What bike on the back of a camper?

[mogcamper]

I am currently thinking about putting a bike on the back of my Unimog based camper. This would be used for going into town to avoid parking / traffic difficulties as well as other short 'run about' type trips or even for getting to help if we got stuck. As we are driving the length of Africa we need something that can handle rough conditions. It will need to cope with 2 people but not much luggage. The final requirement is that it does not weigh too much as it will be carried most of the way!

So - what lightweight bike can take two people and cope with rough conditions? Suggestions please.

:roost:

[Kermit]

You have some different options over there, than we do in the States.

For short trips into town, I would go for something very basic, even a scooter perhaps, or something like this.

Small engine, fairly light weight, aircooled, cheap, should be bullet proof. I think I see passenger pegs on there.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/products/motorcycles/125cc/xt125R.jsp

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/Images/2008-XT125R-action-01_prv_tcm46-208278.jpg

This maybe overkill for your needs?

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/products/motorcycles/adventure/xt660z.jsp

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/Images/2008-XT660Z-Tenere-action-11_prv_tcm46-209480.jpg

[VikingVince]

I think your idea to have a small bike to get around local areas will serve you well...it's practical and fun. I have a Kawasaki KLR 250 (dual purpose) that I carry behind my Tacoma. I really enjoy setting up base camp and riding around the local area...both on and off road. My bike weighs 250 pounds and its weight rating is 330 pounds...it's perfectly fine for just me...but I think it would be a little too small for 2 people plus a little luggage as you have in mind. (depending on how much you and partner weigh!!)
I think a 400 dual purpose would suit your needs and, generally speaking, there is usually only about 40-50 pounds weight difference between a 250 and 400...and with the rig you have I don't think you'd notice the difference.

Another thing to consider, of course, is the type of rack you buy (or have made) to carry the bike. My receiver hitch mounted rack raises and lowers via a small hydraulic jack that is pumped by hand...makes loading and unloading alot easier...as opposed to the type where you push the bike up a narrow ramp. (which might not even be a possibility if the back of your rig is quite high)

[mogcamper]

Thanks for the responses.

Kermit: I like the idea of something small and simple but I am worried about the power as VikingVince mentions. I have only experience of on road biking without passenger so its really hard for me to judge the power needed. We are both about 160lbs and the luggage would just be a bit of shopping. I dont want to go fast or enter off-road competitions, just get around in bad conditions.

I am not convinced that a scooter would work due to the small wheels. Also how whould it handle when you stand up over rough ground? Unfortunately most off-road bikes are built for one person to ride extreme conditions.

As for a rack, I have planned a tail-lift type rack where a platform is raised on some rails just like small trucks. I have to lift the bike 4 foot from the ground so ramps are a bit risky :oops:

Any other ideas?

[Kermit]

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

Ahh, ok, I was thinking you wanted something to just pull off the camper and run into town.

VikingVince is spot on, you'll need more power then. How about a 600cc+ dual sport bike?

Maybe something like the Honda 650 Transalp? So if the Mog breaks, the two of you could go some disatnce on something like this, should be easy to maneuver in town.

You Euro guys get the coolest bikes...lucky:) You can probably go down the list of all manufactures of their 600cc+ daul sport bikes, and pick what you like, you can't go wrong, all of the bikes now a days are good. I think anything smaller than 600, would be annoying, with a passenger. I hope this helps.

The new 700...http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/2008/XL700VTransalp/index.html

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/DispatcherServlet?hidAction=Lookup&hidActionDetail=view_gallery&hidMSGID=1&hidMSGCode=ADVENTURE&hidMSGName=Adventure&hidProductID=3&hidSelectedProductCode=XL650V+Transalp&hidProductName=XL650V+Transalp#focusHere

http://www.honda.co.uk/mcStatic/en/picture/product/XL650V%20Transalp/prd_bike_black.gif

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/2008/XL700VTransalp/images/gallery_large_06.jpg

How much do want it to weigh?

