Sub 300lb 4-stroke street/scrambler?

[Jimmbuzz]

I recently got a camper van, and I'm looking for a small <300lb 4-stroke bike that I could put on the back of it, and was wondering if anyone had any experience/recommendations. I'd like it to be a Suzuki, but I'm only aware of the GS250 and a bunch of two strokes. I have my eyes on a TW200, or the various Honda CB100, CL175's, etc. The hitches with the bike ramps are usually only rated for 350lb, and since the engine is in the back (old VW) I'd like to keep the weight down. Any advice/wisdom is appreciated!

 

[Guest]

Get a dual purpose bike like a DR400 or similar and fit whatever tires suit the mix of riding you want to do. Anything street based is going to be too heavy for your vehicle limitations.


Mark

 

[Cipher]

Is the weight rating static or dynamic? Knew a guy lost two Bianchi bikes hung on a chinesium back rack.

 

[Grimly]

I came across something interesting recently, for those who like to have a bike on the back of their camper.
It's a short wide platform that attaches to the tow point, but has a pair of trailer wheels also.
It means only a portion of the weight of the cargo is on the hitch. Full highway speed allowed, too.

 

[Rijko]

The Yamaha YBR 125 is popular for on the back of a camper. 51" wheelbase, 234lbs

 

[Grimly]

And remember this useful advice...

 

[salty_monk]

DRZ400 will be right on the limits of that 350. If you want to stay Suzuki it’d have to be the DR200.

 

[steve murdoch]

Honda Grom is in the 230# range.

 

[Jimmbuzz]

Is the weight rating static or dynamic? Knew a guy lost two Bianchi bikes hung on a chinesium back rack.

This is the hitch/ramp combo. Says it has "350 lbs. tongue weight."

I came across something interesting recently, for those who like to have a bike on the back of their camper.
It's a short wide platform that attaches to the tow point, but has a pair of trailer wheels also.
It means only a portion of the weight of the cargo is on the hitch. Full highway speed allowed, too.

Link/Name?

 

[Jimmbuzz]

The Yamaha YBR 125 is popular for on the back of a camper. 51" wheelbase, 234lbs

Don't think these are sold in the states

DRZ400 will be right on the limits of that 350. If you want to stay Suzuki it’d have to be the DR200.

Not a bad option. I'll keep my eye out. Doesn't have to be Suzuki though if you have some other recommendations.

Honda Grom is in the 230# range.

I'm 6' 3" so that would be comical :xsmilie_mrgreen: I'd like to be able to ride two up so I don't think there would be enough room.

 

[Grimly]

Link/Name?

The guy who has one is touring Europe at the moment, I'll PM him.
Here it is in action, and he's done a couple of thousand miles with it so far.

I found his reference to it when he bought it. Made by Hydra-Trail in the UK.
https://youtu.be/O7dzQ9Quyq8
There are more Hydra Trail vids on youtube.

 

[salty_monk]

My Husqvarna TE610 is 310lb and as stock they come with passenger pegs...

 

[Jimmbuzz]

My Husqvarna TE610 is 310lb and as stock they come with passenger pegs...

How's finding parts/reliability?

 

[93Bandit]

I came across something interesting recently, for those who like to have a bike on the back of their camper.
It's a short wide platform that attaches to the tow point, but has a pair of trailer wheels also.
It means only a portion of the weight of the cargo is on the hitch. Full highway speed allowed, too.

That's interesting. So it a trailer, but not quite... Is there a pivot joint where it mounts to the hitch, or is it ridged? Seems like it'd be hard on the tires in turns if it's ridged. Regardless, interesting concept.

 

[Grimly]

That's interesting. So it a trailer, but not quite... Is there a pivot joint where it mounts to the hitch, or is it ridged? Seems like it'd be hard on the tires in turns if it's ridged. Regardless, interesting concept.

I believe it pivots, yes. Never had an in-person look at it, but the owner is pleased with it all over Europe, laden with m'sickle and surf boards.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Honda XR600 ...

 

[salty_monk]

How's finding parts/reliability?

Like all bikes... if they've been sorted out then they are fine. Parts are harder to come by than the Japanese bikes but they are available. No problems getting service items. Some of them are afflicted with a soft cam chain that needs changing out in 15k miles but others like mine seem fine.
The Mosfet RR is an upgrade for them.
Some will re-inforce the subframe for 2 up.