BMW X6M carrying BMW G450X

[Louv]

Sometimes I get ideas. Ideas of things that are possible... but might not actually be 'a good idea'. Bah! One should do what one can to stretch the limits of possible.

So... After getting the factory hitch installed on my X6M, I attached my motorcycle carrier to it. Then loaded up another BMW, the G450X.

Yes, BMW made a dirt bike—technically an 'enduro' bike—in 2009 and 2010. Then they bought Husqvarna, and transferred the technology of the G450X to Husky. No more dirt bikes at BMW. Then they sold Husqvarna... to they guy who owns KTM. Still following along? Never mind.

Anyway. I can definitely feel the extra 300+ pounds hanging off the hitch. It bounces a tad bit. Too much for my comfort, but it did seem to stay solidly attached.

Go do something different.

[aparedes]

Glad to see this. I just order the hitch as well for my X6M to carry my dirt bike on the back. Will post once is up!! Thanks for sharing!

[Louv]

Originally Posted by aparedes

Glad to see this. I just order the hitch as well for my X6M to carry my dirt bike on the back. Will post once is up!! Thanks for sharing!

Now, for the The Cautionary Tale...

(For my non-dirt-biking friends...) When one straps a motorcycle down, the suspension must be compressed, nearly to the point of bottoming out. Failure to do so can result in the carrier and the bike bouncing, and the straps coming un-hooked as a result. Badness ensues. (that was a lesson from another time)

So, when you are un-hooking, you are fighting the compression straps. It's nearly impossible to release this type of ratchet strap slowly. So, when releasing the two front straps, make sure that the bike is going to lean AWAY from the car when partially released. OK, I did that.

However, I failed to account for the force with which the bike would jump sideways (away from the car). BAM! ... and the bike and I both went over.

I think as I was yanked to my right, attempting in vain to hold the bike up, realizing I was going to be thrown to the ground, letting go and fending for my own skin... I did a moderately graceful tuck and roll across the driveway. Only a small amount of blood was lost. And I wrenched my back. Heh heh. The bike is fine.

Sometimes I do silly things.

[aparedes]

Originally Posted by Louv

Now, for the The Cautionary Tale...

(For my non-dirt-biking friends...) When one straps a motorcycle down, the suspension must be compressed, nearly to the point of bottoming out. Failure to do so can result in the carrier and the bike bouncing, and the straps coming un-hooked as a result. Badness ensues. (that was a lesson from another time)

So, when you are un-hooking, you are fighting the compression straps. It's nearly impossible to release this type of ratchet strap slowly. So, when releasing the two front straps, make sure that the bike is going to lean AWAY from the car when partially released. OK, I did that.

However, I failed to account for the force with which the bike would jump sideways (away from the car). BAM! ... and the bike and I both went over.

I think as I was yanked to my right, attempting in vain to hold the bike up, realizing I was going to be thrown to the ground, letting go and fending for my own skin... I did a moderately graceful tuck and roll across the driveway. Only a small amount of blood was lost. And I wrenched my back. Heh heh. The bike is fine.

Sometimes I do silly things.

Sorry to hear this happen. Glad you and the bike are ok. On a positive note, you should be glad your thinking was right and you release the inner strap first and avoid hitting the truck. Next time maybe you want to run a strap around the base of the hitch mount over the seat of the bike and around the frame of the bike when unloading, allowing in it to lean away from the vehicle but preventing it from falling over.

A

[jml]

I have done far worse, you are not alone

....let's just say I will never use a roof mounted bike rack again.

[Louv]

Originally Posted by aparedes

Sorry to hear this happen. Glad you and the bike are ok. On a positive note, you should be glad your thinking was right and you release the inner strap first and avoid hitting the truck. Next time maybe you want to run a strap around the base of the hitch mount over the seat of the bike and around the frame of the bike when unloading, allowing in it to lean away from the vehicle but preventing it from falling over.

A

Excellent suggestion. For next time.

[kanvas]

I'm afraid of towing or mounting anything onto my car. I have an irrational fear that things might come off and create an accident :/

[tastelid]

wont be the first or last time a dirt bike falls over!

[Louv]

Originally Posted by tastelid

wont be the first or last time a dirt bike falls over!

If it ain't scratched, dinged, and dirty then you ain't riding right.