Bushtec’s Spartan Utility Trailer is quite lightweight and looks like it with a very open welded tubular steel-trellis chassis, which is powdercoated in either black or silver, and some very airy looking 16-inch aluminum wheels, which carry lightweight, narrow-section tires. Holding those wheels to the trailer is an advanced, proprietary Bushtec adjustable dual A-arm suspension that allows the trailer to handle better than a light-goods vehicle and something close to a high-spec roadster. So that this fluid – but admittedly different than a motorcycle – movement does not upset the bike, a strong and flexible 360-degree swivel heim joint (also known as a rose joint or rod end bearing) is employed in the hitch. In this basic configuration, the entire Bushtec Spartan utility trailer weighs a mere 115 pounds (52 kg) but can haul 235 pounds (107 kg), making for an enormous increase in cargo capacity for your two-wheeler.

Overall dimensions of the Spartan are quite appropriate as it is not much wider than a full-dress bike with panniers in place, its fairly short even with the tongue, and it is close to the ground but still has great ground clearance. It measures 80 inches long by 38 inches wide by 30 inches tall and has interior dimensions – the ‘bed’ – of 44 inches long, 23 inches wide and 10 inches deep. That space allows for a number of important pieces of riding-related equipment; in fact, it easily fits a cooler, a small bag of charcoal, and a large selection of groceries all at once. Those BBQ or camping supplies are kept safe in the Spartan with a complete electric lighting system, with an optional isolated version available, which hooks to the motorcycle’s rear brake and marker light.

The Spartan’s 16-inch wheels are where Bushtec wins with this utility trailer, though, due to the stability they provide since they spin at a nearly identical speed to the towing motorcycle’s hoops. It hauls down the road smoothly and tracks true due to those well-heeled physical properties and that high-spec suspension. It even looks good doing its job with the sculpted fenders, modern LED lighting, and smooth, incredible and indelible finish, each of which give Bushtec further high marks. If you think this is a thoroughly top-quality trailer which will have you wishing Bushtec manufactured rigs to carry motorbikes instead of only for them, then you have the Bushtec Spartan utility motorcycle trailer nailed down perfectly; it is of another level and gives nothing away to any company, of any size, which makes any sort of trailer.

This lovely trailer, the Bushtec Spartan, starts at US$1499, but has many options and accessories available which can be added at time of purchase. Some of these include added bling like a chrome chassis neck, glossy powdercoated wheels, extra locking security cables, a tongue weight scale, hitch pin adapters, the electric isolator and even includes the Bushtec version of that aforementioned cooler. It can add up fast, but with the quality build and the innovative design, the Bushtec Spartan utility motorcycle trailer will be with you long enough to easily make it cheap in the long haul – pun intended.

The Rampage power motorcycle lift is exactly what it says it is – a power-assisted motorcycle lift. It is designed to lift nearly any sized motorbike into the bed of a compact or full-sized pickup truck or any sort of flat-bed multi-wheeled transport. It is constructed of 1/8-inch high-quality, black powdercoated, carbon steel, guaranteeing its durability and weather-resistance. Keeping things moving smoothly are maintenance-free HMW nylon rollers, which require no lubrication, and the All Weather 12-volt 4,000 pound electric winch, that also has a cable remote control for even easier loading. Power is provided by a second cable of the quick-disconnect variety which runs from the truck bed through to the vehicle’s battery. The standard unit measures 95 inches long and 24 inches wide and sits about 7 inches high, and it all is easily installed in a bed as high as 39.5 inches off the ground. Attaching the Rampage lift to wherever you need it is as simple as installing a single bar affixed with two bolts; two more identical bolts hold the Rampage assembly to that bar and the Rampage holds your bike for the drive.

