My name is Max Farmer, I am a huge moto fan and motorcycle lover. Motorbikes were never my thing, not until I accompanied my dad to the 2005 MotoGP, which took place at Laguna Seca. I was 13 at that time. The experience was life-changing, and that marked the start of a passion that would never be quenched. At a young age, there wasn’t much I could do, although I longed to participate in circuit races. However, in due time, I was able to participate in a few races, and to date, racing has been my thing.
My father was not just a motorcyclist, he was a motorcycle mechanic. He taught me a lot about how bikes work and provided me with the opportunity to ride and use different gear and equipment. During the last races I’ve been in, I’ve had to transport my bike using a motorcycle hitch carrier. So, I have had varying experiences with the different equipment I used.
I’ve come to learn that not all hitch carriers are ideal for any rider. Types of hitch carriers vary a lot. Depending on your vehicle needs and specific options, you should choose the most suitable variant for you. It is for this reason that I decided to write this article in which I’ll be highlighting my favorite motorcycle hitch carriers.
Top 5 Best Motorcycle Hitch Carriers
- Black Widow AMC-400 – Best Hitch Motorcycle Carrier
- Goplus 600 LBS – Best Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carrier
- EGO BIKE Steel – Motorcycle Carrier for Trailer Hitch
- Black Widow MCC-600 600 lb – Hitch for Motorcycle Carrier
- GudCraft ALEKO – Hitch-Mounted Motorcycle Carrier
It is given that in every industry, there’ll always be dominant and inferior products in terms of quality and convenience offered to the consumer base. Similarly, there are numerous hitch carriers on the market, which are of a ‘shady’ quality and also ones that are characterized by reliability, durability, and high performance. Having used numerous carriers and seen peers with different brands, I have singled out five of my favorite carriers. I’ll be sharing my experience with each, highlighting their primary specifications and their advantages as well as disadvantages.
1. Black Widow AMC-400 – Best Hitch Motorcycle Carrier
Black Widow is a market leader when it comes to motorcycle gear and equipment. The Black Widow AMC 400 hitch carrier is my favorite carrier and the one I’m currently using anytime I need to carry my motorbike. This motorcycle hitch mount carrier beats many of its rivals by far as it features a roll-on ramp that comes with it, therefore making installation easier and more convenient to load the motorcycle. It has a sturdy design and is made of efficient aluminum. The material makes it easier to carry the motorcycle around and prolongs the durability of the vehicle too. It is compatible with class III and IV receivers and carries weights of up to 400 lbs. This aluminum hitch motorcycle carrier is highly reliable equipment, and I would recommend it to all riders with bikes weighing 400 lbs and below.
- Mounting Type – Hitch Mount;
- Load Capacity – 400 Pounds;
- Material – Aluminum;
- Vehicle Service Type – SUV, Truck, Dirt Motorcycle.
Here are the pros and cons:
- roll-on ramp on both sides is essential for convenient loading as this makes it almost effortless
- sturdy design for longevity
- made of industrial aluminum which makes it easy to carry
- can carry motorbikes with wheels measuring up to 5.5 inches in width
- compatible with both class III and IV receivers
- expensive in comparison to the average market price point for mono carriers
2. Goplus 600 LBS – Best Hitch Mount Motorcycle Carrier
If you own a big bike, then the Goplus 600 LBS carrier might be a great choice for you. It is a 600 lb motorcycle hitch carrier made with high-quality steel, making it durable and able to withstand obstacles. You can be sure of having your motorbike in good condition throughout the journey, thanks to the wheel chock and locks that secure the wheels. Though it is a bit expensive, this carrier is worth your trust and money. Also, it is water-resistant, so you don’t have to deal with rust. I would surely recommend this carrier to all motorcyclists.
- Mounting Type – Railing Mount, Hitch Mount;
- Load Capacity – 600 Pounds;
- Item Weight – 98 Pounds;
- Material – Alloy Steel;
- Vehicle Service Type – Dirt Motorcycle.