KTM 640 too.

http://www.ktm.co.uk/fileadmin/swf/productspecials/uploads/640adv1.jpg

[Hltoppr]

The GVW of most motorbikes will provide you with the ability to carry two in a pinch. If it's a prescout/run to town to get supplies/emergency transport, full on wheelie power may not be necessary.

Something in the realm of a 250cc model would be nice. I know Honda made an NX250 a while back, and the European market likely has more. A 650 anything...Honda/yamaha would be nice for simplicity and price...would work just fine too.

-H-

Just remembered...Suzuki made a DR350 that would be absolutely perfect! And pretty cheap too!

[Hltoppr]

Check out ebay uk...there are several DR350s for under $1000 pounds...

IMHO maybe the perfect bike for what you want to do...:bowdown:

-H-

[4x4 explorer]

MogCamper, here's my 2 cents. I happen to be doing exactly what you'd like to do. I have a 1300L that I'm fabricating a camper body for. I too want to be able to ride two people. My choice is the KTM 640 which after looking at all the options seems the best fit (eg weight, track record, etc.). I initially thought about a platform, but mechanics and weight changed my mind. I will use a cable hoist to lift the bike. A framework bolted under the bike frame will support transporting the bike. That framework will fit into receivers on the rear of the camper. The receivers will be part of the rear camper body frame to support the weight of the KTM. The hoist will be intregrated into the upper rear brush guard with lighting and camera's. Good luck on your project.

[Scott Brady]

There are a couple of EarthRoamer owners that do that. One has a KLR on the back, the other a Honda 450 (sweet 450).

[Colorado Ron]

Honestly a Honda Cub 90! Also Called a CT90 or a Trail 90. Dead reliable! Can get them with electric and kick start. Hi-Lo gear! Light enough you can pick up with one hand! Haul everything you need! Research them--I think youd be impressed what these amazing little machines can do!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/1542253029_fe5b864c9a.jpg

[Sleeping Dog]

Honestly a Honda Cub 90! Also Called a CT90 or a Trail 90. Dead reliable! Can get them with electric and kick start. Hi-Lo gear! Light enough you can pick up with one hand! Haul everything you need! Research them--I think youd be impressed what these amazing little machines can do!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2055/1542253029_fe5b864c9a.jpg

http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0S020l3PmdHvi0AyAajzbkF/SIG=12cbs79aq/EXP=1198034935/**http%

Frankly I'd stick with something on the light side such as a 250 cc dual sport. If for what ever reason you feel you need a large dual sport, you may want to consider the Ural Patrol, two-wheel drive side car rig. You can fly ma once in awhile and have plenty of room for groceries.

Jim

[Colorado Ron]

Here you go! Read the story about going to Mexico on a CT90 and youll understand why I chose this one:

http://www.weightlessdog.com/ct90.nsf

[travel dodge]

XR 400 honda, I sold one a few years ago and miss it. It's sturdy, cheep with enough power to do what you want. You will need some rear foot pegs and a small rack for soft bags but will provide you with the perfect ride to run to town bike no matter what the terrain. It's oil cooled so it supper simple if work needs to be done

[jkam]

Like mentioned, I like the Suzuki DR 350 or 650 if you feel you need the added power or will be 2 up most of the time.

Simple, easy to work on and will provde many years of service. I've looked for a DR350 for my needs, to haul on my Lazy Daze motor home and haven't been able to locate one so I decided on the new 2008 Yamaha XT 250.
No 2 up for me, just a duffel bag on a rack and hit the trail or head to town for supplies.

I think in Europe it's called the Yamaha Tricker. Also consider anything with the Rotax engine, for example in the UK you can get CCM bikes. They had a dual sport and I rode in South America with a guy that had one. It was a great dependable bike though not really good for 2 up.

