Scooter

[majfrizz]

we are lookign at buying a used Suzuki Burgman to haul behind the DP. Just wondering what issues people have had with hauling these on the hitch mount platform. I will still be within my weight capacity, and was goign to go with the manual type without the power lift. the bike weighs about 383 lbs. Not sure if there are any isssues even you you have your Toad behind there. Also, who has owned these Burgmans?

thanks in advance

bob

[Nick-B]

Hi Bob,

Those Burgmans are popular and versatile bikes. I know they are called a scooter but they ain't no Vespa!

While I haven't done it, there are folks out there "lifting" their big Harleys and Honda GoldWings on the back of DPs and those bikes are 2 to 3 times the weight of the Burgman. So it is definitely do-able but you will still need to "crunch the numbers".

• Can the lift safely hold the bike?
• Can the hitch safely support the bike, the lift and any weight from the toad? You need to know "max tongue weight" not "pulling" weight".
• Can the coach chassis accomodate that additional weight?
• Keep in mind that the weight is not positioned over the rear axle but "cantelevered" out well beyond the axle which creates additional leverage stress especially when hitting bumps and dips.

Hopefully someone with some firsthand experience can offer some real world advice.

[Norm4015]

For a few years I carried a Honda Reflex on the back of a diesel pusher. The Reflex had a dry weight of 352 pounds so it is in the same ball park as the Burgman. I started with a manual mount with three receivers, but I hated pushing it up the ramp (often unlevel ground) and holding it there while I strapped it down. So I installed an Overbilt Lift and I could roll it on the lift, strap it down, then press a button to raise it. The manual ramp and the Overbuilt Lift was like night and day.

Don't try to carry the scooter on a single hitch receiver. Add another 2" receiver on the outsides of the hitch for a total of three.

[majfrizz]

i looked at the Blue Ox model and they use the 3 receiver setup. the price differnce between the two is about $500 for the manual and $2200 for the power lift, plus install costs. how easy do i want it to be???

[WOODYDEL]

Even the smallest Burgman 400 weighs more than 383 lbs, usually 440 dry. I use the Chinese version of the Reflex which is way lighter. I made my own custom hitch with ramp. You need more than one combo bar. I used three. The scooters are heavier in the rear so don't buy a cheap or expensive motorcycle carrier. They need extra support.

[Alan_Hepburn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by majfrizz Also, who has owned these Burgmans?

I had a 2003 Burgman 400 for about 2 years. It was the first motorcycle I had ever ridden and it was a blast to ride. It could carry myself and my wife at any legal freeway speed and do it all day long. I would still have it if I hadn't seen the Suzuki Boulevard C50T at my dealer one day...

[gregbenner]

I have a 2008 400 Burgy. Absolutely wonderful, will cruise 70 on the freeways, and with a large 50 liter top case, plus under seat storage is great for groceries, gear, etc.

[Downsizer]

We carry a 250 Kymco Bet & Win Scooter on the back of our RV. We got the "VersaHaul" for the scooter. It uses a ramp to get the bike up onto it. Very stable... no sway at all on the hitch. Almost got the type that pivots to load the bike up onto it.... no good.... too much side to side sway.... the VersaHaul has a method to lock it on so there is no sway on it..... we've logged 6,000 miles with it..... no problem

[Forest Grump]

Quote:

Originally Posted by majfrizz i looked at the Blue Ox model and they use the 3 receiver setup. the price differnce between the two is about $500 for the manual and $2200 for the power lift, plus install costs. how easy do i want it to be???

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregbenner I have a 2008 400 Burgy. Absolutely wonderful, will cruise 70 on the freeways, and with a large 50 liter top case, plus under seat storage is great for groceries, gear, etc.

I have a new Kymco Yager 200i. I use the Versahaul. Scooter need a heavy duty ramp because the weight is not centered. I had a welder beef up the hitch and I also run a strap around the spare tire.

I can load it myself using the throttle to help. We ride two up all the time even on dirt trails. The 90 mpg doesn't hurt either. get quite a few comments.