***HELP *** I know I won't get very good gas mileage on my Pri Pri however, I need to transport a BMW F650cc motorcycle from Utah to California (400 miles). Can my Prius C III handle a carrier of a 400 lb. motorcycle or not? What do you suggest?
The type shown should be fine. Be sure to check the BMW recommendation about towing though. An even better option: RIDE it there. The cost of the carrier and hitch will be more than a bus ticket back to get it.
I'm going to add this ( extension piece so I dont hit the plastic molding then add this and take the weight off of the rear of the prius c for my 400 lb. bike and this will rise it up and lock in place.
I've pulled small trailers with my c, it works fine. Note that if you're pulling 400lb that cuts the in-the-car payload rating down to about 600lbs. Deduct your own weight from that, and what remains is your "inside the car" allowance for passengers or cargo. It goes fast. You really do not want to push that limit on mountainous routes. Your itinerary certainly could include some mountain driving; best to check that in advance.
AFAIK, for those front wheel chock motorcycle hitch carrier, you need a class 2 (2") hitch. I think Prius C only has class 1 (1-1/4") hitch available. A BMW F650GS or G650X motorcycle are under 500 lb., with rear wheel contacting the ground, likely only 200 lb. on the tongue of the hitch. By the time you tow the motorcycle from UT to CA , you might need a new rear tire for the motorcycle.
BMW likely has no recommendation about towing with the rear wheel on the ground. The bus ticket will be a one time fee and use.. but if you get the hitch and trailer, it will save money in the long run using it for other things. I recommend buying a nice cheap 4x8 trailer though. I have both but i would use the front wheel grabber just for local tows. for 400 miles, i'd rather have it more secure on a 4x8 preferably with a "locking" chock. Those hold the bike so well.
They make adapters to go from 1 1/4 to 2 inches.. and now the adapers have a much needed rise to them. They are much better than the straight ones. The best scenario would be to buy a small trailer 4x8 and use a locking wheel chock and strap it down at 4 points. It would be more secure and less tongue weight and no wear on the rear tire, chain, and sprockets. Could always sell the trailer setup later if no room to store it. As a motorcycle owner though, it's best to keep it if you ever want ot drop yoru car or bike off somewhere.
