well things change and aparently i do too... so it's time to trade in the s2k for a truck. i know that's a terrible statement in itself but i need to ride on the track only now for a couple reasons. ive been checking out ridgelines but was wondering how well a 1000cc bike actually fits in the back. is it even possible to fit 2 bikes if needed? any experience ?

 

Man... I don't think the bed is long enough is it? Maybe one bike on an angle

 

2009 Ridgeline: Cargo Bed Length (in, tailgate up/down) 60.0 / 79.0
Cargo Bed Width (in, between wheel wells) 49.5

2009 1000RR: Wheelbase 55.4 inches

Without breaking out the calculator we can assume the 1000RR from edge of the front tire to edge of rear tire will be about 76 inches (wheelbase + wheel diameter + a few inches for tire sidewall). So with the tailgate down, it will just fit if pointed straight front to back. And since you will get about 78 inches on a diagonal in the bed with the gate up, it should barely fit that way too. The only thing I wonder is two bikes side by side. If I'm not mistaken I remember Honda advertising the Ridgeline with two dirt bikes side by side in the bed. But don't go by that.

 

http://image.automotive.com/f/auto_s...ike_In_Bed.jpg

 

Go for the Tundra!

 

I would invest in a decent trailer to haul tools, gas, gear, etc. I wouldn't buy a new truck simply based on it's ability to haul a bike to the track. A nice enclosed trailer can be found for 1-2k if you shop around, then buy a truck you like with a good hitch

 

I talked to a fellow rider, and he swears his R1 fits in his Ridgeline without needing to park it at a slant. Of course the tailgate is down, and one of those bed extender *** ramps is helpful to have.

The hitch idea is good - if you have space to store the trailer. You could always rent, true, from UHaul, but it's not cheap and somewhat inconvenient. Also, towing a trailer limits you to the right two lanes, unless you need to pass, and if the cop feels like being a dick, any infractionary point counts double.

Some SUVs have strong tongue weights, so you could put a Moto Tote (or Joe Hauler, etc) hitch carrier and load the bike that way. You aren't stuck with a trailer and it's easier to load a bike by yourself than with a truck.

Trading an S2k for a truck isn't so far-fetched. I was about to throw money down for a used S2k, but the money would be better spent on a truck. I still have my bikes for fun, so the S2k will have to wait.

 

I saw a CBR on a Ridgeline before. So I guess it could be done. Probably wanna actually measure both the bed and the bike and not rely on factory specs. But a Ridgeline probably wouldn't be my first choice in a p/u truck. Get a Tundra with an 8' bed y0! And the Ridgeline bed is extremely high off the ground which may or may not matter.

 

If you're sooper low budget get a cheap flatbed trailer and a hitch for yo car. Almost any car can tow a 4x8 flatbed with a bike on it. Problee even a 1988 crx hf.

 

i am low budget in general, but imo having an s2k in my situation is a liability. so taking my bike to the track and getting a truck kills the 2 birds of driving slow on the street all together, and being safe on my bike all in one.

 

?

 

YES it will fit front to back (tailgate down) and you CAN fit 2 newer bikes side by side. ITS VERY TIGHT but can be done

 

S2k + 4x8' flatbed FTW. No compromise.

Are those hitch carriers sturdy enough for a streetbike? I thought they were for pw50's and 125's. Stuff like that. That looks kinda sketchy.

 

my friend is using a ridgeline and his ducati 749 fits with the gate open.. you will need a nice wide ramp for loading..

 

I've considered towing, but honestly it kind of sketches me out on an s2k. plus storage would fill my whole garage. what are those really small trailers that you can flip up on end when you store it? they only hold one bike ?

 

Should be fine. Trailer is what 200 pounds max, bike and spares is 500 max. You can get a bunch of different styles of fold-up stand-up motorcycle trailers that will hold 1 to 3 bikes. Don't take up much space when they are standing up either. Reason I said 4x8 is you can get them dirt cheap. Folding too. The motorcycle specific trailers tend to be pricier.

http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/...-trailer-5.gif
I borrowed one of these a few times and it does make things easier than a flattie, but its up to you(r wallet).

Plus with a flat like this if you need it later for non motorcycle trailering, you're good. Just cut a 4x8 sheet of plywood in half and bolt it on.
http://www.redtrailers.com/images/TrailerFolded.jpg

If you're going to haul often enough I guess a pickup makes sense. But to me it seems stupid deny yourself the car you really desire just because you're gonna haul a bike once in a while..

 

First link isnt working

 

Fixed. And actually I stand corrected, some of those flatties do get up near 300 pounds.

 

Don't we have a member on HT that tows with his S2k? He uses an open trailer.

Some hitch carriers can carry sportbikes. I've seen it done on several vehicles, from a Ford E150 van to a Land Rover Disco.

Heck, there was even a short product review in Motorcyclist where the author wrote about putting a hitch-hauler on his minivan. There was very little clearance in that instance.

 

Agreed.

 

I've heard 3rd hand of one case where a carrier bent.. I don't see how you can trust the ratings on those things.. a small change in distance from the hitch can make a huge difference on the forces the carrier will see. Thats how levers work. If it says 500 pounds max, and you've got 480 on there but the center of mass is further out than the designers intended, well.. RC51 bouncing down the highway is not something I wanna see in my mirrors. El cheapo $300 flatbed may be looked down upon, but IMO its a several levels above the hitch carriers.

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42709

These are great little trailers too. I had one and used it for my quad and for my 600rr. You can't beat the price either.

Or it may have been this one.........I think I had the bigger tires.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=90154

 

Yea gotta go for at least twelves. You guys know you can't keep it under 55.. 8" tire rpm has to be hell on wheel bearings.

 

+1 on big wheels if you choose to trailer it.

 

i didn't even notice 8" wheels... i would assume that's would be designated as a gardener's trailer at best