olists wrote:
The brand I was considering is http://www.mototote.com/ which is rated to
500#. Any way I slice this I see putting 425# + hanging off of one end of
the van or another. I will probably trailer the bike rather than abuse a van
that has been very good to me.

--------------- reply ------------
I think a trailer is the best way, does not affect handling the way a hitch
carrier does.  Too much weight hanging on the back.
I did not like carrying my motorcycle on the back of my vanagon.  See
pictures at
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/motorcycle.htm

I'd be surprised if an old 350 Enfield weighed only 350 lbs.  I weigh all my
bikes with a suspension scale hanging in the garage.  In my experience all
bikes are more than manufacturers claimed weight.  The XR600R in the above
picture is 312lbs. with a full tank of gas, and its supposed to be a trail
bike with weight being a primary design consideration.  That XR is plated
and street legal in Canada btw.  It's fairly easy to do that kind of thing
where I live.  Next, I'm looking to "dual sport" a Yamaha YZ 426F for street
use.  45hp and 265 lbs - giddy up.

Gary Lee
http://www.telusplanet.net/public/gary2a/rack/vanagonrack.htm