You love riding both your motorcycle and your bicycle, but transporting them to the best spots can be a hassle. What if you could combine the thrill of motorcycling with the freedom of cycling by carrying your bike on your motorcycle? It’s more feasible than you might think, thanks to innovative Motorcycle Bike Carrier solutions.
While car bike racks are abundant, options for motorcycles are surprisingly limited. However, a growing trend is emerging: using your motorcycle to transport your bicycle. From DIY ingenuity to specialized manufacturer designs, carrying a bike on your motorcycle is becoming a practical reality. These setups might look unconventional, but they offer a safe and efficient way to bring your bicycle along for the ride.
Why Choose a Motorcycle Bike Carrier?
ADV motorcycle with bicycle on a motorcycle bike carrier
Opting for a motorcycle over a car offers numerous advantages. Motorcycles are undeniably more fuel-efficient than cars or trucks, making them an economical choice for transportation. A motorcycle bike carrier enhances this efficiency by allowing you to reach cycling destinations without the need for a gas-guzzling vehicle.
Beyond the financial benefits, using a motorcycle bike carrier maximizes your time enjoying both hobbies. Imagine riding your motorcycle to a mountain biking trailhead or a scenic bike path, saving money on fuel and avoiding the stress of car traffic. It’s about combining passions and making the most of every journey.
Get Ready to Turn Heads
Man on motorcycle with bicycle on motorcycle bike rack
Let’s be honest, seeing a bicycle mounted on a motorcycle isn’t an everyday sight. Equipping your motorcycle with a bike carrier is guaranteed to draw attention. Be prepared for curious onlookers and frequent questions about your unique setup, where you got your rack, and how it affects motorcycle handling.
This attention is generally positive, fueled by curiosity and admiration. Embrace the opportunity to share your enthusiasm for both motorcycling and cycling. You might even inspire others to explore this convenient combination.
Customization May Be Required for Your Motorcycle Bike Rack
Close up of 2×2 Cycles motorcycle bike carrier
Side view of 2×2 Cycles motorcycle bike carrier
Given the vast array of motorcycle and bicycle types and sizes, achieving a perfect fit might necessitate some adjustments or even a custom-made motorcycle bike carrier. While some combinations might work seamlessly off-the-shelf, you might consider adding extra padding or straps for enhanced security and stability, regardless of whether customization is strictly necessary. This accounts for variations in bike and motorcycle models, potential user errors during setup, and diverse riding conditions.
Companies like 2×2 Cycles specialize in creating bike racks for motorcycles, offering solutions for nearly every conceivable combination. If their standard offerings don’t meet your specific needs, they often provide customization services to address unique challenges and ensure a perfect fit for your motorcycle and bicycle.
Inspiration for Your Motorcycle Bicycle Carrier Setup
Motorcycle with vertical bike rack carrying a bicycle
If you’re a DIY enthusiast who enjoys a good project, you’ll find a wealth of inspiring DIY motorcycle bike carrier stories and videos online. These range from simple modifications to elaborate custom fabrications. Imagine the possibilities: carrying two bikes on one motorcycle, transporting a tandem bicycle, attaching a bike to a sidecar, or even ingeniously dismantling and strapping a bicycle securely to the back of a motorcycle. Creative solutions abound, including modified car racks, wooden constructions, and fully fabricated metal racks.
The best approach depends on your available time, budget, fabrication skills, and desired level of refinement. Whether you opt for a DIY project or a commercially available motorcycle bike carrier, safely and effectively transporting your bicycle on your motorcycle is achievable through various methods.
The Convenient Solution: Purchase a Motorcycle Bike Carrier
2×2 Cycles horizontal motorcycle bike carrier
2×2 Cycles vertical motorcycle bike carrier
For those who prefer convenience and readily available solutions, or simply want to dedicate their time to riding rather than building, purchasing a purpose-built motorcycle bike carrier is the ideal option. These racks typically range from around $265 to $365, offering a balance of cost and convenience.
Currently, 2×2 Cycles stands out as the primary manufacturer specializing in motorcycle bike carriers. With a decade of experience, they have focused on merging the worlds of motorcycling and cycling. Notably, they offer an adapter that allows some of their bicycle racks to be used on both motorcycles and cars, adding versatility to your investment. For detailed information and to explore their product range, visit the 2×2 Cycles website.
You might still have questions about the specifics, such as how these racks attach to a motorcycle and how to secure your bicycle and gear. The following FAQ section addresses these common concerns and provides essential information about motorcycle bike carriers.
Motorcycle Bike Carrier FAQs
Motorcycle bike rack mounted on a motorcycle
How is a Motorcycle Bike Rack Positioned?
The most aerodynamic and efficient motorcycle bike carrier designs orient the bicycle in line with the motorcycle’s direction of travel. This minimizes wind resistance and maintains better handling. This alignment can be achieved in several ways: horizontally behind the motorcycle (parallel to the ground), vertically behind the rider (perpendicular to the ground), or at an angle in between.
2×2 Cycles, a leading US-based manufacturer, offers both horizontal (horizontal rack video) and vertical (vertical rack video) motorcycle bike carrier models. Both designs are engineered for adjustability and customization, catering to various motorcycle and bicycle types.