What really separates the Rampage from similar power lift setups out in the market is that it can be quickly removed and, with a second bar in place, can be used in another vehicle. The built-in wheels allow this rather heavy device to be moved as a little easier, and it can be disassembled into three pieces should it be necessary for storage or if only one person must uninstall it solo. Holding the motorcycle in place is a sturdy, widely-accommodating, six-inch wide steel cradle and two tie-down points on either side of it. For strength and durability, the entire Rampage motorcycle lift is precision welded or connected with 0.5-inch thick bolts, so calling it a “sturdy lift” would be considered understatement.

Installing the Rampage power motorcycle lift gives one a sense of just how heavy-duty it is, but that characteristic does give it a real feel of ruggedness. Three holes in total must be drilled into the bed and frame of the carrying vehicle, but this is no more drastic than a wheel chock, and is as simple to do, too. Once in place, loading is really a piece of laid-back pie; once tied down, simply click the switch and watch the motorbike ride up into the bed. Unloading is just as simple and takes a little less time. The end of the unit will stick out on shorter beds, but this should be expected from a device like this one, so no complaints there. The real strength of the Rampage lift, though, has to be how easy it makes everything which used to be a little scary and that it is incredibly flexible in this ability.

And, there is where the Rampage really impresses; list price is actually a semi-reasonable US$2795, with a continual sale of about $200 less, but that is without the possible accessories. A trike adapter is available for $795, a ‘sled’ adapter for snowmobiles sells at $299, an even longer ramped version adds $100, and you can have one of custom length for an extra $185, which is actually an extension.

Get the last ramp you will ever need for your expensive and highly-prized motorcycle, the Rampage Power Motorcycle Lift.

The Trinity MT3 three rail motorcycle trailer is an ideal platform for transporting three bikes at once, or two bagger-style cruisers, to any destination which the road travels. The MT3 is built of a tubular steel frame for incredible strength and light weight. On top of that frame resides a five by seven foot (1.5 by 2.1 meters) diamond-plate deck which is designed for multipurpose use; all the user must do is remove the included wheel chocks and rails. Those wheel supports, when combined with the numerous tie-down points, allow each of the bikes to be held firmly in place. Thirteen inch (33 cm) chrome wheels connect to a torsion axle which both provide for a smooth ride and protect the bikes on board from bearing the bumps and jolts of the local or foreign tarmac. The Trinity MT3 is more than just a trailer, it is a workhorse.

As for portability, the Trinity MT3 Three Rail does not fold and stand up like the many popular folding trailers, but it is much less expensive and more flexible. With the ramp at back being wide and easily deployable and combined with the individual wheel chocks, loading the MT3 is very easy and can be done with only one person, saving you time and trouble. The entire unit only weighs in at 425 pounds (193 kg), but is strong enough to hold any group of two or three motorcycles you can fit upon it. Even with three full-sized bikes (non-cruisers) loaded up, the Trinity MT3 Three Rail motorcycle trailer can be pulled from any vehicle that can handle a Class II or above hitch.

Finding a place to purchase the Ultra-Tow single-rail motorcycle trailer is as simple as finding an Internet connection, but try your local dealer first – you might find a good deal there. Once you do get a good look at one, the idea behind why these are so popular becomes very obvious – the Ultra-Tow folds up into a tidy, tiny package and will store easily against almost any wall; it will collapse into a space about five by five by two feet in size. When you need the Ultra-Two single-rail, you simply unfold it, lock everything in place, and you are ready to go.

Constructed with a frame of steel and a rail and deck of aluminum, the Ultra-Tow single-rail motorcycle trailer can haul up to 700 pounds (317.5 kg) – suitable for most production motorcycles sold today, though not all. The deck is a full six feet long and just under a foot wide, again accommodating a wide variety of bikes. The two wheels are 12 inches (30.5 cm) in diameter and nearly five inches wide for solid tracking on the road and decent bump-absorption. Those wheels come equipped with both fenders and proper lighting on the top of each. There is also a built-in ramp and an anchor bar across the trailer tongue with burly loops on each end; these work to hold your motorcycle firmly into the built-in front wheel ‘pocket’, which acts like a chock, when tie-downs are employed. The Ultra-Tow Single-Rail motorcycle trailer has a rich feature list.