[shahram]

I've always liked the Yamaha TW200...

http://www.motorcycleconnect.com/Yamaha/2007/Dual_Purpose/TW200/TW200_1.jpg

It's small, efficient, low to the ground (so your significant other, if she is of diminutive size, will have no problem riding it), and it's highly capable in very rough terrain. It's the perfect "lifeboat" for a camper that might get stuck or break down, and a good grocery getter. It won't win any enduro races, but it's almost guaranteed to finish.

[Spicy McHaggis]

I've always liked the Yamaha TW200...

http://www.motorcycleconnect.com/Yamaha/2007/Dual_Purpose/TW200/TW200_1.jpg

It's small, efficient, low to the ground (so your significant other, if she is of diminutive size, will have no problem riding it), and it's highly capable in very rough terrain. It's the perfect "lifeboat" for a camper that might get stuck or break down, and a good grocery getter. It won't win any enduro races, but it's almost guaranteed to finish.

My wife loves her TW200...but two up on it? Only if they are both midgets. Two up and luggage? No way.

[TxRider]

I wouldn't recommend a KTM 600 class, they are race bikes. High compression, high octane gas required, designed and tuned to race. I've owned them for ten years and I wouldn't take one for what your describing.

I would look at the smaller 250 class bikes, you want small and light. You can fit just as much on one as a 600, it just won't go as fast.

Get a small light one two can sit on and don't worry about power, add stiffer springs if weight is an issue. I would look for air cooled not water, electric start and a seat height you can stand flat footed on with headlight/tail light and signals factory installed. Simple, reliable and easy to maintain.

Carry the groceries in a backpack when you run to town. That's the kind of bike most of the less developed world rides, and some even ride around the world on. About the only thing you couldn't do on it would be 70+ highway riding but it doesn't sound like that's what your looking for anyway.

[Spicy McHaggis]

The new Yamaha XT250 should fit the bill just fine...

[Motobueno]

My wife got a new XT250 last month and loves it.We are going back to Death Valley next month for more extensive exploring.I just brought it back from L.A. Had it down at a shop named Turbo City.The are making racks and other related stuff for daulsport bikes.Very good quality stuff, not overenginered.The Xt was there bike for prototyping new accs.The 250 would be fine for trips to town 2 up with a nice tail rack.Stop by a Yamaha shop and have a look at one.The shop let my wife test ride a '07 225 & a '08 250.The 250 was an easy choice.Dry weight is 271# A good used Kawasaki 250 would also be something to look at.Agreat place to get more info on the Yamahas is at the xt225 site http://www.xt225.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm

Good Luck

If it ain't broke-Let's upgrade!

[R_Lefebvre]

If you want to carry a passenger AND luggage at any kind of speed, you need a 600 at least.

I recommend something like a Suzuki DR650, Kawasaki KLR650 or Honda XL650. They're all simple and cheap dual-sport bikes that will get you around, great on rough roads but not really "trail" machines, and best of all: Cheap.

I have a Yamaha WR250F, and this class of bike is NOT made for what you want to do. It's an enduro race bike. The dual-sport 250's have even less power and can barely carry 1 person competently.

I'm a big fan of the DR650 and I think it's the perfect machine for what you want.

[spoof]

I'll agree that the XT 250 is your best choice. I have a DRZ 400 which is a great all around machine and with plenty of punch for two up. I'll probably do some hauling around of it, although usually I go on a truck trip or a bike trip. I took the DRZ on a 7,000 mile round trip from New Mexico to Guatemala this winter, and I was happier to have it's nimbleness and light weight rather than a bigger 650's slightly improved highway manners. But if I were regularly hauling a bike and just wanted to knock around once I'd set up camp, I'd go with a 250, even for two up duty, provided there wasn't much more than 400 pounds between the two of us in body weight. For a bit more weight, I'd consider the 400cc bike. Or, as someone suggested on here, an older DR 350 or Honda 400. I personally might consider a TW 200 as well and accept the the two-up riding would be putting around.

[R_Lefebvre]

How about a pair of big wheel Yamaha Scooters? I think they're called PW50?

About the same price as one bike, allows more freedom, another degree of redundancy, and are still quirky good fun.