Just a question, why not back the truck to where the rear wheels are on the low side and load the bike from the higher side. That to me would put the ramp closer to the ground.
Thanks I have a 450lbs Himalayan I loaded up on my harbor freight 600lbs hitch rack. This video helped as I have a QX80 4X4 which is very high as well from the factory. The main trick is to have those front two straps pre set in length and ready to go when you power the bike up. Definitely tricky the first time I did it.
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad I have loaded and unloaded several times and now it is easy. I cruise up and down the interstate 80 over the Donner Summit to lake tahoe and Reno at freeway speeds no problem. Works great! Thanks.
I'm looking for a setup like this I have a 22 africa twin about 550lbs any problems transporting your ktm beast? Stable ? And who makes the hitch if you would sir. Ty
That’s a beautiful setup! The tow hitch carrier must be heavy duty for that beast of a bike. Does the end of the hitch carrier hit the ground at all when off-roading?
Which carrier is that? I'm considering a similar build so I can leave the trailer behind. I have one for my DRZ but there's no way it can handle the weight of the 1290. Nevermind. Saw your answer in another comment.
fork braces are awesome for strapping down bikes. keeps the front a lot more solid and from moving around as much. just supports the forks from compressing by going between the top of the wheel and the bottom of the lower triple clamp.
I’ve heard some horror stories with those things unfortunately. People using them on motorcycle trailers and the suspension won’t compress down far enough to keep it solid and the bikes bouncing off the trailer, etc… I just haven’t felt real great about using it on this big heavy bike. But I might if I found a really solid unit.
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad 2 inch pvc pipe cut to length will save on seals. I have a 2020 ATAS it works well when trailering a distance its pretty solid. Like the videos keep it up.
Would you take your bike 2000+ miles across the country with this hitch? I gotta go from UT to PA and rather not rent a Uhaul trailer for $570 if I can just buy one of these.
General rule of thumb is 10% of your vehicles towing capacity. My truck is rated around 13k for a bumper pull. So 1300 lbs is about the max I would want to see on tongue weight.
General rule of thumb is 10% of your vehicles towing capacity and my truck is rated around 13k for a bumper pull. So 1300 lbs would be a safe area for me.
Absolutely. Last thing I want is a $20k bike tumbling off behind the truck. And no need for padding. The bike is about 8” away at its closest spot. I know it looks closer than that, but the bike doesn’t move that much in transport either. 👍 thanks for always commenting on the videos!
I replaced all of the bracing with 3/16” wall, 2” square tubing, added a frame underneath the tray, and replaced the tie down bars with 1.25” square tubing, same thickness, and also cut out new tie down brackets out of 1/4” with my plasma cutter. It might be a little overkill honestly, but it works great for what I’m doing. 🤙
Probably a good idea. Although it’s been working pretty good the way it is lol, so whenever I get around to it, I probably will. It’s been quite a while since I’ve used that carrier.
You would've had an easier time if you turned the truck around and set the ramp on the high ground. Same two tires in the same little ditch rut, just rotate the truck 180-degrees and film+load from the other direction. The only problem would be the sun would then be facing the camera.
It was a cheapo rack that I took apart and reinforced with much stronger steal. Check out mototote for a great carrier that will easily handle these heavy bikes.
No room for mistakes there! Might want to slap some non-skid stuff on that ramp. It would also be a LOT easier to park next to higher ground on the passenger side. Also, huge mistake not putting a block on top of the fender. Take a big bump, you can throw a strap. It’d be even better to get clamps for the foot pegs.
Non skid is a good idea. I’m actually planning on welding a few pieces of expanded metal to the floor of the ram to help it grip better. The big bike likes to tear the non skid tape off. I never run a fork saver/block in the front fender because I’ve read too many bad stories of those causing more harm than good. I’ve been moving this bike this way for a long time as well as dirt bikes with no issue. Compress that front suspension enough to hold it tight without going too far, and you won’t have any issues.
I appreciate the concern. I have bleeders on my forks - so that when you crank them down to transport, you can bleed the extra pressure and not harm the seals. I’ve done it on all of my dirt bikes and on the motorcycle. Never a single issue. Just make sure you use your bleeders.
It does block some of the light, but most of it is still visible. Confirmed by having another rig behind me let me know. I’ll be adding some auxiliary lighting though. Better safe than sorry.
It may look that way, but I am far below what the truck can handle. And I know the rack will handle it because I built/modified it to hold the extra weight. Thanks for watching!