The predominant attributes of the Ultra-Tow Single-Rail seem to be strength and light weight – the unit weighs only 290 pounds (132 kg) – and those are the two most desired in a motorcycle trailer. The ramp, which doubles as a rear ‘gate’ of sorts, makes loading very easy, and once the motorcycle is secured in place and the trailer hooked-up to the tow vehicle, it makes for a reliable mode of transport. The whole trailer is well-made and durable, though some state highway systems may put this to the test. The coupler is a very common 1 7/8 inch and should fit any hitch within the market where it is sold; safety chains are shipped with the unit. Unloading the Ultra-Tow single-rail trailer is just as simple as the first part: drop the ramp and roll the bike down to the tarmac, and you can make use of the rugged sideboards. Folding things back up for storage is simple, but does take some coordination.

Looking for the Ultra-Tow single-rail motorcycle trailer is as simple as looking through your favorite search engine or contacting your local dealer. The suggested retail price is US$800, and that is where it is most often priced; however, free shipping is often included. That is a fair bit, but much less than many in this class – and the Ultra-Tow single-rail motorcycle trailer comes with a limited 12 month warranty on parts. This is the transportation your motorcycle will enjoy taking advantage of and what you spend can easily be factored over the many years of service one will likely get from the Ultra-Tow single-rail.

Any standard square two-inch hitch receiver will hold the T-Motorsports Heavy Duty motorcycle hitch carrier, but you should have an appropriate Class of hitch for the weight of your bike and the unit combined (generally, a Class IV or above to be safe). Once in place, the carrier will hold a motorcycle weighing up to 600 pounds (272 kg), meaning that it should be suitable for most modern production sportbikes, and it can accept up to a 79 inch wheelbase. Made from a heavy-duty aluminum alloy for strength and powdercoated black for durability, the entire unit weighs less than 70 pounds (32 kg), thus keeping the stress on that hitch to a minimum. With two tie-down bars and an integrated chock, the motorbike can be secured very well so that it stays completely stable; the equipped anti-tilt device keeps the whole unit from bobbling around out back. When you pick up a model of the T-Motorsports Heavy Duty motorcycle hitch carrier, you get everything you need (save tie-downs) to move your precious machine without the hassle of a trailer.

As one would expect from a device like the Heavy Duty motorcycle hitch carrier, using it is simple but does take some muscle. After all, a sportbike is not as light as a dirt bike. However, the 74 inch (1.9 meter) ramp is solidly mounted with quick-release locks and is long enough to allow for good leverage; the ‘wheel wells’ which the bike sits in hold things very steady. Once you have connected the carrier to your tow vehicle and pushed the bike up onto the rack, all you need do now is secure it and then put the ramp in its stowed position (behind the rack). Unloading is just the opposite, but it is helpful to have a second person help with this procedure to be safe. Behavior on the road is identical to any other hitch-mounted carrier with the fairly standard anti-tilt hook-up, but there is a definite extra sensation due to the extra weight being so far from the tow vehicle’s rear wheels – but, with the Heavy Duty motorcycle hitch carrier, there is no need to deal with a trailer and the headaches it can bring.

Though not a solution for all owners of sportbikes, or motorcycles in general, the T-Motorsports Heavy Duty motorcycle hitch carrier does its job well and costs less than your last set of tires. Suggested retail is US$200, but it’s actually difficult to find it for that much; check with your dealer.

T-Motorsports builds the Dirt Bike Carrier with lightweight aluminum, keeping the stress on your trailer hitch to a minimum. The standard two-inch hitch receiver is required for it to work, but most tow vehicles are so equipped or can be. The surface of the carrier is coated to prevent rust and to make cleaning a cinch. An aluminum ramp is included with the carrier which allows for easy loading and can be detached and then stored behind the unit itself. Since it is made specifically for off-road motorbikes, its maximum carrying weight is 400 pounds (181 kg). However, that does mean that the Dirt Bike Carrier can haul virtually any production dirt-focused motorcycle under 500 cc with ease.