Carriers that position the bicycle perpendicular to the motorcycle’s direction are less common due to several drawbacks. They are inherently less balanced, create significant wind drag, and complicate maneuvering in traffic, effectively eliminating lane splitting. Their increased width can also restrict parking options and route choices.
Motorcycle with horizontal bike rack and bicycle
How Does a Motorcycle Bike Rack Attach to the Motorcycle?
The rear frame of the motorcycle serves as the primary attachment point for most motorcycle bike carriers. A base structure for the bicycle rack is typically bolted onto the motorcycle frame behind the seat. This often involves utilizing existing mounting points, such as those for a top case or rear grab handles and sissy bars, ensuring a secure and integrated connection.
Once the base is installed, attaching and detaching the bicycle rack itself can be as straightforward and quick as using a car bike rack, making it convenient for regular use.
Do I Need to Disassemble My Bicycle to Use a Motorcycle Bike Carrier?
Not always. 2×2 Cycles offers an optional “MTB Tower” (MTB Tower product page) for their vertical rack. This innovative accessory allows you to transport most mountain bikes and BMX bikes without removing either wheel. However, road bikes typically require wheel removal due to their frame geometry. Generally, most motorcycle bike carrier designs require removing at least one wheel, which is then securely mounted on the rack alongside the bicycle frame.
Close up of bicycle mounted on motorcycle bike rack
How Can I Secure Motorcycle Gear While Cycling with a Bike Rack?
A frequently asked question is how to manage motorcycle gear while cycling, and vice versa, when using a motorcycle bike carrier. Security is a primary concern, as leaving gear unattended is risky.
Lockable side cases (panniers) are an excellent solution if your motorcycle is equipped to accommodate them and you are comfortable with the added weight and bulk. They provide ample secure storage for cycling gear.
However, a full motorcycle luggage system can be a significant investment. It might be less practical if you don’t frequently undertake long trips requiring extensive storage, such as camping gear.
Top cases offer a more common and simpler secure storage option with moderate capacity. However, fitting a top case in conjunction with a motorcycle bike carrier can be challenging. 2×2 Cycles addressed this with a rack design that creates space at the rear of the motorcycle.
Their vertical rack (vert rack FAQ) is particularly useful for carrying bulky items, whether it’s a top case, a dog crate (Gunner Kennels review), or a gym bag. By positioning the bicycle vertically, it frees up space for carrying essential gear.
How Do I Lock My Bicycle to a Motorcycle Bike Rack?
2×2 Cycles racks designed for quick-release wheels incorporate a feature for padlock attachment, allowing you to lock the rack to the motorcycle itself. However, this feature is not available on the vertical rack when used with the MTB Tower, and it doesn’t prevent theft of the bicycle itself. The manufacturer recommends using a rubber-coated cable lock to secure the bicycle. This cable should run through the bicycle wheels, frame, rack openings, and the motorcycle frame, providing a deterrent against opportunistic theft.
Like securing a bicycle on a car rack, keeping your motorcycle and bicycle within sight is always the best security practice, especially if you need to leave it unattended even briefly.
Motorcycle with bike rack parked outdoors
How Does a Motorcycle Bike Rack Affect Motorcycle Handling?
Wind drag and buffeting are significantly reduced when the bicycle forks are positioned behind the rider’s back. Both the horizontal and vertical racks from 2×2 Cycles are designed with this principle in mind. Riders often compare the handling experience to riding with side cases or a passenger. Some even report forgetting that they are carrying a bicycle at all.
When both the bicycle and the motorcycle bike carrier are properly secured, noticeable movement should be minimal. However, if you plan to ride on uneven roads with ruts, potholes, or washboard surfaces, expect some degree of wiggle and jiggle. In such conditions, double-checking the tightness of bolts, tie-downs, and bungee cords is crucial for safety and stability.
Motorcycle with bike rack on a scenic road
What Kind of Terrain Can I Ride with a Motorcycle Bike Carrier?
Essentially, you can navigate any terrain that’s accessible by motorcycle. However, the limitations are determined by factors like the size and type of your motorcycle, your comfort level when riding with added weight, and your riding experience on various terrains (adventure motorcycle terrain techniques).
Larger, heavier motorcycles are generally less affected by wind resistance. Experienced riders on bikes like a GS 1200 might confidently ride on highways with a bicycle on the back. Conversely, newer riders on smaller, lighter motorcycles like an XT250 might prefer sticking to local roads.
A dual-sport motorcycle or one equipped with off-road tires can expand your reach, accessing locations that are challenging even for 2WD or 4WD vehicles. This opens up exciting possibilities for combining motorcycle adventures with off-road cycling.
Motorcycle with bike rack parked at a trail entrance
Are Motorcycle Bike Racks Street Legal?
2×2 Cycles has been manufacturing and selling motorcycle bike carrier systems both domestically and internationally for over a decade. Their products are even used by law enforcement agencies. There are no known laws in the U.S. prohibiting carrying a bicycle on a motorcycle. However, some countries may have regulations regarding the rearward projection of objects attached to motorcycles. It’s always advisable to verify local regulations before traveling with a motorcycle bike carrier to ensure compliance.
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