Motorcycle Tow Hitch

R iding a motorcycle is a great way to experience and see the world, as it gives you a different perception of your surroundings, a sense of adventure and of freedom. However, there are several instances when you cannot ride your bike and are, thus, forced to find a way to transport it. With several methods to do so, the cheapest and most cost-efficient way is to get a tow hitch, so the next time you will want to travel around, you can take your bike with you.

So, to help you choose a tow hitch that will fit your and your bike needs, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 6 Motorcycle Tow Hitches Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Item Dimension	Item Weight	Capacity	Ramp Included	Locking Devices	Price
Best Overall	1. Black Widow MCC-600	79 x 34.5 x 10 inches	98 pounds	600 lbs		Anti-rattle	Check Price
	2. Goplus Motorcycle Carrier	79 x 31 x 13 inches	91 pounds	600 lbs		Anti-wobble	Check Price
Our Choice	3. Black Widow AMC-400	75 x 5.5 inches	33.5 lbs	400 lb		Anti-rattle	Check Price
	4.TMS T-NS-MRC001	76 x 20 x 2.5 inches	48 lbs	500 lb		Anti-tilt	Check Price
	5. Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier	76 x 33 x 2 inches	30 lbs	500 lb		Anti-tilt	Check Price
	6. Best Choice Products SKY1375	76 x 7 x 1 inches	51 pounds	500 lbs		Anti-tilt

1. Black Widow MCC-600

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Constructed with heavy-duty steel, with a capacity of 600 pounds, this is our first choice. Able to be used with bikes up to 8 inches wide makes it a great choice when transporting your bike. Durable, made with tough steel, packs more than enough support to carry even heavy motorcycles, as it is designed for class III or IV, 2 inches hitch receivers.

Sturdy and protected against elements

It is not simply made of steel, as it would rust away, but it has a black powder finish coat that protects it against even the harshest climatic conditions, making it time resistant and reliable. You won’t have to worry about it losing its strength as it is made to stay unchanged for a long time.

Ramp it up

This hitch doesn’t come alone, it offers you a 71 inches loading ramp which can be stored on the carrier when not in use. It will help you move the bike on the carrier with more ease, without you having to get through the regular struggle of assembling the bike on the hitch. Easy to install and assemble, if the need arises, you can even remove the ramp for easier transportation.

Accessories

Besides the ramp that is detachable, this device comes with an anti-tilt, anti-rattle and 5/8 inches hitch pin along with several bolts that will make your installation hassle-free. Securing your bike while traveling is extremely important because you wouldn’t want to end up losing in on the way to your destination. But with the 7-point adjustable wheel chock and 4 integrated tie-down points securing the motorcycle, you don’t have to worry about its safety. Just roll the bike up the ramp, secure it and you are ready to go.

PROS	CONS
Removable load ramp Heavy-duty 7-point adjustable wheel clock	Because of the steel material it is made of, it can be quite expensive
VERDICT
Able to carry different types of motorcycles, from light to heavy while assuring you they are safe and secure while transporting them. Plus, it can be installed at the back of your car effortlessly.

2. Goplus Motorcycle Carrier

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Offering the perfect size, with wide applications, this is our second choice. Its durable and solid construction has high strength and toughness, allowing you to carry your motorcycle firmly. Made from impermeable steel, it won’t rust regardless of how much rain it has to endure. Able to hold both types of motorcycles, light and heavy, it can support up to 600 pounds, thus making it extremely versatile in use. However, it too is kind of heavy, weighing 91 pounds.

With a 2 inches receiver, a hitch pin included with a ¾ inches, the 79 inches long rail with a raised adjustable stop that will make sure to stabilize your bike, it offers you only the best support when traveling. Thanks to its 2 quick release locks, you can fasten up your bike, providing you with secure transport even if you are traveling down a bumpy hillside. Plus, it comes equipped with a long, 72 inches ramp which will help you put your motorcycle in place with less effort. The ramp is easily installed and disassembled, as it can easily fold for a safer and easier journey.

