Sub-400 lb. Class

[Blue Ribbon]

As we are a gasser, and adding a lift and medium to heavy bike on the back of the MoHo is out of the question. I have too much junk to give up my SUV for a pickup, which would be suitable to carry a bike.

What's the next solution? Bike rack on the back of the SUV. I have a 400 lb. tongue weight limit, so with hitch (about 17 lbs. and rack 37 lbs.) I'm at a bike weight little more than 350. Must be able to ride double, so some of the 400 to 600 cc bikes that meet the weight requirement are by no means suitable for two people. What next?

Looked in the 250 cc range, and came up with the Suzuki TU250. Wet weight 334 lbs. Has the highest GVW in class and is a comfortable bike for 2 people, at least on the level. Will be trying in steep mountains this weekend.

Yea, I know all you big guys are going to make fun...."What's it going to be when it grows up?" but with the restrictions I put on myself, this is what I came up with. I needed something easy to get off & on the rack, and that leaves out some of the bigger scooters.

When I win the big lottery and get a new DP, then a lift will immediately go on the back, and I'd like a medium size bike, but until such time, this bike gets us around. I will NOT take it on the interstate but running around country roads is fun, and that is what it is all about. In the past couple months, I'm just getting back into biking, after dropping it more than 25 years ago, so I'm having a blast now.

[Bagger97]

I assume you tow 4 down so the RV hitch still has the full weight capacity as if empty. They make bike racks that fit on the back and still allow a toad. Those hitches can be beefed up to allow a little over the 500lb limit. That would allow a real motorcycle for you.

[Jim&MaryJo]

As a motorcyclist (never met a motorcycle I didn't like, well maybe some less than others), it looks like a great choice to me. Owners seem to agree, placing it #1 among other bigger/heavier standards: http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/standard/2009.html

Hearkens back to the days of standard genre simplicity and essential elegance. It looks like an ideal motorcycling solution for low weight piggyback carry.

[jww]

Might check out the Honda Helix. We have enjoyed ours for several years. Fits your weight requirement, very comfortable two up, lots of storage, good lights front and rear, 250 cc water cooled. Cruises highway speeds comfortably. Not much to look at but very usable as a carry-along scoot.

[jww]

After looking at the original post again I take it you have already aquired the TU250. Good choice ! Should be very useful and provide lots of smiles on twisty roads.

[sknight]

Someone that rags you for what you ride isn't worth riding with. Just sayin.

[jww]

Sure hope my post was not taken negatively.....(the grins on twisty roads comment was grins of enjoyment). Now if anyone should be "grinned at", it would be me on the Helix. Everytime I ride it I cannot get George Jetson out of my mind. : )

[Jim&MaryJo]

At the Honda dealer yesterday fro some recall work and saw the new SH150i scooter. Looks pretty good for 2 up riding.

Much as I love my Vespa, its small wheels and funky suspension limit my admiration and I'm sure it doesn't handle as well as the new Honda.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/127/38...er-Review.aspx