Assembling the Dirt Bike Carrier is quite simple due to its very basic design and implementation. The package comes with everything you will need – save tie-downs – and it should be easily possible to put it all together in a matter of minutes. Loading the bike is almost as simple; once the carrier is in place, simply attach the ramp, roll the motorbike into place, and then tie it down. Deep wheel-wells hold things steady while in motion and, if properly secured, there is no reason to worry about the bike being on the tail end of your vehicle. One problem with the carrier, though, comes when unloading. Unless you have arms like Mr. Universe, you may need help getting your bike out of those deep wheel holes – sometimes, three people are needed. The T-Motorsports Dirt Bike Carrier is not a perfect solution – to be fair, it does lack some attention to detail found on some competitors – but it is certainly priced right and it will do the basic job of safely moving your dirt bike from point A to point B.

Suggested retail pricing on the T-Motorsports Dirt Bike Carrier with Ramp is around US$90. Considering just how helpful this device could be for those without a truck or another way of easily moving your motorbike, the Dirt Bike Carrier with Ramp could find a home in yours.

The USA Trailer Store manufactures The One Single Rail folding motorcycle trailer along with many other popular models, and that status was earned as a direct result of quality construction. The One is made of high-grade steel which is specifically designed to be strong where needed and lightweight everywhere else. That weight is right around 264 pounds (120 kg), which puts it at the low end of the scale; that saves fuel and your tow vehicle some stress. And, when you are done, it takes just minutes to fold The One Single Rail folding trailer into a very small package which should fit in a small corner of your garage.

The steel rail and ramp run right down the middle of The One Single Rail trailer and both are designed to guide the motorcycle right onto the unit with no chance of veering off and going “crunch.” At the front of this rail is a chock-type stop for the front tire, and a cross-bar mounted to the trailer’s tongue has a loop on each end for affixing tie-downs. The wheels are a full twelve inches (30.5 cm) in diameter and are shod with trailer-specific tires. Each of those wheels has a fender and a tail/brake light which is connected to the tow vehicle’s electrical system. The entire unit is powdercoated in black for long-lasting durability. The One Single Rail has only what it needs for a safe and secure transport of your motorbike and nothing it doesn’t need – economy is the focus here.

Moving one sportbike or cruiser on The One Single Rail motorcycle trailer is very simple, as it is with many of these units. Simply affix the trailer to your tow vehicle, slide out the ramp, push the bike onto the trailer, and then secure it in place using quality tie-downs. After that, all that is left is to slide the ramp back into its cubby, lock it there, and then you can drive to wherever you need to be. Unloading is the opposite of the above, and the low height makes it an all one person affair. Collapsing the trailer for storage will take about five minutes once you are well-versed in the process, and all you have to do is stick it somewhere until you need it again. The One Single Rail motorcycle trailer is one of the simplest motorcycle trailers on the market – and it is among the lightest and most durable as well.

Suggested retail price for The One Single Rail motorcycle trailer is around US$1170, but it can be found for less – check with your local dealer as you may find a good discount. This piece of equipment is designed to last for your lifetime, so all you need do is take good care of it and you will have an easy-to-store and simple-to-use single motorcycle transport solution for the rest of your riding life.

Rage’s AMC 600-2 double carrier does indeed carry two motorcycles at one time on the hitch of a single tow vehicle, something only large trucks and trailers could do before. It manages to do this with a heavy-duty aircraft aluminum deck, meaning it is very lightweight compared to steel models with the side benefit of being virtually rust-proof and very durable, which is welded to a very strong steel main hitch tube that is powdercoated for the same reasons. Though each rail is 75 inches (1.9 meter) long, the entire unit only tips the scales at 69 pounds (31 kg) and yet it can haul 600 of those same pounds (272 kg); that is more than enough for two big motocross machines in the 450 cc range, even older models. In fact, one of the rails can hold 400 pounds (181 kg) if you are only taking one motorbike along. As is standard with this weight class, you will need a basically ubiquitous two-inch Class III hitch or better and the 45.5 inch (1.2 meter) ramp actually stores right up next to this area to keep as much of the weight forward on the AMC 600-2 as possible.

