Carrying a motorbike or scooter on a motorhome is a dream for many: it gives you a nimble vehicle for getting around cities (where a motorhome is a hassle), reaching places that are hard to access, or simply enjoying a lighter ride. But a motorbike is heavy, and that means keeping a close eye on weight and choosing the right way to carry it. Here are the options and what you need to know.
Ways to carry it
- Rear motorbike rack: a platform at the back (often mounted on the towbar or a dedicated support). Convenient, but it adds a lot of weight overhanging the rear, which strongly affects handling and axle loading.
- In a garage: some large motorhomes with a garage space can fit a small motorbike or scooter inside, protected from the weather and theft. You need to be able to load it (ramp) and secure it very firmly.
- On a trailer: hitched via the towball, which changes how the vehicle handles and may require a specific licence (see the towball).
The critical factor: weight
A motorbike is fairly heavy (from tens of kilos to well over a hundred, depending on the model), so weight is the big issue:
- Don't exceed the GVW of the vehicle: a motorbike can eat up a large chunk of your payload (see weight and GVW).
- Load on the towball / support: stay within the maximum it's rated for (the bike plus the rack can exceed it).
- Rear overhang: heavy weight at the back lightens the front axle and worsens stability; load it carefully.
Cutting weight elsewhere where you can (for example, with a lithium battery, lighter than lead-acid) helps free up margin for the motorbike.
Driving, homologation and safety
- Driving feel changes: more weight at the back means worse braking and handling; drive gently.
- Homologation: a motorbike rack or towball counts as a modification that needs to be made official (see homologating modifications).
- Secure it very firmly (quality straps, solid anchor points); a motorbike that comes loose while driving is a serious hazard.
- Don't block the number plate or lights; add a repeater plate if needed.
- Anti-theft measures: a visible motorbike is a target; use a good lock (see anti-theft security).
In short
Carrying a motorbike on your camper gives you great mobility, but requires keeping an eye on weight (GVW, towball load, rear overhang), choosing the right system (rack, garage or trailer) and getting the installation homologated. The step you can take today: if you want to carry a motorbike, first check how much payload you have left and the limits of your towbar, choose the right system, and get it homologated; never exceed the weight limits or skimp on securing it. Pair it with weight and GVW.