Our default mode here at Rider is to ride motorcycles, but every now and then we have no choice but to haul them. Whether we?re dropping off a motorcycle at Jett Tuning for repairs or dyno testing, or schlepping a dirtbike to a riding area, we need a way to carry it. A pickup truck with a ramp and some tie-downs is the easiest method, but I own a Toyota 4Runner SUV with no bed.

Since my 4Runner has a hitch receiver, I ordered Black Widow?s hitch-mount motorcycle carrier, which is compatible with Class III or IV 2-inch receivers. Black Widow offers a range of carriers ? singles and doubles for dirtbikes, ones that fold up out of the way, and both standard and heavy-duty versions. I opted for the Heavy Duty Motorcycle Carrier with Aluminum Track, which has a maximum capacity of 600 pounds and retails for $369.99 with free shipping.
The carrier itself weighs 100 pounds, and since my 4Runner has a maximum tongue weight of 500 pounds, I?m limited to carrying motorcycles that weigh 400 pounds or less. I tested the carrier with a 2021 Honda CRF450RL dual-sport, which has a curb weight of 286 pounds. Depending on your vehicle, you may need heavier springs, airbags, or other suspension modifications to accommodate the full weight of the carrier and your motorcycle. Black Widow says its carriers are not recommended for use with hitch adapters or extensions.

The carrier arrived in a long, heavy cardboard box, and it included all of the hardware and instructions for ea...