What is a Motorcycle Hitch Carrier?

Carrying a motorcycle everywhere is indeed one of the most difficult tasks every rider goes through. And that’s why motorcycle hitch comes into the role, but now the question is, what is a motorcycle hitch carrier? 

A motorcycle hitch carrier is a heavy-duty iron carrier attached to the truck for transporting motorbikes from one place to another. Motorbike hitch carrier isn’t only effective but one of the safest ways. On average a motorcycle hitch carrier can lift a motorbike weighing up to 1000 lbs.

Let’s see what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know all about selecting the best hitch carrier for your motorbike. 

What is a Motorcycle Hitch Carrier? 

Transporting a motorbike from one place to another is the most challenging task for anyone. 

The question arises, how one can transport their motorbike from one place to another, and fortunately enough, to solve this problem, manufacturers made motorcycle hitch carriers. 

The motorcycle hitch carrier is made from the heavy iron material attached to the truck, this carrier is specially made for transporting the motorbike if it malfunctions. 

Is Transporting a Motorcycle on a Hitch Carrier Safe? 

So far you understand what a motorcycle hitch carrier is, now the question arises, is transporting a motorcycle on a hitch carrier safe? 

According to industry experts, transporting a motorcycle on a hitch carrier is completely safe for you and your motorbike, while transporting your motorbike, it’s recommended that your motorcycle hitch carrier should be strong enough. 

Also, your car or truck should also be strong enough to carry some heavyweight of your motorcycle. 

What’s the Weight Limit of a Motorcycle Hitch Carrier? 

So far, you understand whether transporting motorbikes or hitch carriers is safe or not. Now the question arises, what’s the weight limit of a motorcycle hitch carrier? 

On average, a motorbike weighs around 300-700 lbs. And according to industry experts, your motorcycle hitch carrier can lift that much amount. 

A good motorbike hitch carrier can lift around 800-900 lbs weight to carry an average motorbike. 

However, you can find a heavy-duty motorcycle hitch carrier for your heavy motorbike, which is costlier than a standard hitch carrier. 

Why is Vehicle Capacity Crucial? 

So far, you understand what a motorcycle hitch carrier is and its carrying capacity. Now the question arises, why is vehicle capacity crucial? 

Vehicle capacity is crucial when it’s to a motorcycle hitch carrier because your vehicle will ultimately lift the weight. 

When your hitch carrier says it can lift 1000 pounds, it doesn’t mean your vehicle can also lift your weight. 

If your vehicle is lightweight, then it would be best to ask your vehicle dealer whether your vehicle can lift your motorbike or not.  Generally, heavy-weight trucks can easily carry around 1000lbs of weight. 

How Many Motorcycles Can Hitch Carriers Carry? 

So far, you understand the weight limit of a motorcycle hitch carrier. Now the question arises, how many motorcycles can hitch carriers carry? 

According to experts, you should always carry one motorbike on a hitch carrier. It’s because hitch carriers are made for carrying only one motorbike. 

Additionally, hitch carriers are made to lift up to only around 800 lbs, and the average motorbike weighs around 400-500 lbs. Carriers also have limited space which is only enough to carry one motorbike. 

And that’s why experts always recommend carrying one motorbike simultaneously if you want your motorcycles in one piece. 

Things to Consider While Choosing a Motorbike Hitch Carrier? 

So far, you understand what a motorcycle hitch carrier is; now the question arises, what are some things you need to consider while choosing a motorbike hitch carrier. 

Consideration Points	Details
Motorbike weight	Although mostly all hitch carriers can lift around 200-800 lbs weight, if your motorbike is much heavier than average motorbikes, you should consider choosing a strong hitch carrier.
Hitch carrier-class	Hitch carrier class is the maximum weight capacity your hitch carrier can lift without breaking into pieces.
Tongue weight rating	According to industry experts, your tongue weight capacity rating should never exceed 10% of the vehicle’s weight ratings.
Motorbike measurements	You should also consider your motorbike measurements, such as the total length of your motorbike, ground clearance, and, most importantly, your motorbike tire thickness.
Hitch carriers material	You can find gitch carriers made from two materials; one from aluminum and the second from stainless steel.

Motorbike Weight: 

Motorbike weight is probably the first thing you should consider while choosing the motorbike hitch carrier. 

You should always choose a hitch carrier that can easily lift your motorbike’s weight. 

Although mostly all hitch carriers can lift around 200-800 lbs weight, if your motorbike is much heavier than average motorbikes, then you should consider choosing a strong hitch carrier. 

Hitch Carrier Class: 

While buying the hitch carrier, you should also consider the hitch carrier class. 

But what is the hitch carrier class? Hitch carrier class is the maximum weight capacity your hitch carrier can lift without breaking into pieces. 

Carrier is categorized from class 1st to class 5th, the lowest the class of hitch carrier, the lowest weight it can carry, if your motorbike is much heavier than average motorbikes, you should consider choosing higher-class carriers. 

Tongue Weight Rating: 

Motorbike and hitch carrier weight shouldn’t be much more than your truck weight. 

Now the question is, how can you know the capacity of your vehicle weighs? The answer is to see the tongue weight capacity rating. 

You can refer to your motorbike manual to know your tongue weight capacity rating. 

According to industry experts, your tongue weight capacity rating should never exceed 10% of the vehicle’s weight ratings. 

Once you know the maximum capacity your vehicle can carry, you can ensure your motorbike and carrier’s weight shouldn’t exceed. 

Motorbike Measurements: 

Your motorbike isn’t the only thing you need to consider while choosing the motorbike hitch carriers. 

You should also consider your motorbike measurements, such as the total length of your motorbike, ground clearance of your motorbike, and most importantly, your motorbike tire thickness. 

It would be best to choose wide hitch carriers if your motorbike has large dimensions and less ground clearance. 

Hitch Carriers Material: 

You can find gitch carriers made from two materials; one from aluminum and the second from stainless steel. 

Aluminum hitch carriers are attractive and come with low maintenance since they don’t have coats of paint. 

But according to some riders, aluminum hitch carriers don’t have much carrying capacity. 

While stainless steel hitch carriers aren’t very attractive and come with many maintenance issues. And the best thing about a steel hitch carrier is that it’s much more affordable and stronger than aluminum carriers. 

Although manufacturers are making carriers weight-specific nowadays, which means your carrier can lift your motorbike weight, it doesn’t matter what material carriers are made for. 

Also, read my previous post where I’ve discussed why you should wear a helmet while riding CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

What is a motorcycle hitch carrier? A motorcycle hitch carrier is a heavy-duty iron carrier attached to the truck for transporting motorbikes from one place to another. 

Motorbike hitch carrier isn’t only effective but one of the safest ways. On average motorcycle hitch carrier can lift a motorbike weight up to 1000 lbs. 

I’ve mentioned some consideration points that you should consider while choosing carriers.