There are a multitude of different bicycle racks available. You'll want one that
utilizes a "hitch mount" system and avoid any that attach to the bumper. If you
plan on carrying a motor scooter, then look for one specifically designed for that
purpose but be aware of the added weight that might severely impact your rear axle
gross weight limit.
I'm carrying a Vespa motor scooter on my Rialta using a Tilt-A-Rack
carrier. The carrier weighs about 75 pounds and the scooter weighs about 240,
so the total is just over 300 pounds. I've uploaded a picture of my unit to this
folder.
I DO NOT recommend trying to carry any more weight than this.
When I have the scooter with, I make a real effort to minimize putting heavy things
in the rear of the Rialta (in the trunk or under the bed of our FD twin). I know
from weighing the Rialta on a truck scale at Flying J, that we are right at the
max loading for the rear. Also the weight on the front tires IS reduced when carrying.
I can notice a small difference when driving but not enough to be a problem....in
my humble opinion....you make your own decision. I also increase the air pressure
in the tires and in the air springs for the rear.
Also the trailer hitch looks like a heavy duty one but it needed
substantial reinforcement in order to support the extra weight. On our '99 model
the hitch is rated for 200 pounds, so I had a full service hitch store weld on
reinforcing and additional mounting bolts to increase it to 350 pounds. Just try
standing on a bar plugged into the hitch and bouncing up and down....you'll see
that it flexes a lot without reinforcement.
All that said.....carrying a scooter like mine is not a big
problem. Carrying a full size motorcycle like yours is a NO-NO.
Ken
'99 FD Twin
'02 Vespa PX200E
also 3 BMW motorcycles that I would trailer
Austin, TX
