like fun, not sure about highway riding. But this guy seems determined to make a long distance go of it.
231lbs, says the top speed is 65 mph. Maybe I'll try one out and see.

I'm looking for something that will be safe and relatively comfortable for 10 - 40 mile rides on two lane blacktop as well as exploring dirt roads. I like to exercise my legs and cardiovascular system when around camp and spare my neighbors the noise.

 

[Catalystgrrl]

The Hyosung weighs just under 400lbs. My tow hitch tongue weight can handle 750lbs and I drive a RWD dually van, so it has the extra support (4 tires) on the rear axle. I honestly don't know very much about motorcycles even though I've ridden for 30 years. I've always had Honda 250s (3 Honda Rebels, a CB250, my current South Korean bike - and only because I liked how it looked and it was affordable.) They're all fairly light weight (under 400lbs). I'm aiming towards a VersaHauler carrier or a goplus 600lb limit carrier. My mechanic turned me on to a local fabricator but I'm not paying $1,500 for a carrier. It's definitely a conundrum right now... The reviews on these things are all over the place.
https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Motor...7W4CL82T/ref=psdc_15735251_t1_B00WFIJ362?th=1
This might be the winner - at least this company offers a LIFETIME guarantee on their carriers. Though the 400lb limit on the rail section isn't going to work for me... I'd love the added cargo space for jerry cans of gasoline. https://wmastore.com/product/1000-motorcycle-tow-hitch-carrier-gas-can-storage-shelf/

 

[GoingMobile]

Then there is Alvin Straight, portrayed in the David Lynch movie "Straight Story" who traveled 350 miles on a riding mower to visit his estranged brother when he became ill. If there is a will there is a way I guess.

 

[GoingMobile]

The Hyosung weighs just under 400lbs. My tow hitch tongue weight can handle 750lbs and I drive a RWD dually van, so it has the extra support (4 tires) on the rear axle. I honestly don't know very much about motorcycles even though I've ridden for 30 years. I've always had Honda 250s (3 Honda Rebels, a CB250, my current South Korean bike - and only because I liked how it looked and it was affordable.) They're all fairly light weight (under 400lbs). I'm aiming towards a VersaHauler carrier or a goplus 600lb limit carrier. My mechanic turned me on to a local fabricator but I'm not paying $1,500 for a carrier. It's definitely a conundrum right now... The reviews on these things are all over the place.
https://www.amazon.com/Goplus-Motor...7W4CL82T/ref=psdc_15735251_t1_B00WFIJ362?th=1
This might be the winner - at least this company offers a LIFETIME guarantee on their carriers. Though the 400lb limit on the rail section isn't going to work for me... I'd love the added cargo space for jerry cans of gasoline. https://wmastore.com/product/1000-motorcycle-tow-hitch-carrier-gas-can-storage-shelf/

Thanks. It shows a really heavy looking sport bike being carried on that GoPlus. I noticed on some of the higher end carriers, in addition to the hitch connection a couple of additional points of connection to the vehicle on either side to stabilize the load. They look to be spaced to connect where the hitch connects to the frame under the vehicle. Seems desirable, particularly when traveling with the van on dirt roads that could be a bit bumpy.

 

[PeterPiper]

I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle to carry on a hitch mount carrier behind my Ford Transit van. My thought is to use it as local transportation like rvers do with the small vehicles they tow behind. (toad)

My experience with motorcycles is with BMW boxer motor, shaft drive, sport touring bikes. I've done several 9,000 plus mile trips and many shorter ones. My riding has been all on-road with no off road experience. With the exception of dirt roads and tracks to find camp sites. I survived 6 years of riding all over the greater Los Angeles area.

I'm thinking a light weight dual-sport motorcycle would fill the bill. For me some basic dirt road and trail ability is desired but my main use would probably be day trips from my camp locations with some highway riding. In trips I've been on I've encountered a lot of people on Kawasaki KLR 650s and that seems perfect except the weight is getting to be a bit much for a hitch mounted carrier on a Ford Transit. I want as light as possible, but also something that is powerful enough and stable enough to do some highway miles without shaking and shimying at barely 60mph. It should be capable on dirt roads and some trails but I am by no means looking to get into serious moto-cross riding. Forest service roads with rough patches mostly.

I'm planning on selling my BMW 1150, which should at this point net only 3,000 dollars, and looking to maybe double that as a price point for a new life in a van friendly bike. Any suggestions for light weight, enough power to stay away from and get around vehicles when needed, good stability on the road, reliable and durable motorcycle?

If it weren't for the "occasional Highway" jaunts, a very small (125cc dual purpose bike or even an electric bike) might do.
But once you need to get on the expressway where 80mph seems to be the average speed, you'll need 350cc's or more.

I've been on I-95 a few times with my "slightly modified" 150cc chinese scooter and had no problems but I wouldn't want to push it more than a dozen miles or so.

Limiting your trips on the smaller bike would probably work fine if you only did trails, off-road or non-highway routes is my thought.
I do also know that my Dodge Caravan starts to get really low in the back after about 200lbs is loaded on the hitch carrier in the stock suspension configuration and starts scraping on steep ingresses and speed bumps.