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.

[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/produc...5cc/xt125R.jsp



This maybe overkill for your needs?

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/produc...ure/xt660z.jsp

[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

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/2...alp/index.html

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/D...salp#focusHere





How much do want it to weigh?

KTM 640 too.

[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...

-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!