Carrying a motorbike on the back of a landy?

ReadySalted · May 8, 2014

Hi all,

I've seen a picture of a 110 or 130 carrying a trail bike on the back. I'm looking to get myself a trail/ enduro bike, and it would be great to be able to take it places with me, without a trailer etc.

So d'ya reckon it would be possible to fabricate a system to carry the weight of a 125 or 250 enduro bike on the back of my disco?

I'm guessing that suspension is going to want to some pretty stiff dampers, and that I'd need something similar to a normal bike rack (alot stronger) to attach to the towbar, but with perhaps a jacking system to lift and lower the bike?

Thoughts?

flat · May 8, 2014

There used to be a guy down my road that did enduro, they had a combo camper van/work van - sort of like a workshop with a sleeping areas that they took to events. On the back they had some sort of massive bike mount they stick one bike on. Sorry I don't recall how they got the bike up there though.

Are there any scrambler forums you could ask on?

flookyk · May 8, 2014

Do you mean something like this

trials motorcross motorcycle motorbike carrying rack

Paul D · May 8, 2014

flookyk said:
Do you mean something like this

trials motorcross motorcycle motorbike carrying rack

I use one of those, had it for years and it's a most excellent bit of kit ..

Bolt the main cross-piece to the towbar and the 'wings' slot in. The cross piece can be left on the towbar. In my case the wings also bolt on, but even when just slipped in they're held well enough when the bike's tied down. I added the bolts 'cos I worry ...

I've carried Trials bikes, Enduro's and Crossers and once a fairly heavy trail bike (DR250 Djebel) from Durham to Doncaster ... on a Discovery with standard springs and shocks, but heavy duty springs were fitted later and helped a lot.

eightinavee · May 8, 2014

I've done thousands of miles carrying trials bikes on the back of my Landrovers/R Rovers and Discoveries over the years.
I now use a Dave Cooper bike rack to carry my TY250 Yamaha to trials,my heavier 350 AJS and 500 Ariel go in a trailer cos I'm usually too knackered to lift them on the rack after a trial...
You just need to be aware of the extra weight hanging off the back,and have a lighting board/ number plate to keep it legal.It also means you can still use the outside lane on motorways which you cant with a trailer on.No reversing problems in narrow country lanes either.
Bike Racks Supply to UK & Europe

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SteDisco · May 8, 2014

eightinavee said:
I've done thousands of miles carrying trials bikes on the back of my Landrovers/R Rovers and Discoveries over the years.
I now use a Dave Cooper bike rack to carry my TY250 Yamaha to trials,my heavier 350 AJS and 500 Ariel go in a trailer cos I'm usually too knackered to lift them on the rack after a trial...
You just need to be aware of the extra weight hanging off the back,and have a lighting board/ number plate to keep it legal.It also means you can still use the outside lane on motorways which you cant with a trailer on.No reversing problems in narrow country lanes either.
Bike Racks Supply to UK & Europe

No connection,just a satisfied user.

I second that, we too have a Dave Cooper bike rack, must have had it for 15 years now, used to carry trials bikes all over the place every weekend, great kit they are. Also, not that it makes much difference on the back of a land rover, but my dad has had the bolt on section on his towbars since we got it, and in that time a Renault Trafic, a 206 and something else have ran up his arse, the Trafic had a towbar shaped hole in the bumper, the 206 and the other we're write offs, my dad's never gained a scratch.

Ste.

Kizzeh · May 9, 2014

Have had access to a selection of home made ones. Left handed and right handed for trials bikes and trials sidecars.

Strap the rear wheel to the upright and it's solid as a rock. Strap down from the handlebars to make sure the wheel doesn't jump out and that's it. Nice and easy.

The hardest part was getting a pre-65 trails sidecar on It on yer own with the sidecar hanging off!

wattfield · May 9, 2014

Good stuff, but I'd check the max weight the rack you want to buy can carry, and make sure you can actually lift the bike on & off the rack.

I don't think they make one to suit my XJR!

TD5power · May 9, 2014

i put around 350kg in the back of my defender a few times a year and then a trailer, mine is fine for that, suspentions is fine

BronkoMini · May 9, 2014

Put my bike in the back of the fended

seanlandy · May 18, 2015

Just reading this post with interest. Got the offer of a motorbike rack. I have an XR 600 which ways in at 134kgs. Would this be too much of a load over the back of a Discovery 2? I know the trailer may be a better option, but the cost, storage etc. of one precludes this option.

Brown · May 18, 2015

I see the Autowbars one is for bikes up to 150 KG which should be adequate. Dave Cooper doesn't specify a weight. Should be OK on a Discovery or Defender.

vilguy · May 18, 2015

I've a dave Cooper one. I've carried my Dr 800 on it. 200 kilos :der:

But I wouldn't want to put that much on it again!

arboorman · May 19, 2015

Hi

I've just picked this up:

motor bike carrier | eBay

I've done a trial fit and it seems to fit really well. I've bought it for my DR350 (about 130kg) and when I put it on my Defender it looks fine.

The rear springs are lower than I'd like but am looking into getting some helper springs. If I can figure it out I'll have a go at posting a photo of it on my 110.....

arboorman · May 19, 2015

.....only downside is once its fitted you can't get in the back door...!!!

Brown · May 19, 2015

Looks like they give you some ramps as well, which must make life a bit easier.

vilguy · May 19, 2015

the problem is with the carrier's is that because the bike is so far away from the fulcrum of the rear wheels the noseweight is considerably more than just the weight of the bike & the rack.

Something to be aware of.

arboorman · May 19, 2015

vilguy said:
the problem is with the carrier's is that because the bike is so far away from the fulcrum of the rear wheels the noseweight is considerably more than just the weight of the bike & the rack.

Something to be aware of.

I did wonder about that - I was keen on getting this one because the ramp is stored between the bike and the back of the 110 which just about gives enough clearance from the spare wheel.

Max load for the tow hitch is 150kg?? The bike is 130kg dry so I know I'm pushing it a little.

I've not tries driving with is on yet as I'm waiting for some new ratchet straps to arrive but it'll be interesting to see how the steering feels...!!

arboorman · May 19, 2015

Brown said:
Looks like they give you some ramps as well, which must make life a bit easier.

I'd been watching a few different one on ebay for a while and was keen to get one with a ramp for ease of loading.

Could probably just about lift the bike on the back of a ramp but it's so much easier to push the bike up a ramp!!

Most of the one's on ebay went for £200 - £250 - for some reason only 3 people bid on this and I got it for £82!! Easily covered the diesel to collect!!

seanlandy · May 19, 2015

Sounds promising. Let us know how it goes. I do like the idea. There is nowhere around here where I can really use the XR and the thought of riding, off roading and riding back doesn't sound too appealing. Most people seem to van or trailer the bike. So having a Disco with this type of carrier may be an option.

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