I picked up a Ultimate MX Hauler at Cycle Gear this afternoon. I was a bit concerned about the bike not clearing the spare tire on the back of my FJ... but it clears! The only part that gets close is the tube on the hydraulic jack where the rod goes in... this only happens when the platform is lowered to it's lowest position. It does not prevent the platform from being raised... just requires a few extra 'short strokes' until the jack assembly moves away from the spare. I think I'm going to have my fab shop modify that area where the rod goes in... should be a really simple mod.
Some pics:
This carrier is a hitch mount design with a hydraulic lift system. The unit bolted together very nicely, although a couple of the holes had burrs in them that prevented the bolts from passing through... nothing a small round file couldn't handle. I applied some Amsoil synthetic grease to all of the pivot points. The unit is very well constructed with very thick steel and nice welds. Most of the welds have been ground/sanded smooth before the powder coating, which gives it a nice appearance. The bike is secured to the hauler with some very rugged 'L' shaped pieces that pull down on the foot pegs. I'm not too fond of the wing nuts that are used to tighten the 'L' shaped pieces... I may just run to the hardware store to get some nylock nuts for my own piece of mind.
Once I secured my XR onto the hauler, I pumped it up to it's maximum height and installed the T-handled bolt. The T-handled bolt passes through the main frame section of the hauler and is used to prevent the platform from lowering.
A securing strap (not included) was used to secure the handle bar to the hauler to prevent the handle bar from turning during the transport. A nice anchor point is provided on the platform for this.
While driving, the bike hardly moved around. I took some really bumpy roads and the bike was really steady with minimal swaying. I pulled over to re-check the tightness of the wing nuts that secures the foot pegs... everything was still very tight.
I'll post further reviews after my first long haul with this hauler.
SupraTuRD
