Tow or Haul Motorcycle?

[ridgebackpilot]

I occasionally need to take my BMW R1300GS motorcycle on trips where I can’t ride it. Should I trailer it or haul it in the back of my Lightning?

The bike weighs more than 500 lbs. I’ve got a tow hitch on the Lightning and have rented motorcycle trailers in the past. But I’ve also got a ramp and can load the bike in the bed of the truck. The bike is longer than the bed so I have to leave the tailgate down. I secure the bike in the truck bed with tiedowns.

I suspect I’d get better range by hauling rather than trailering the bike. Hauling also might make it easier to charge the truck. What do you think?

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[RickLightning]

Definitely hauling.

Make sure to turn off the powered tailgate...

 

[Jseis]

Tow for easy volcanic eruption escape!

 

[Henry Ford]

If you are confident in your ability to get the bike in and out of the bed, that's the way to go.

 

[RLXXI]

Definitely load er up.

 

[krusherVA]

That is exactly what i do with my 25’ 1300gs, goes in the bed via 10’ black widow ramps. Range quite a bit better than when towed once with my 660 pound Aluma trailer. And on trips over 140-150 miles it is a pain to unhook to charge, so in the bed it goes.

Getting a large UTV and not looking forward to long trips trailering the unit.

 

[Aminorjourney]

Ramps, a proper wheel stand, and if you value your suspension and your truck, canyon dancers.

Oh, and if it doesn't fit in the back without the tailgate down, make sure you disable the auto up-down.

I've also towed with my bike in a garden trailer, but that was when I went to the DMV for registration and I suspected they weren't allowed to get into the truck to check the VIN...

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