I'm not here to knock your ride(s) but it simply doesn't look safe and that big KTM is an expensive thing. You detail your mods to the carrier but it still moves around in that receiver hitch (a whole other discussion, but for all it's versatility, the receiver hitch is a poorly executed idea and design). What about some extra bracing for the carrier? Straps or struts, that fulcrum is being twisted in ways a tow ball will never apply forces. What about the obscured rear lights? Are there states with overhang laws? Where is the centre of gravity side to side? I admire the setup, I have looked at similar as a project, but may be my euro background is the problem... That wouldn't get past the first police car in most of Europe! You are well within weight limits (I drive a Dodge 3500 Cummins, too) and the stiffness of the chassis shouldn't be an issue (mind those Dodges do like to rust) it's the movement at the receiver scares me... And following you in the dark. End of the day, you ride more than I do so well done😆
Ridden the bike a ton. Sometimes its nice to have options to have your truck and the bike. Not sure why you're leaving negative comments. But I hope you're doing well none the less.
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In case I missed it, what is the set up on your truck? I have an 06 cummins and really like your set up. Wheels suspension, tire size?
Just a question, why not back the truck to where the rear wheels are on the low side and load the bike from the higher side. That to me would put the ramp closer to the ground.
Definitely an option. Just showing what works for me. But whatever you need to do to get your bike loaded and get out there to ride is great!
Thank you. I'm really new to this idea, just got my first dirt bike. Can you attach a hitch to the back of that carrier to still tow a trailer?
Thanks I have a 450lbs Himalayan I loaded up on my harbor freight 600lbs hitch rack. This video helped as I have a QX80 4X4 which is very high as well from the factory. The main trick is to have those front two straps pre set in length and ready to go when you power the bike up. Definitely tricky the first time I did it.
Glad it helped you out. Just getting used to balancing it all is the tricky part. After that
It’s pretty simple.
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad I have loaded and unloaded several times and now it is easy. I cruise up and down the interstate 80 over the Donner Summit to lake tahoe and Reno at freeway speeds no problem. Works great! Thanks.
@@SlowRiderDucati glad to hear it! Also- love the username. 👍
Awesome! Thanks for sharing this!
I'm looking for a setup like this I have a 22 africa twin about 550lbs any problems transporting your ktm beast? Stable ? And who makes the hitch if you would sir. Ty
That’s a beautiful setup! The tow hitch carrier must be heavy duty for that beast of a bike. Does the end of the hitch carrier hit the ground at all when off-roading?
Thank you! And I haven’t noticed that yet. But I’m sure if you get a decent enough angle, it would.
Been looking for a rack to carry my Africa twin for a while whats the brand name so i can try to get one here in Australia. Awesome video thanks Mate.
Which carrier is that? I'm considering a similar build so I can leave the trailer behind. I have one for my DRZ but there's no way it can handle the weight of the 1290.
Nevermind. Saw your answer in another comment.
fork braces are awesome for strapping down bikes. keeps the front a lot more solid and from moving around as much. just supports the forks from compressing by going between the top of the wheel and the bottom of the lower triple clamp.
I’ve heard some horror stories with those things unfortunately. People using them on motorcycle trailers and the suspension won’t compress down far enough to keep it solid and the bikes bouncing off the trailer, etc… I just haven’t felt real great about using it on this big heavy bike. But I might if I found a really solid unit.
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad 2 inch pvc pipe cut to length will save on seals. I have a 2020 ATAS it works well when trailering a distance its pretty solid. Like the videos keep it up.
Would you take your bike 2000+ miles across the country with this hitch? I gotta go from UT to PA and rather not rent a Uhaul trailer for $570 if I can just buy one of these.
Absolutely. Especially if you’re just doing road driving. Just be thorough in strapping it down, and check it whenever you stop to fuel up.
whats the tongue weight limit on your vehicle? wondering if i can put 500lbs of bike and carrier on a 500lb tongue weight rated SUV
General rule of thumb is 10% of your vehicles towing capacity. My truck is rated around 13k for a bumper pull. So 1300 lbs is about the max I would want to see on tongue weight.
I’m sorry if I missed it in the video, what’s the make and model of the actual carrier itself?
It’s a no name off brand. Got it second hand, cut it apart and rewelded a bunch of stronger steel in to hold that heavy bike.
Oh thanks for the video by the way. I am about to buy a BMW 1250GSA and have a tundra that I want to load the bike onto the same as yours.
Where did you buy that carrier? Any specific store?
Crazy that you can get that heavy bike up there on your own. You made it look easy!
New subscriber here. Thanks for the video.
Whats your hitch tongue weight capacity and the weight of the bike?
General rule of thumb is 10% of your vehicles towing capacity and my truck is rated around 13k for a bumper pull. So 1300 lbs would be a safe area for me.
Doesn’t hurt that you’re younger and a hous, I’m an older dude. I have to use the two man method.
Definitely need that beefy bike strapped down as tight as possible. Do you ever need to put some kind of padding between the bike and the tailgate?
Absolutely. Last thing I want is a $20k bike tumbling off behind the truck. And no need for padding. The bike is about 8” away at its closest spot. I know it looks closer than that, but the bike doesn’t move that much in transport either. 👍 thanks for always commenting on the videos!
Superb mate
You’ve obscured your truck’s brake and turn signals, as well as the license plate.