Simply plug your AMC 600-2 Double motorcycle carrier into your tow vehicle and install the ramp on the rail of choice – the closest rail to the vehicle should be loaded first – and it is ready to go. Loading is as simple as pushing the bike up the ramp and into the wheel wells and then using tie-downs to secure it in place. For the second machine, simply repeat the process and then store the ramp. It is actually quite an interesting feeling driving down the highway with one of these as the carrier does extend somewhat from the rear of the tow vehicle; be prepared for some strange sensations if you have never had something this heavy and long hanging off your rear-end. However, in practice, once used to the feeling, it is still far better than dealing with a trailer and the associated complications. Unloading the AMC 600-2 double motorcycle hitch carrier is just like any other hitch carrier – quick and simple as long as you can keep your balance and you have some upper-body strength.

The AMC 600-2 double motorcycle hitch carrier already has an advantage over many in this sector of the market because it is capable of carrying two dirt bikes. This gives it a real benefit to those without any other way to bring two bikes along with them, but it also has the disadvantage of being rather large. That means you need to be sure that your tow vehicle is up to the task, so check all weights and specifications before you make the purchase.

Rage Powersports has a best seller with the AMC 600-2, and any trip to a local dirt track will demonstrate this. One major reason for this is that the suggested retail for this carrier is only US$330, but it is easy to find for as little as $240 – and it carries TWO dirt bikes! A well-built, durable, and incredibly useful motorcycle transport method – it’s hard to beat the AMC 600-2 double motorcycle hitch carrier.

Keeper 05723 Heavy-Duty Motorcycle and ATV Tie-Down (average rating: 4.8 of 5)

Keeper makes a very broad range of automotive and motorcycle storage, organizational and towing products in the United States and sells worldwide. The model 05723 Heavy-Duty Motorcycle and ATV Tie-Down straps are made of a nylon webbing in an orange hue, have built-in soft-tie extensions to keep from damaging the bike, measure 1½ inches wide by eight feet long and are rated to handle 1000 pounds (454 kg). The material they are made of can withstand 3000 pounds before breaking – more than enough to safely hold a motorcycle in place even in a hurricane. A nice feature of the 05723 is the rubber-coated ratchet handle. The Keeper 05723 heavy-duty motorcycle and ATV tie-downs are sold in pairs for a suggested retail of US$30 but can be found for less.

Ancra 40888-10 Original Tie-Down (average rating: 5 of 5)

At the very basic end of the tie-down spectrum would have to be the Ancra 40888-10 Original Tie-Down; these are the classic tie-down in every sense, but they are also reputably reliable and long-lasting. This model has been available in one form or another for over two decades and many of those original products are still in use. Ancra makes the 40888-10 of nylon webbing – in red or black in this case – which is rated at 4500 pounds tensile strength and is designed for 400 pounds (181 kg) of working load capacity. These straps measure 66 inches (1.7 meters) long, 1 inch wide, at the ends are the standard vinyl-coated S-hooks and the cam buckles are rated for 1800 pounds. The only reason that these are not at the top of this list is that they do not include soft-ties in their US$31 suggested retail price. But, for the common $20 asking price per pair of 40888-10 Original tie-downs, one can easily find a solution for this when purchasing a tie-down which will last as long as this set will.

