[flenn]

Ok, so technically it was $95 with shipping at Amazon - Amazon.com: TMS T-NS-MRC001 500-Pound Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Scooter Carrier Hitch Rack Hauler Trailer with Loading Ramp and Anti-Tilt Locking Device: Automotive

The reviews complain that there are no instructions and the ramp is too short. And I agree. I found instructions on Youtube to a different brand (do a search under "SKY1375: Motorcycle Carrier Hitch Assembl"- it's essentially the same unit). Assembly is simple and it went together in 20 minutes. I slid it in my hitch and tighten the anti-wobble device. I was curious about this and though it might be a gimmick but it really works well to prevent the carrier from moving in any direction. After securing the carrier in the hitch, I knew I'd have a problem with the ramp. I have a full size SUV and the carrier was pretty high off the ground. I attached the ramp and it was obvious that there was no way the bike was going up. Bummer. So, I looked for some scrap wood and found a deck board that would work. I quickly fastened some L brackets so it would attach to the carrier and gave it a try. The Grom went up with no problem. I positioned the bike and fastened with tie straps. The rear tire is a little wider than the rail. Not a huge deal, but it does sort of deform the rubber a little on both sides. In a way it was helpful because the pinched tire helped stand the bike on its own. I wouldn't trust it for too long, but good enough to reach down and grab a tie down. I attached some pics. Although the photos show one pair of tie downs, I attached another set to the rear rack for a test run. I couldn't even feel the bike in the back while driving. The whole assembly was super secure over bumps, through turns and braking. Very nice. Unloading was just as easy. I'm going to really enjoy bringing the Grom on vacation or wherever else I feel. Just had to do a few wheelies before I put the bike in the garage

 

[GromGrom]

That might be a good idea for me I plan on taking my grom to Cali later this year

 

[CiscoSanJose]

Dam everyone hates a show off, nice riding the one wheel wonder. Nice write up on the hitch.

Ride safe my friend.

 

[rkwfxd]

My hitch carrier is similar but cost more.

Nice find


Sent from my iPhone using HondaGrom.net

 

[hicksy712]

I haven't bought a set for myself yet but a buddy of mine was telling me about these straps called "canyon dancers" they have cups that snug up around the bar ends. Sound like they would bring the straps down away from the body work. Seems like a perfect addition for haulers like these.
http://www.canyondancer.com/

 

[AJ Nin]

Good find. So how did you get the bike up the ramp. Did you put it in 1st gear then walk along side it feathering the clutch and tweaking the throttle? That's a fairly narrow ramp. Weren't you concerned the bike might fall off loading or unloading?

 

[Top Gromen]

I haven't bought a set for myself yet but a buddy of mine was telling me about these straps called "canyon dancers" they have cups that snug up around the bar ends. Sound like they would bring the straps down away from the body work. Seems like a perfect addition for haulers like these.
Canyon Dancer Inc.

I've been using canyon dancers on my streetbikes for years, on the truck or trailer, as well as on my cycle lift. They secure rock solid and I will never use regular straps again.
I have 2 different versions though, one has the cups and the other is loops that wrap around the grips. Not sure if the cups is an older version or if they still sell both.

 

[hicksy712]

Not sure how I've managed to not know about em this long. The buddy I mentioned swears by them too. Sound like a must have.

 

[elizerr]

Omg this is tits.

 

[honda4life05]

I bought the aluminum carrier from harbor freight for under $100 on sale. It comes with a ramp that works perfect. I did have to modify the mounting points for straps wider to clear the plastics but thats it

 

[flenn]

Good find. So how did you get the bike up the ramp. Did you put it in 1st gear then walk along side it feathering the clutch and tweaking the throttle? That's a fairly narrow ramp. Weren't you concerned the bike might fall off loading or unloading?

Just walked it up in neutral with the engine off; very easy with the long ramp. And yeah, the ramp is a little narrow but you can easily see if you're misaligned while pushing it up.

 

[StrayDog]

Nice carrier, and good price.
Looks sturdy enough.

Here's my carrier, made it myself.
Wanted something easily dismantled, and fits in the trunk.
I made it for my Ruckus, but the Grom fits fine.
Oh and ramp??
Do me a favor, the Grom only weighs like 85kg...:frog:







And If I want to take 2 bikes,
I made this up.
Also dismantlement to fit the trunk when I arrive at destination.

 

[BiG Chris]

im still cautious of those carriers as ive seen bikes fall off of them

 

[flenn]

im still cautious of those carriers as ive seen bikes fall off of them

If you're talking about this particular model, I have no first hand experience so can't say. I do know that almost 100 reviews are mostly positive and I didn't read about any failures. There are lots of similar designs (probably built in the same factory somewhere in China) sold under different brand names that have good reviews as well.

If you're talking about hitch carriers in general, then I'd say that almost all problems are due to user error. I have thousands of trouble free miles on my 16 year old MotoJack Rack (predecessor to Ultimate MX Hauler). Too bad it can't carry the Grom... I have buddies with various rail type and other hitch carriers and the only issues I've seen over the years were due to improper fastening/securing of the bike or to the hitch. A common problem is play between the carrier and the hitch receiver which allows the whole assembly to wobble/rock. If your carrier doesn't come with a stabilizing device, you need to buy one. When installed properly, I've never seen a hitch carrier fail catastrophically. I've read reviews where bikes have fallen off the carrier, but again, if you read carefully, you'll find that the bikes broke free of their restraints/tie straps. I honestly haven't ever seen evidence that a hitch carrier failed in a manner that made a bike fall off the vehicle.

 

[Wildhorse1966]

here is my hitch carier $95 after tax at harbor freight ...I have towed my grom 700 miles on this and my ysr a few times .. no issues cant beat it

 

[Jefe's Grom]

I bought my daughter a CRF80F and when I went to go look at it, the seller stated he was including a hitch carrier with it. It was in a box, unassembled. I initially thought I was going to sell it but after putting it together and playing around with it in the hitch, I decided to keep it. Easy to load/unload and takes up little space when storing.

It happens to be the same one in the OP.

I had no issues loading and unloading the CRF using the stock ramp, albeit steep. Now I have to try the Grom. The carrier is used on a Tacoma 4x4.