There comes a time for every bike enthusiast when they need to transport their motorcycle from one place to another. Be it for transporting it to the race track or taking it for repairs, motorcycle trailers and haulers are the two things that come to mind. Although both these options are quite expensive and not suitable for every condition or buyer.
A motorcycle hitch carrier can be a savior to your needs making it a lot easier for your pockets and are way more convenient as compared to other options. These carriers serve as an easy solution to transporting bikes without an army of people while loading and unloading.
The Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier should be of great built quality, convenient enough to load and unload the bike, and should secure the ride while the vehicle is in motion. Our Best top Pick is the Black Widow SMR 600R.
This review is based on testing more than 20+ motorcycle hitch carriers considering consumer feedback, market research, and practical experiences by the Street Bikers Team.
10 Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
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1. Black Widow SMC 600R Motorcycle Carrier
Black widow SMC 600R
Right from Sports bikes to dirt bikes and scooters the Black widow hitch carrier can handle anything below 600 pounds. Compatible with Class III or IV two-inch receivers the carrier comes with a 72” extra long loading ramp which makes it quite easy for a single person to load and unload the bike.
Built with steel the motorcycle carrier also features a 7 position adjustable wheel chock, a reverse anti-rattle device that prevents the bike from wobbling, 4 tie-down points to secure the bike firmly, and a ⅝” hitch pin.
2. TMS T-NS-MRC001 Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Rack
TMS T-NS-MRC001
With a weight capacity of 500 lbs, this heavy-duty steel carrier is suitable to haul dirt bikes, scooters, and street bikes. The carrier gets along with a 2” hitch receiver for Class II and higher. For the price, you get a lot of features such as an anti-tilt locking device that prevents the bike’s movement, tie-down eyelets on both sides for better grip and security.
The steel frame of the carrier is powder-coated to protect it from rust and corrosion and resist scratching, chipping, and wearing. Though the ramp is a bit short you may need to fire up the bike while loading.
3. Versahaul VH-Sport Bike Carrier
VersaHaul VH-Sport
The Versahaul is built from heavy-duty steel that is designed to carry weight up to 600 pounds. The carrier suits a 2” hitch receiver for Class III or IV, easy to assemble while being solid and sturdy. For additional security, there are four eyelet tie-down points to strap up the bike firmly. To prevent rust and corrosion the frame is powder-coated in black for long-lasting durability.
4. Goplus 600 lbs Motorcycle Hitch Carrier
GoPlus Motorcycle Carrier
The Go-Plus is a heavy-duty steel carrier that can support a weight of up to 600 lbs. The frame is solid and powder coated to protect it from rust. Designed to carry light bikes as well as some heavy motorcycles the Goplus mounts to 2” receiver for Class II and higher.
The hitch carrier features an adjustable wheel chock that stabilizes the front wheel, while also including a hitch pin which is ¾”. For additional security, the carrier equips a two quick-release lock to help fasten the bike making the motorcycle safe even on off roads. Furthermore, the extra-long ramp makes it easier for a single person to load and unload the bike hassle-free.
5. Black Widow MCC-600 Motorcycle Carrier
Black Widow MCC-600
Black Widow is one of the known brands when it comes to motorcycle transportation making it the best motorcycle hitch carrier manufacturer. The MCC-600 is designed for Class III or IV 2” receivers with a weight capacity of 600 lbs. The hitch carrier is built with heavy-duty steel that is powder-coated for durability.
The black widow motorcycle carrier features an anti-rattle device to prevent the motorcycle from wobbling, a built-in adjustable wheel chock, and a ⅝” hitch pin. An integrated 4 tie-down points to ensure the bike is secure enough for movement.
6. EGO Bike Hitch Carrier
EGO Bike Steel Carrier
Best motorcycle hitch carrier for motocross bikes, scooters, and off-road dirt bikes with a weight capacity of 500 lbs. The heavy-duty steel frame is powder-coated giving it strength and durability.
The EGO bike carrier features an anti-lock tilt device to prevent the bike from wobbling. The carrier is built for 2” receiver Class II and higher. Though the ramp is short the bike can be loaded from both sides.
7. Best Choice Products SKY1375
Best Choice SKY 1375
For the price Best Choice Products offers the best value for its carrier. The SKY1375 has a weight capacity of 500 lbs. The motorcycle carrier is made for 2” receiver Class II and higher with heavy-duty powder-coated steel to prevent rust and corrosion.
