Recommended Hitch Mounted Motorcycle Carrier for Kawasaki Ninja 650r On 2015 Mazda CX-5 650r?

Question:

I was wondering if this particular part will mount onto a 2016 Mazda CX-5. I need it to be able to carry my Kawasaki Ninja 650r. I believe its around 450lbs. If this product wont work can you tell me what will?

asked by: Patrick

Expert Reply:

For a hitch mounted carrier, your best bet would be the Ultra-Fab Motorcycle Carrier, part # UF48-979033. The Class III hitches we offer for your CX-5 all have a 525 lb tongue weight capacity. This means that the weight of the bike plus the weight of the carrier you're using can't exceed the tongue weight capacity. With a full tank of gas, your bike weighs about 460 lbs, and when the 45 lb weight of the carrier is added, you'll be very close to that tongue weight capacity.

If it were me, I'd consider using a small trailer like the # K2MMT5X7. Given that you'll be within 20 or so lbs of the tongue weight capacity of your hitch if you used a hitch mounted carrier, I'd personally feel much more secure using a trailer.

For a hitch, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III receiver, part # 76138. When installed, the crossbar of this hitch would be mostly concealed by the rear bumper, with only the receiver tube being readily visible.

A pair of straps like # 3113DAT would be an excellent choice for securing your bike to the carrier.

expert reply by: Mike L