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Towing a motorcycle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by dgasmd, Oct 25, 2015.

  1. dgasmd

    dgasmd Junior Member

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    Anyone has a picture/info/comments of a dolly they use?

    I have a Ducati I would like to tow with my Prius without having to buy a trailer for it. I have seen a few pictures of these little dolly where the front tire mounts above ground and you tow the motorcycle with only the rear wheel on the ground. Seems like a neat and easy solution. Anyone has done this? Motorcycle is 650 Lb, but since only the front wheel is actually elevated, I figured the towing load would be minimal compared to towing a trailer with the entire thing on it. I already have a hitch on my Prius, which I currently use for a bike rack.

    Suggestions?????
     
    #1 dgasmd, Oct 25, 2015
  2. vskid3

    vskid3 Active Member

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    The towed weight would be less, but your tongue weight might be more than the hitch was meant to handle. The tongue weight capacity for all the 2010 Prius hitches I found is 200lbs. Just depends on how far the bike leans back and how much weight is transferred to the rear tire.
     
    #2 vskid3, Oct 25, 2015
  3. dgasmd

    dgasmd Junior Member

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    Good point. Most of the ones I see, on pictures at least, raise the front tire about 1-2 ft off the ground max.
     
    #3 dgasmd, Oct 25, 2015
  4. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    Thinking about security, I would go the trailer route..........:barefoot:
     
    #4 mrbigh, Oct 25, 2015
  5. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Don't do it. Get at least one of those "monorail" bike only trailers. They're less weight than a flatbed trailer.

    MC tires have relatively short lives, and rears wear out faster than front when superslabbing. You're putting all that wear on the rear wheel of the bike hauling it that way.
     
    #5 qdllc, Oct 26, 2015
    Bluegrassman and dgasmd like this.
  6. lylechill

    lylechill Junior Member

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    I have a 2002 Prius, I know it's not recommended, but, I installed a class three receiver and bought a used "trailer in a bag". A clip together weighs 140 lbs., comes apart and stores in the trunk and will tow up to 750 lb. motorcycle, single rail, uses the suspension of the motorcycle to absorb shocks. I've heard this trailer can haul a Harley, my BSA weighs 300 lbs. Good luck, Lyle DSC03757.JPG
     
    #6 lylechill, Oct 25, 2016
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  7. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    You have a 650 pound Duck? What model is it?

    Is the trailer need to just move the bike or use repeatedly (trips)?
     
    #7 fotomoto, Oct 25, 2016
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2016
  8. Dylan Doxey

    Dylan Doxey Senior Member

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    This couldn't be any more strain on the Prius than taking your inlaws to the airport. (y)
     
    #8 Dylan Doxey, Oct 25, 2016
  9. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I would like to know the manufacturer or name brand of the bike carrier.
    Thank you
     
    #9 mrbigh, Oct 25, 2016
    Dylan Doxey likes this.
  10. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    No because you have the m/c tied down above its suspension. That setup can only rely on the "bounce" or give of the trailer tires and any slack in the tie downs.
     
    #10 fotomoto, Oct 25, 2016
  11. William Redoubt

    William Redoubt Senior Member

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    Actually it is. Once your inlaws fly away they are gone -- 1 trip. You are going to haul that motorcycle many times! LOL.
     
    #11 William Redoubt, Oct 25, 2016
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