A cbr600 is over 6.5'?

 

The CBR600 should fit just fine in the 6.5' bed.

 

I'd have to agree with a previous poster about the weight & length issues of a K1200 in a 5.5 ft bed.

I'm a Gold Wing rider myself... and even though I've got the 6.5 foot bed, I'd still be leary about hauling my GL1800 in it. I guess if I had to, I could... but it wouldn't be my first choice.

Now smaller bikes are no problem. In fact, I just went and picked up a '98 Honda Shadow from PA yesterday morning before the big game.

 

Take a look at this http://www.discountramps.com/carrier...FcNO2godxgfSGw

 

You can get a folding trailer at Lowes with a 4'x7' load space. It folds up and only takes up about 4'x2' of floor space when folded and stored upright

 

I have been searching a long time for a way to carry my motorcycles on camping trips ... either the Goldwing or the Suzuki M109R.

This is the best I have found. I have been studying it for awhile for a welding project because 3,000 is a lot of cash.

But, there is no permanent installation like the others. Just remove the tailgate and put in the pivot tube made specifically for each make of truck, and your ready to go.

Like I say I want one but not for 3,000 ... I got enough scrap metal to probably make one this summer. It won't have the rack and pinon gears, I'll use a small wench instead.

http://www.blueox.us/carriers/sportloader.htm

 

I have to agree with you on the small winch instead of the rack and pinion gear drive. Either way, the pivot tube puts a lot of (over)load on the "pins" in the tailgate support. I guess that blueox did the calculations on the tailgate pivot pins to prove that you aren't going to rip those pins off when you load your GoldWing. Remember, the Ford F-150 Owners Guide states 150 pounds maximum on the tailgate when driving.

How lucky do you feel? How strong are those pins?

 

OD52.

That is so great that you found, and posted, information regarding tailgoat load limits. I have searched the internet for tailgate load limit information for an F150 and never found ANYTHING. A 150 pound weight limit is lower than I expected for driving, but I'm sure it has a higher load limit when the truck is stationary.

The stationary load limit information would be really helpful to me, if you have it, because I want to know whether I can lay the ends of ramps on the tailgate and load my 800 pound motorcycle up the ramp and into the truck.

Any other suggestions? I saw a picture of a ramp that had a support bar that was plugged into the trailer hitch opening which supported the weight. I don't know where to find a web site for this trailer hitch support system, so if you know it, please provide it.

Thanks.

 

I attached a 'black widow' front wheel chock to a piece of 3/4" plywood, which fits perfectly in my 6.5 bed with the gate down.
Ride the scoots up the ramps into the wheel chock and hop right off.
http://www.discountramps.com/removab...heel-chock.htm

I've hauled both my Sportster and Ultra this way. (But not together.)
I bought these 12' bi-folding ramps when put together are 38" wide, 3,000lb capacity.
http://www.discountramps.com/big-boy-motorcycle-ramp.

Get a set of straps with snap-hooks on both ends in case the load were to shift.
http://www.discountramps.com/ratchet-straps.htm


Then I bought one of these last winter.

http://www.discount-trailers.com/kendon-trailers.htm

Folds up and takes up very little space. Powder coated finish, fancy wheels, excellent workmanship and most important, completely made in the USA. The folded footprint is 5'-0" x 20".

Now when I camp and I can haul my deluxe camping gear around in the bed again, instead of the scoot and ramps.

Don't forget that those ramps have to be able to fit in the bed with your bike strapped in, too.

 

I've used a curved 10" wide ramp and a Ready Ramp to load my R1100RS for a decade now. No issues.