Here are the pros and cons:
- made of steel, making it strong enough to carry heavy bikes weighing up to 600 lbs and durable for a long-term use
- features a wheel chock essential for keeping the bike in place upon loading on the carrier
- integrated locks which help in securing a motorcycle even when driving on bumpy terrains
- made of water-resistant steel; thus the carrier is resistant to rust
- easy to mount on the rear of a vehicle
- does not feature an integrated ramp
- expensive
3. EGO BIKE Steel – Motorcycle Carrier for Trailer Hitch
The EGO BIKE steel carrier is another top-selling brand, popular among riders who engage in circuit races. With a weight capacity of 600 lbs, this hitch-mounted motorcycle carrier is convenient for carrying most multicycles designed for circuit racing. A winning factor that sets this carrier ahead is its compatibility with almost all classes of hitches. This means that a rider can install it on almost any vehicle. Currently, It is also one of the cheapest carriers on the market. This trailer hitch motorcycle carrier is characterized by durability as it is made with rustproof steel. I would recommend it to all riders.
- Load Capacity – 600 Pounds;
- Item Weight – 50.7 Pounds;
- Vehicle Service Type – Motocross Bikes, Scooters, Off-Road Dirt Bikes.
Here are the pros and cons:
- features an anti-tilt system that keeps the motorcycle properly aligned during transportation
- somewhat cheap and ideal for lightweight motorcycles
- compatible with most hitches including II, III, IV, and V hitches
- rust-resistant for long-term use
- easy to mount
- a limited weight capacity of 600 lbs
4. Black Widow MCC-600 600 lb – Hitch for Motorcycle Carrier
The Black Widow MCC-600 is a high-duty motorcycle hitch carrier made of tough steel for extended longevity. This hitch for a motorcycle carrier has a wheel chock which plays a vital role in keeping the motorcycle properly fastened on the carrier. Though it’s a little heavy, portability is manageable. This carrier is easy to assemble and mount. I would recommend it to all motorcycle owners.
- Mounting Type – Hitch Mount;
- Load Capacity – 600 Pounds;
- Item Weight – 98 Pounds;
- Material – Alloy Steel;
- Vehicle Service Type – Street-sport Motorcycles, Street-cruiser Motorcycles, Off-Road Motorcycles.
Here are the pros and cons:
- high-performance equipment that is characterized by high durability
- a generous weight capacity of 600 lbs, making it ideal for carrying dirt bikes
- made of steel and therefore not susceptible to rusting
- makes it simple to install and load a motorcycle
- features a wheel cock that keeps the bike from going over the carrier upon loading
- compatible with III and IV receivers only
- highly-priced
5. GudCraft ALEKO – Hitch-Mounted Motorcycle Carrier
The GudCraft ALEKO is a highly dependable carrier, featuring a weight capacity of 600 lbs. It has a length of 79 inches, making it ideal for carrying the longest motorcycle models. It is durable, thanks to the strong metallic build and the coating which prevents rusting. This carrier is not only easy to install but also to load a motorcycle. Also, it features an anti-wobble system which is efficient in firmly holding the bike. I would recommend this carrier any day.
- Mounting Type – Hitch Mount;
- Load Capacity – 600 Pounds;
- Item Weight – 100 Pounds;
- Material – Alloy Steel;
- Vehicle Service Type – Sport Bike.
Here are the pros and cons:
- a large carrying weight capacity of 600 lbs
- an extended length of 79 inches, making it ideal for carrying long motorcycles
- the strong steel framing is coated in oil powder to prevent rusting
- the assembly process is almost intuitive
- features an anti-wobble system for securing the motorbike in place
- expensive
Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier: Buyer’s Guide
Motorcycle hitch carriers are among the most critical pieces of equipment for motorcyclists considering the wide choice of products on the market. In this regard, there are many factors one ought to consider when choosing a hitch carrier. Follow this guideline, and you’ll be able to get a good carrier with ease.
What Should You Look for When Purchasing the Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier?
In order to ensure that a rider gets the ideal motorcycle hitch carrier for their vehicle, here’s a list of the top six essential elements to consider before buying one.
Hitch Receiver Compatibility
One of the essential considerations is the motorcycle carrier hitch compatibility with your vehicle’s hitch receiver. You might purchase a carrier only to find that your vehicle’s receiver is too big or too small for the carrier’s hitch. In order to ensure compatibility, confirm the hitcher class before making the purchase. Another crucial thing you need to keep in mind is the carrier’s load capacity. Some hitch carriers for motorcycles are designed to carry small-size motorcycles up to a weight of 400 lbs while others can carry as much as 1200 lbs. The average weight capacity number of motorcycle hitch carrier products is 600 lb.