What mods did you do to the carrier? My versahaul is rated to 500lb and I don't want to test that claim...
I replaced all of the bracing with 3/16” wall, 2” square tubing, added a frame underneath the tray, and replaced the tie down bars with 1.25” square tubing, same thickness, and also cut out new tie down brackets out of 1/4” with my plasma cutter. It might be a little overkill honestly, but it works great for what I’m doing. 🤙
This was my exact question because I haven’t found a good bike carrier for the big bikes.
Awesome Setup...I just need a truck that can support the weight of my Africa Twin on the back. Just found your channel...subscribed!
Thanks for watching! I love this setup. It should be phenomenal for long distance camping. Really excited to do more trips with it.
Guy, have a buddy weld 5 more inches of U channel on the back of it so the rear tires has something to sit on!
Probably a good idea. Although it’s been working pretty good the way it is lol, so whenever I get around to it, I probably will. It’s been quite a while since I’ve used that carrier.
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad why don't you use it anymore? has it ever failed you?
@@IamWillPowers not at all! Just haven’t had an opportunity to go on a trip with the bike and truck together recently.
You would've had an easier time if you turned the truck around and set the ramp on the high ground. Same two tires in the same little ditch rut, just rotate the truck 180-degrees and film+load from the other direction. The only problem would be the sun would then be facing the camera.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Where did you get your graphics for that bike?
Upshift.com makes the graphics kit. They’re awesome! Thanks for watching
What is the make & model of the carrier?
It was a cheapo rack that I took apart and reinforced with much stronger steal. Check out mototote for a great carrier that will easily handle these heavy bikes.
No room for mistakes there!
Might want to slap some non-skid stuff on that ramp. It would also be a LOT easier to park next to higher ground on the passenger side.
Also, huge mistake not putting a block on top of the fender. Take a big bump, you can throw a strap. It’d be even better to get clamps for the foot pegs.
Non skid is a good idea. I’m actually planning on welding a few pieces of expanded metal to the floor of the ram to help it grip better. The big bike likes to tear the non skid tape off.
I never run a fork saver/block in the front fender because I’ve read too many bad stories of those causing more harm than good. I’ve been moving this bike this way for a long time as well as dirt bikes with no issue. Compress that front suspension enough to hold it tight without going too far, and you won’t have any issues.
Nice you have info for the rack? Maybe it work on my Tacoma too.
The rack is just a cheap unit that I beefed up to hold the extra weight. Best suggestion for the rack is a mototote. 👍
wow 😮😮
You need to not crank the forks down so much, terrible for the seals.
I appreciate the concern. I have bleeders on my forks - so that when you crank them down to transport, you can bleed the extra pressure and not harm the seals. I’ve done it on all of my dirt bikes and on the motorcycle. Never a single issue. Just make sure you use your bleeders.
only problem, seems to be the lights of the truck that got hidden
It does block some of the light, but most of it is still visible. Confirmed by having another rig behind me let me know. I’ll be adding some auxiliary lighting though. Better safe than sorry.
When I carried my DRZ on a ramp, I used a Harbor Freight towing light kit.
@@67daltonknox good idea. I also found a set of nice LED’s on Amazon that should work well.
Seems too hard on chassis ?
It may look that way, but I am far below what the truck can handle. And I know the rack will handle it because I built/modified it to hold the extra weight. Thanks for watching!
@@EpicAdventuresOffroad Thx. Did you reinforce the chasis ?
@@geoinnovacion1704 on the bike or the truck?
Wow. That looks sketchy.
I hear ya. But it’s super solid. I wouldn’t risk it with that expensive of a bike.
Sorry I just cant trust all of that weight and torque on a hitch. My bike is going in the bed of the truck.
I'm not here to knock your ride(s) but it simply doesn't look safe and that big KTM is an expensive thing.
You detail your mods to the carrier but it still moves around in that receiver hitch (a whole other discussion, but for all it's versatility, the receiver hitch is a poorly executed idea and design). What about some extra bracing for the carrier? Straps or struts, that fulcrum is being twisted in ways a tow ball will never apply forces.
What about the obscured rear lights? Are there states with overhang laws? Where is the centre of gravity side to side?
I admire the setup, I have looked at similar as a project, but may be my euro background is the problem... That wouldn't get past the first police car in most of Europe!
You are well within weight limits (I drive a Dodge 3500 Cummins, too) and the stiffness of the chassis shouldn't be an issue (mind those Dodges do like to rust) it's the movement at the receiver scares me... And following you in the dark.
End of the day, you ride more than I do so well done😆
That would suck to get rear ended.
Yes it would. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
If it's an adventure bike shouldn't you be riding it? It's not an adventure bike it's a trailer bike
Notice he has gear accessories ect prob kooler clothes also maybe camping .smh
Ridden the bike a ton. Sometimes its nice to have options to have your truck and the bike. Not sure why you're leaving negative comments. But I hope you're doing well none the less.