[rgrentz]

Hi folks, I have a1994 nas D-90 and I want to put a front hitch to carry an extra motorcycle, it weighs in at 250#. I have recently had a rebuild with galvanized frame and new ARB bull bar, so I know it'll hold. I also have upgraded heavy duty springs that gives the 90 a 2"lift. When having Moto-x on front I will also have the same weighted Moto-x on the rear hitch. I was wondering if anyone has done this? And how badly it will effect the handling? I will only be doing short trips (60miles). I know "get. a trailer" I already have 2 bike carriers so don't really need one and I don't have the space to store one and would rather use the $$ on fun and beers after a good ride.
Thanks in advance for your input. ROB

 

[Z.G]

Where would you install the hitch if you already have an ARB winch bumper?

 

[seekerbeta]

in england they have ones that bolt to the same holes as the stock bumper, my defender came with a front hitch when I imported it, it got in the way more often than it was useful

 

[Overlander]

Safari Equipt in UK has a steering guard with a receive hitch integrated.

 

[rgrentz]

I was going to take it to a weld shop and have one welded onto the bull bar.

 

[o2batsea]

I would see about getting something that will take two on the rear.
I would think that an extra 250Lbs plus way up front like that will make it a bit on the squirrelly side esp at speed. I mean I guess you could do what you're thinking but I would be awful clenched the whole time.
I have a front receiver on my winch bumper but it's a much different kind than your ARB.

 

[Mybluett]

Hi folks, I have a1994 nas D-90 and I want to put a front hitch to carry an extra motorcycle, it weighs in at 250#. I have recently had a rebuild with galvanized frame and new ARB bull bar, so I know it'll hold. I also have upgraded heavy duty springs that gives the 90 a 2"lift. When having Moto-x on front I will also have the same weighted Moto-x on the rear hitch. I was wondering if anyone has done this? And how badly it will effect the handling? I will only be doing short trips (60miles). I know "get. a trailer" I already have 2 bike carriers so don't really need one and I don't have the space to store one and would rather use the $$ on fun and beers after a good ride.
Thanks in advance for your input. ROB

On a long heavy truck you might get away with it (Alaskan camper style) but the other comments about negative effects on handling are accurate and even more so on a 90 with the short wheelbase. Same goes for double down on the rear as it will lighten the front and can take away steering in an emergency situation with bad traction.

While it can be done the question you already answered is should it be done. A simple folding two or three bike trailer is the correct solution for getting to the trailhead unless you are just looking for off-pavement transport of the moto on a ranch or other slow dirt roads.

 

[Rocky]

There used to be receivers welded to plates. Then secured to the truck using the same bolts as the winch.
If you find-one, I’d like one to.

 

[pfshoen]

A lifted 90 is already a bit tippy so less than ideal for evasive action. Towing a trailer requires adjusting driving style. Doing this would as well. I'd go ahead with it, see how it feels and compensate as necessary. Don't be in a hurry. Not sure this will hurt handling much overall since the weight is carried down low.
My friend used to hang a dirt bike on the front of his 88 and tow a teardrop camp trailer on long overland trips. Another friend hangs bikes off front and rear of his Econoline Sportsmobile and does the same.
Front or back you have to have lights that can be seen.

 

[rgrentz]

thanks for all the advice I'm gonna go ahead with the. idea and try it out. I already do this. on my class C RV and it's not an issue, and for the rear lights I use trailer lights on the very rear attached to the bike. I'll keep ya posted once I try it out. At the very least I'll have a front hitch and can use it for bicycles and lighter things. thanks again this is a great forum with some smart helpful people.