Tailgate extension for Motorcycle (Metric cruiser- '05 Victory Vegas) in the Bed!

[2wheeldrive]

Decided over my XMAS break to put the drawings to reality (I haven't seen any threads where someone got a full size cruiser in the bed).
Had the neighbor weld up all the metal and then loaded the bike. Yes, there is a bit of over-engineering but we plan to go to Sturgis one year and hit some other bike festivals
Feel free to ask questions and if you want the specs I can post them (note: it may not be exact for your situation as hitch mounting, tailgate drop, etc. etc. might be different!!!). The Gladiator road test will be done in the spring time (fully strapped down) and we'll see how that goes.

Sponsored

 

[Hootbro]

Crafty. Looks well designed and built.

 

[Mad Mac]

The engineering and fabrication are admirable.
The departure angle looks like it might be a problem, though.

Some Harley riders load diagonally in the bed
to get the rear wheel onto the tailgate.
Judging from the picture it looks like you are almost there.

A long wheelbase motorcycle
in a short bed truck is a challenge.
In my case it was a 600 pound Yamaha V-Max
in a 1995 Nissan Hardbody 6-foot bed pickup.

The rear wheel came to rest on the hinge point.
I could ride into the bed and ride out with these
Ramp Master 90" Arched Motorcycle Ramps.
They are no longer offered by Ramp Master.

I parked toward the passenger side
and stacked the ramps on the driver side.
Gabriel Hi-Jacker shocks kept the Hardbody level.

When riding backwards out of the bed
I had to use the rear brake to check the descent
or better yet keep both feet on the ramps
and have the engine running and use the clutch.
The front brake would merely lock the front wheel
and the bike would slip and slide.
The transition at the bottom
required momentum and a leap of faith
as my short legs no longer reached the ground
for a brief but terrifying moment.

Thank you for the pictures.
I have quit riding, three times.
But I may get the urge yet again.
The height of my JTR is daunting, however.

 

[2wheeldrive]

The departure angle looks like it might be a problem, though

MM,
Ramps are arched and I've used them a ton when I had my Frontiers ('08, '16 (POS), '19, '22 (POS)).
If your talking about the flat bridge plate I originally pulled up the tailgate mat when measuring/welding/assembly and at checkout time decided to put it back. Angle doesn't affect nothing, bike never comes close to scraping anything even with me sitting on it loading up/backingdown.
I'm a motocrosser as well and load the dirtbike riding up steeper ramps as well (fun to watch peoples faces!!!)

 

[rr11]

That's a very good design, ever since they downsized beds on trucks carrying a full sized motorcycle has been a problem. Never tried to carry my Harley in my Gladiator, I still have my 03 F250 better bed for the purpose.

 

[Mad Mac]

I mean the departure angle of the Gladiator
going from a steep driveway onto the street for example.

 

[rharr]

I'm a motocrosser as well and load the dirtbike riding up steeper ramps as well (fun to watch peoples faces!!!)

well shit then, just pivot turn that hog and ride down the ramp

 

[Thistlethunder]

I use a Neo-Dyne lift on my 23 High Altitude with Timber Grove air bags.

 

[csomberg]

I have a 2022 K1600B GA and that is killer having it in your truck bed!! I'll have to check out the lift!

 

[Warped]

I've used Kendon trailers for years for towing the Harley and/or BMW. But seeing @Thistlethunder 's the lift on a Gladiator is tempting. @2wheeldrive 's design looks remarkable, but I will admit to being timid to ride up to a truck bed. Beautiful Vegas, too. I hated that Victory fell by the wayside. Now it's up to Indian and BMW to keep Harley on their toes.

 

[2wheeldrive]

BTW, total cost was ~$280, used all new steel (had flat stock and screws/nuts)(and $80 of that was for my neighbor doing the welding).
I'm pretty sure the Neo-dyne ramp thingy is way more than that??

 

[2wheeldrive]

but I will admit to being timid to ride up to a truck bed

If you are on flat ground with those arched ramps (there like 9' long) it is basically like riding up a small hill PLUS there is plenty of room to "also" walk your bike up the ramps with both feet down (unless your a midget)

 

[Mad Mac]

At $2600 plus shipping that is a pricey bit of kit. AUN 150
But with motorcycles costing twenty grand or more, probably worth it.
It solves three problems.

Loading and unloading without the risk of damaging your ride
or yourself. (I am precision sized.)

It is its own tailgate extension.

It is already stowed out of the way under the bike
leaving room on either side for gear.

Win, win, win.

 

[SightsOfIron]

outstanding! love the ingenuity

 

[Kevlarr]

?? good job! I like the turnbuckles on the tailgate posts!

Sponsored