Versahaul or Moto-tote for Sport motorcycle

[khadux]

Has anyone here hauled a sport motorcycle using the versahaul or moto-tote on the 4runner? What are your review of these product and are they stable? Since the bike and the carrier weigh more than 500 lbs combine, did you need to use an air bag for the rear suspension?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Colemanfu]

Just used my versa hauler on a 170 mi trip and no problems. I have a 300 lb super huge dirt bike that I load on the back of my 04 runner. No bouncing or movement problms but I do strap it down like a geek. 2 in the front, 2 in the back and one from frame rail around the bike through spokes to the other tow loop (other frame rail). That last strap keeps it from making any side to side. I figue if the hitch busts then I will just drag the bike a bit and not drop it on someones hood. Had it for 3 years, and tow with a 3 inch lift. When they come out with the little air bags that fit in the spring for my model I will give them a try. It sags the back but I still have play so it's not resting on the bump stops. Check out some bike sites and post the same question. There are a mill different models. One is called the moto jack. Its a hitch and jack all in one.

 

[T?@\7]

ColemanFu: Daytona eh? I live in Ponce Inlet, but grew up in and around DB, Port Orange, Ponce, etc etc etc!!
Ive been waiting to see a lifted 4R locally, and have yet to see one. Yours is the only lifted G4 that I know of around here, Id love to see it sometime. I will be trying to lift mine as soon as possible im sure

I dont have any personal experience with either, but have seen the moto-tote in person/action. From what I remember it seemed decent, sorry I cant offer more info.
what kind of bike are you hauling? I have an 03 CBR600RR Blk, nothing like the feeling of riding.... :

~T?

 

[khadux]

I have an 01 gsxr 1000. I'm taking it for a road trip from TX to CA, approximately 2000 miles so I'm a bit concern with the weight.

 

[02SE]

You could probably get away with it, there is a safety margin in the rated tongue weights.

But if it were me, I would try to find an enclosed trailer.

It will keep your bike out of sight, so less potential for theft.

You won't be overloading the receiver hitch.

I have seen pictures of circumstances where the straps got a little loose, and the bike and vehicle made prolonged contact, and wore the paint off both bike, and car where they touched. :awais:

Nice bike BTW. I had an '03 G1K, sold it in anticipation of the new '05 G1k.

Still have my fast touring bike, '02 SE Busa.

And slow touring bike, '02 Ultra Classic.

 

[khadux]

Thx 02SE. The 05 g1k should be a monster of a ride and good looking too . You have a nice collection there.

I think I found my answer. I tested the versa-haul out yesterday and the sag was only minimal. I thought the airbags could reduce the weight on the rear suspension but since they only reduce the sag, I'll go without them. Thank you all.

 

[Kermit955]

Can you please post some pics with the bike on the versahaul. I've been considering this to haul my bike to the dealer just for service. I have a 03 Triumph Speed Triple close to 420 lbs so it definitely will exceed the 500lb tongue weight capacity considering the weight of the versahaul. Could you please let us know which model you used. Thanks.

 

[rensho]

I use my versahaul with my yz250f. Works great, very little sag. For a street bike, if you have the lame 500lb rated stock hitch like i have, i'd be worried about overloading it. Think of when you hit a bump or hole. The hitch and a street bike weigh over 500lbs standing still. The bump puts 2x(?) the force on the hitch?
Hopefully you have the newer, better, 700lb rated hitch that comes on the V8 these days.
Either way, good luck with it.

On my versahaul, i saw that i could cut the hitch tube, thus making the bike closer to the truck. This minimizes the leverage it has on the truck; less sag, less stress on hitch. I think i cut about 3+ inches with the sawzall. Then drill new pin hole.

 

[khadux]

I bought the versa-haul sport model VH SPORT RO which has the carrying capacity of 600 lbs http://www.versahaul.com/vhsportro.html. My bike weighs about 440 lbs wet and the 4runner came with the 730 lbs tongue rating hitch so maybe it is ok. I will post some pics in a week or so (that's when I leave for my trip). Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[02SE]

I bought the versa-haul sport model VH SPORT RO which has the carrying capacity of 600 lbs http://www.versahaul.com/vhsportro.html. My bike weighs about 440 lbs wet and the 4runner came with the 730 lbs tongue rating hitch so maybe it is ok. I will post some pics in a week or so (that's when I leave for my trip). Merry Christmas everyone!

If you decide to go that route, make sure you stop and check the straps often. They can loosen up.

 

[khadux]

Versa-Haul Sport pictures

Here are the pictures I promised for the Versa-haul Sport model.

 

[khadux]

pic #2

 

[khadux]

pic #3

 

[khadux]

pic #4

 

[khadux]

pic #5

 

[khadux]

pic #6

 

[rensho]

You need to get some canyon dancer straps for the bars, rather than just strapping down the grips. Ask at the moto store.
Looks great otherwise. How did it drive? Did the front feel light?

 

[khadux]

With 600 lbs on the rear, as you can see, the rear does sag a little. The front does not feel light though. Comparing to towing a trailer with the same amount of weight, hauling the bike is hardly noticeable. So far, I think it's good overall. I'll give a more detail report after the trip.

 

[Hitman]

Does the bike totally block your taillights/turn signals? It sure looks that way from the pictures....

 

[rensho]

You might consider tying up or taping up all the lose strap ends. They like to eat paint...
Have a safe trip.