Carrying a Motorcycle on a 2010 Toyota 4Runner With a Factory Hitch

Question:

can I use one of your products on a 2000 toyota 4 runner, 4 wheel drive, to carry a kawasaki klr 650 motorcycle. My owners manual says a maximum of 500 pounds tongue weight. I am wanting to take the bike and truck to la paz mexico from san francisco. thanks

asked by: Michael G

Expert Reply:

For your trip, you'll be able to carry your cycle as long as the total weight of the carrier plus cycle is less than 500 pounds.

According to my research, your Kawasaki KLR 650 will be somewhere in the 400 pound range. This means that your carrier will have to weigh 100 pounds or less to stay safely in your tongue weight capacity while hauling the bike.

I recommend the eterailer Motorcycle Carrier, part # e98873, which weighs 58 pounds leaving you room to spare. This carrier has a detachable ramp that makes loading and unloading your bike easy, and a stop collar lets you quickly install the carrier without having to align hitch pin holes.

For a strap, I recommend getting the ShockStrap Ratcheting Tie-Downs 2 pack, part # 297-15RSDB. These motorcycle-centric straps include soft loops and built in shock absorbers to help protect your bike and keep it stable in the carrier. I've included the manufacturer's demo video plus our own to help explain this innovative system.

expert reply by: Jacob W