Discount Ramps 8 Piece Motorcycle Tie-Down Kit (average rating: 4.7 of 5)

Though the name is truly indicative of their primary business, Discount Ramps makes a variety of motorcycle rider-friendly products. One of the more popular in their line-up is the 8 Piece Motorcycle Tie-Down Kit which is truly a solution in a box (but not a good box). It contains four two inch wide ratcheting S-hook straps made of nylon webbing rated for 3000 pounds of tensile strength and a 1500 pound (680 kg) working load, four one by twelve inch soft loops which can withstand 3600 pounds of breaking strength and a 1200 pound (544 kg) working load capacity, and one not-so-great or well-fitting plastic case (just recycle it). Many small shops have made a habit of purchasing this kit for professional use and racers are known to be quite happy with them as well owing to their usefulness and durability. So, picking up this kit for its US$65 asking price – or its more likely cost of less than $50 – for using on a personal motorbike for an occasional transport will be a connection you will likely have for life. The Discount Ramps 8 Piece Motorcycle Tie-Down Kit is a very good value and a complete set of every strap you need to safely move a bike from one place to another. NOTE: There are other sets sold by Discount Ramps in a range of configurations (differing types of hook) and they are all rated fairly highly.

Powertye 1½” Fat Strap with Soft Tye

Powertye is what many consider the Nike of strap manufacturers – they make very durable, reliable, and strong tie-downs which also happen to have a sense of style, and they promote professional athletes. The Powertye 1½ inch Fat Strap with Soft Tye is in about the middle of their line-up and works well as an indicator of all the tie-downs and similar products they produce. The Fat Straps are made with nylon webbing rated for 6000 pounds of breaking strength and maintain a 1500 pound (680 kg) working load, they adjust between six and twelve feet in length, have vinyl-coated S-hooks, make use of built-in ‘soft tye’ straps – meant to protect the bike in transport from being damaged – use chrome-plated ratcheting mechanisms, are security stitched and come with a lifetime warranty. They are durable and have a high level of attention to detail and this really shows when strapping a bike onto a hauler. Highly rated is an understatement when speaking of Powertye tie-downs and, for a suggested retail of around US$27, the 1½” Fat Strap with Soft Tye set will help you understand why that company’s products are so very well respected and why they sell so many of their straps.

That may seem like a high enough number for carrying some of the lighter sportbikes, but Masterbuilt only recommends motorcycles with less than 450 cc be hauled by the HMXCR Hitch-Haul carrier due to what they call “uneven weight distribution.” Even so, that does allow some monstrous on and off-road machines. The entire unit is made of steel, as the full name implies, and is powdercoated – in black, of course – so as to be impervious to weather, abuse and time. It is very strongly built and will fit the standard two inch hitch receiver, comes with a built-in ramp, has unique ‘bolt-in pins’ which secure the tires in place within wheel wells, and it has two steel tie-down ‘lugs’ welded firmly in place for rock-solid security. Be sure the correct Class of hitch is used; in this case anything Class III or above is fine. And the entire HMXCR Hitch-Haul carrier only weighs around 50 pounds (23 kg) on its own.

Be sure to follow the recommended weight and displacement limits when using the HMXCR Hitch-Haul for at least one reason: the ramp is fairly short. With the target 450 motocross machine, though, loading is fairly easy and the 76 inch (1.9 meter) deck holds virtually any wheelbase that fits within the stated limits. Having help doesn’t hurt, especially when unloading, but a coordinated person can do it all. Under way the carrier works very well and is quite solid compared to some on the market; this is courtesy of the included anti-tilt mechanism. As is often the case, the further back your hitch is from the rear set of wheels on the tow vehicle the more it will affect its handling. The purpose of the HMXCR Hitch-Haul motorcycle carrier is to allow a motorbike to be transported without the need of a pickup truck / lorry or a trailer, and this it does exceptionally well.

Suggested retail for the Masterbuilt HMXCR Hitch-Haul steel motorcycle carrier is set at US$200, though you know it is out there for much less if you look around just a little – as per usual, contact your local dealer first. This carrier is built to withstand some punishment within its rather generous limits and is well worth even twice the money; moving a dirt bike has never been easier.