PROS	CONS
2 quick release locks Long off-loading ramp Powder coated for anti-rust effect	It is quite heavy
VERDICT
Offering a sturdy and durable way of carrying around your bike, it is quite heavy to lift, as it weighs 91 pounds. The installing manual is a bit on the unclear side, but it’s quality and great features make up for it completely.

3. Black Widow AMC-400

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Travel together with your motorcycle without the hassle of a trailer with our third choice. Durable, thus perfect for dirt bikes and motorcycles, manufactured from lightweight aluminum, it can hold up to 400 pounds, offering you diversity and variety. Designed for bikes with wheels up to 5-1/2 inches wide, with Class II or IV hitch receivers, it weighs only 33.5 pounds, making it easier to install and lift than its steel counterparts.

It also includes an anti-rattle device, which will keep your bike safe even on bumpy and uneven roads; and a spacer bar adapter to fit the 50-80cc dirt bikes. Plus, it has a self-storing ramp which can be installed on both sides. With a roll-on, roll-off design for easier loading and unloading, you won’t have to worry about the easiness with which you can move your bike. The ramp will not get in your way at all, as it can be stored flat on the carrier when not in use. However, it is not fit for scooters as they might drop more than intended when loaded onto the carrier.

PROS	CONS
High-strength aluminum Rust and corrosion resistant Lightweight and easy to lift and install	Some complained about the anti-rattling system loosening up quickly
VERDICT
Despite being able to hold just 400 pounds, it provides you with an easy way of moving your bike from one place to another. Designed to hold medium bikes, it is lightweight and affordable. Corrosion and rust resistant, it is durable and time-resistant

4. TMS T-NS-MRC001

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Made of heavy-duty steel, with a durable powder coated frame, created to resist chipping, scratching, fading and wearing, this item is perfect for carrying around your motorbike, scooter, and even off-road dirt bikes. Thanks to its 2 inches receiver, for classes II, III, IV or V trailer hitches, you can easily attach it to your car without worrying it won’t fit. Versatile, it features a dual-sided loading ramp which will definitely make your job a lot easier. Plus, thanks to its anti-tilt locking system, your bike will stay still, tightly fixed the whole journey. It includes downsides on either side of the track for added security which has been time tested and proven to work extremely well, so you won’t have to stress over your bike’s condition.

By using a tow hitch, you won’t have to take up space from your truck bed to store your bike during travel. You can simply attach it to the back of your car, load your bike, secure it and off you go! No hassle and no stress, you can simply enjoy the ride. Capable of sustaining up to 500 pounds, it will definitely fit any type of motorbike, so you don’t have to worry about your bike type. However, be sure to keep it away from small kids, as it has small parts that might cause choking.

PROS	CONS
Has an anti-wobble and anti-tild locking device Loading ramp included Time resistant	Some complained about it breaking easily
VERDICT
Able to support up to 500 pounds, you won’t have to worry about your bike staying behind as you travel. Simply attach it to your car, secure the bike and you’re ready to go.

5. Direct Aftermarket Steel Motorcycle Carrier

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Sturdy, with a frame made of steel, it will help you move bikes weighing up to 500 pounds. A scooter, a classic motorcycle, street bikes, sports bikes or dirt bikes, this carrier will offer you only the perfect security thanks to its anti-wobble locking device. Despite bumpy and uneven roads, you can be sure your motorbike is secure and safe and you will not risk losing it on the way. Easy to assemble, it also has a 38 inches long and 5 inches wide loading ramp which will definitely improve your maneuverability.

Able to be attached to both sides, for a more convenient handling and loading, it is compatible with class III or IV trailer hitch. Requiring a 2 inches square hole – the hitch pin is not included – you can be sure it will not rust or corrode as it has an epoxy powder coating which makes it impermeable to water. Weighing 58 pounds, it is convenient to use and to assemble.