Load Capacity
It is noteworthy that overloading a hitch-mount motorcycle carrier risks decreasing the lifespan of the carrier and may damage the motorcycle.
Build Materials
Also, the material used in carrier construction does matter a lot when it comes to its durability. There are carriers built with metals that are not rust-resistant, and this fact shortens their service span. Moreover, the material determines the strength of the carrier, therefore influencing the load capacity. Carriers built with high-duty metals tend to hold more weight. The question of whether a carrier comes with its ramp or not is one that should not be ignored. Some carriers have self-storing ramps while others do not, and the former are more convenient since it is easier to load a motorcycle with an attached roll-on ramp.
Ramp Inclusion
One reason I prefer and would recommend carriers with attached ramps is that it might be challenging to assemble carriers that do not have ramps, and therefore one is likely to spend more time trying to fix a ramp. Talking about how easy the process of installation can be, some carriers have too many parts disjointed, and a rider is required to correctly assemble them in order to be able to use them.
Ease of Installation
Another disadvantage that comes with such disjointed carriers is that it is easy for screws and other small parts to get misplaced or lost. A rider can drop some things unintentionally, and this may lead to wasting extra time trying to look for a misplaced part. It is more convenient to go for a built but quality carrier, as this won’t take much of your time in assembling.
Price
The last consideration is the price at which a carrier is retailing. Some motorcycle hitch carriers are overrated in regard to pricing. Therefore, you should check that a carrier offers value for your money before making the purchase. Also, in case you are not in a position to buy expensive carriers, you can pick a good one that is within your budget. Among the reviewed products, there is much averagely-priced equipment of high quality. Think of these factors when looking for a hitch carrier and you can be sure to find yourself the ideal equipment for transporting your motorcycle.
FAQ
Are hitch mount motorcycle carriers safe?
As long as your motorcycle is not too heavy, you should have no problem transporting it on a bike carrier. Just make sure you tie it down properly.
How do I secure a motorcycle hitch carrier?
Please follow all manufacturer’s installation instructions. Before installing the carrier between the support brackets, please connect the support brackets to your trailer hitch bar. Most likely, you will need to install the carrier and the anti-tilt device on the hitch and then insert your hitch pin. Last but not least, please install the ramp.
How do I know if a hitch carrier will work with my vehicle and motorcycle?
Make sure the weight of your motorcycle is less than the max load capacity for the carrier, and that the width of the bike’s wheels does not exceed the width of the carrier. Also, make sure your vehicle’s hitch class is compatible with the hitch carrier, and that you will not exceed the max tongue weight for your vehicle.
How do I fit a motorcycle hitch carrier?
The rack’s bar needs to be pushed into the hitch’s receiver. The hitch’s receiver usually needs to be 2 inches. Once the rack’s bar is fully pushed in, it needs to be secured using a hitch pin. A hitch pin is usually included in the sale of most motorcycle hitch carriers.
Which is Your Preferred Motorcycle Hitch Carrier?
Clear and comprehensive trailer hitch motorcycle carrier review articles help buyers make an informed choice in regards to their preferred product. With the motorcycle hitch carrier reviews placed above, probably you already know which hitch carrier you’ll be purchasing for transporting your motorcycle. As most products do not have a reliable return policy, it is important for a rider to take their time in weighing between options in regards to the evaluated elements.
Also, you have an option of going for a carrier with a dual or single design depending on the size and number of your motorbikes. Though there are brands that are generally associated with high-performance products, you can also consider products manufactured by not-so-popular brands, which are still of great quality. Again, if the carrier of your choice is not able to securely hold your motorcycle in position, regardless of the bumpy movement it’s subjected to, after all, a carrier that wouldn’t safeguard your motorcycle is not worth having.
As I wrap up, one essential factor you should never forget when buying a hitch carrier is the hitch class compatibility. If a carrier’s hitch receiver and your vehicle’s hitch are not consistent, no doubt that the carrier will not help you unless you change your vehicle or get another carrier. On that note, there are carriers that are compatible with a number of hitch classes, and these are the best just in case a rider decides to change their car.
Which carrier would you choose from the equipment reviewed above? Maybe you have another motorcycle hitch lift carrier in mind that is not featured in my reviews, in this case, what other carriers you think do deserve to be featured in this top 5 list? You can share your thoughts and opinions with me by posting them in the comments section below. Let’s keep the discussion going!