Moreover, the carrier is easy to assemble and features an anti-tilt locking device to secure the bike from wobbling. The ramp could be a bit longer though it comes with a multi-load option which means the bike can be loaded from either side.
8. VersaHaul VH-55DM
VersaHaul VH-55DM
If you are looking to transport more than one bike at a time, then Versahaul VH-55DM would be the right pick. With a maximum capacity of 600 lbs, the carrier is suitable to accommodate 2 dirt bikes. The Versahaul hitch carrier is constructed with heavy-duty steel for strength and powder coated to prevent it from rust.
Built for 2” receivers Class III or IV with four tie-down points to secure the bike firmly. It also includes a loading ramp and is easy to follow the instruction and assemble the carrier.
9. Black Widow Aluminum Motorcycle Carrier
Black Widow Aluminum Carrier
With a maximum capacity of 400 lbs, the Black Widow motorcycle carrier is made from high-strength aluminum. The carrier is mostly suitable for dirt bikes and lightweight motorcycles on your Class III or IV 2-inch hitch receivers.
Following the features are the anti-rattle device to ensure stability, a space bar adapter for transporting kids 50-100cc dirt bikes, and a ramp that allows loading and unloading from either side.
10. MotoTote Steel Motorcycle Carrier
Mototote Steel Carrier
Rounding up the list of best motorcycle hitch carriers we have the MotoTote Steel which is probably the best option if you want to haul a sports bike. The carrier is designed for Class III or IV 2-inch receivers with a maximum weight capacity of 550 lbs.
For extended durability and anti-corrosion, the carrier is manufactured with powder coating high-quality steel. Mototote Steel also features a zero anti-wobble design which ensures stability while transportation. Also, the distance between the vehicle bumper and carrier can be adjusted up to 20 inches.
Buying the Best Motorcycle Hitch Carrier Guide
Build Material
There are two types of materials used to build Motorcycle Hitch Carriers – Steel and Aluminium. While both have their pros and cons Steel carriers are strong enough to carry heavy motorcycles whereas Aluminium carriers are lightweight and are durable because of their natural properties to escape from rust and corrosion.
Though Steel Carriers are heavy, most of them are powder-coated to prevent them from rust and corrosion. One should go for steel carriers if they have heavy motorcycles and should pick the aluminum-built carrier if they want to transport dirt bikes and lightweight motorcycles.
Load Capacity
This is one of the most important factors to be considered while purchasing the best motorcycle hitch carrier. Load capacity plays an important role when choosing the right carrier for your motorcycle.
First, you need to find out the maximum weight your vehicle can hitch. You can obtain that from your vehicle’s manual book. Next, you need to find out the total weight of your motorcycle that you want to transport.
According to your motorcycle weight, you must choose the right hitch carrier as failing to do so may lead to uneven weight distribution ruining your hitch, and unexpected motorcycle damages.
Must-Have Feature
Ramps are one of the most convenient features a motorcycle hitch carrier must-have. It makes the job easy for a person alone to load and unload the bike without any help. Look for a ramp with grip tape for a better grip with the motorcycle.
Anti Tilt Device is a must in hitch carriers as they are one of the most important safety features one should never avoid. The device helps to secure the bike firmly preventing it from wobbling while transportation.
Tie Down Straps are quite important as it secures the motorcycle which helps to avoid movements while transportation. The more the number of tie-down points on a carrier, the more secured the motorcycle remains.
#FAQ
Q- How safe are Motorcycle hitch Carriers?
A- As long as you use the right motorcycle hitch carrier considering the weight of your motorcycle and the weight your vehicle can haul on its back, hitch carriers are safe.
Not to forget to follow certain precautions such as overspeeding or going off-roading with the carrier attached to your vehicle would invite unnecessary damages to your motorcycle and hitch carrier.
Q- Are Motorcycle Hitch Carriers Legal?
A- As compared to motorcycle trailers and haulers which require a state license, hitch carriers are legal and do not require a separate license.
But make sure to get an extra license plate and battery-powered brake lights and attach it to the carrier as it covers the vehicle’s license plate and lights.
Q- How to secure a Motorcycle to a hitch carrier?
Conclusion
Our choice for the best motorcycle hitch carrier would be the Black Widow SMC-600R heavy-duty motorcycle carrier as it can handle any medium to a heavyweight motorcycle.
What makes it best is the extra-long loading ramp which makes it easy for a person alone to load and unload the bike hassle-free. Also, the 7 steps adjustable wheel chock, a hitch pin, and 4 strap tie-down points secure the bike tightly for long journeys.