PROS	CONS
Has an anti-wobble locking device Loading ramp included Rust resistant	Some complained about the instructions not being clear enough
VERDICT
Despite being quite heavy, it offers you the support and easy way of moving your motorcycle around, taking it with you while traveling. Thanks to its anti-wobble locking device, your bike will stay secure at the back of your car

6. Best Choice Products SKY1375

Last but not least, able to carry dirt bikes and motorcycles, this hitch is durable and easy to carry around. It comes equipped with an anti-tilt locking device that will prevent wobbling and rattling even on bumpy roads. Plus it has tie-down sites on both sides of the track, so you can be sure your bike will not move from the place you put it. Despite being made with heavy-duty steel, it only weighs 51 pounds, making it easy to install, assemble and use.

Durable, made with heavy-duty steel, it can hold up to 500 pounds at a time, thus making it extremely versatile. It has a 2-inch square receiver for classes II, III, IV or even V hitch receivers. Additionally, its portable design features a ramp, making it easier for you to load your bike onto the carrier. It has an easy assemble way, with 8 bolts and nuts, able to be multi-loaded form either side. However, it doesn’t come with the actual hitch pin included, but with a threaded bolt that acts exactly like a hitch pin.

PROS	CONS
Solid construction Anti-tilt locking device Easy to install, assemble and use	Doesn’t come with a hitch pin
VERDICT
Easy to assemble, featuring a strong and durable device with a capacity of 500 pounds, it is also time-resistant and rust proof.

Installing The Right Equipment

To be able to take your motorcycle with you while traveling offers you peace of mind and certain, peculiar freedom which you can’t feel unless you’ve traveled at least once with one. While the concept of taking your bike with you might be entertaining and seem, at first sight, simple, it can, however, pose certain complications. There are several features you have to keep in mind when you decide to engage in traveling with your motorcycle, some of which might even pose a serious danger for those in traffic.

Get the right equipment for your car and motorcycle

You have to keep in mind that with different types of cars and motorcycle come different types of hitch carriers. While some may work perfectly for many, you should check if it’s a match for you, as well.
What to keep in mind?

• Construction material: steel or aluminum. While both are durable, resistant and corrosion free, there are differences that will make a huge impact on your choice. Despite being heavier than aluminum, steel can withstand heavy-duty motorbikes. So, if your bike is on the heavy side, it’s best to choose a steel carrier.
• Hitch compatibility. Now that you’ve chosen the material, you have to keep in mind your car type. Is it an SUV? A family car? A van? They range from class I to V and their tongue capacity goes higher as they go up. For example, class I has a tongue capacity of 300 pounds, class III of 1200 pounds and class V of 2700 pounds. Thus, check your car and see in which class it fits.
• Carrier’s loading capacity. Ok, you made sure your car can handle your bike. But can your carrier handle your bike? There are several carriers with different capacity loads, like 400 up to 600 pounds. According to your bike type – lightweight or heavy-duty – you will have to pick one or the other.
• Installation and accessories. A feature that can be a deal breaker for many is how fast you can install your carrier. Plus, it is best if it comes with additional accessories like a ramp, so you can load and unload your bike faster and easier.

How to install a motorcycle support in 5 steps

While it is always best to consult the manual such devices come with, there are a few steps that can be found in all types of carriers.

• Step 1. Put together the hitch bar and support brackets using a head bolt, nuts or the lock washers. Be sure to tighten them.
• Step 2. Attach the motorcycle rack to the hitch bar alongside the support brackets. Secure it in place with the bolts or nuts you received with it.
• Step 3. Install the tie-down arms and the wheel stop, to the long bar along the tire track and be sure to have them secured as well.
• Step 4. Mount the ramp as it gives you more accessibility, easy maneuvering and hassle-free loading and unloading.
• Step 5. Load the bike and secure it to the carrier. Use the tie-down straps and secure your bine in place, making sure it is wobble and rattle free.

All in all, it is important to pick up a hitch that will fit both your car and your bike when you decide traveling, as it will make your journey, easier, more pleasant and stress-free.