Extending rear bumper

[mc5a Jon]

I would like to hear Ideas, comments, advise, or even just lies on why I should or should not build an extended bumper to haul my motorcycle on. I was thinking I would build about a three foot extension with a ramp off to one side. Other than it bottoming out on steep inclines what else should I be taking into consideration?
Thanks for any info! Jon

[lostagain]

The biggest reason not to do it is the frame is designed to support the weight of the engine behind the rear axle. In my learned (?) opinion, you would be risking cracking the frame.

Your bike would get really dirty back there.

That extended bumper would look like hell, ruining the original looks of the bus.

I haul mine in a small trailer. A lot less weight on the tongue.

JC

[bevans6]

How much the bike weighs would matter a lot.  I have carried a scooter on my rear hitch.  I wouldn't put a Harley back there.

Brian

[Chopper Scott]

If you throw a Harley back there it will be harder to find any oil leaks! I know....old joke!

[Len Silva]

While I agree that these old buses are limited in what you can add to the rear, they are grossly overbuilt, especially the older ones.  I think that if you are talking 5 or 6 hundred pounds, it won't be a problem.

If you are a fabricator, you could overcome the uglification issue by designing a slide out bumper that is only extended when you are carrying the bike and retracted at all other times.

Actually, I think that would be way cool as my kid would say.  An air or hydraulically operated extendable bumper.  How about if it extends and drops to the ground for loading.

I am having a great time spending your money.

[philiptompkjns]

Well, I've seen geriatrics driving S&S's around fla with 2 mopeds hanging off the reciver hitch alone.  The whole thing was wobbleing from side to side, while bounceing up and down with the bumps and leaning towards the pavement.  It was one of the crappiest RV attachemtns I've seen in a while.

[gumpy]

I've been considering the same for some time. First wanted to haul a couple scooters. I considered building a pantograph style carrier on the rear that would lift two scooters
high up near the rear cap of the MC9. Above the blower door if possible. I figured I would have to unhook the toad to get them down.

Now, I'm considering something on the front to haul my Honda 650.  Thinking of replacing the front bumper completely with something large enough to load the big bike
on. It would pantograph down to the pavement for easy on/off, and would raise up and lock in place as the bumper. Plus, I could stand on it to wash the windshields.
I decided against the rear mostly for the reasons posted by lostagain, above.

craig

[scanzel]

You might need to check state DMV regulations about carrying a large motorcycle on the front of a bus. You would need to make sure that the turn signals can be seen from on coming vehicles and also to not block the headlights. I see too many vehicles carrying 2 to 5 bicycles on the back blocking the brake and turn signals, you have to look real hard to see them through the spokes.

[gumpy]

You might need to check state DMV regulations about carrying a large motorcycle on the front of a bus. You would need to make sure that the turn signals can be seen from on coming vehicles and also to not block the headlights. I see too many vehicles carrying 2 to 5 bicycles on the back blocking the brake and turn signals, you have to look real hard to see them through the spokes.

Yeah, I've considered that. I would probably mount new headlights and turn signals in the bumper.

[NewbeeMC9]

What about mounting a couple 2" receivers on the front of the bus and use them to mount the different things you come up with.

[cody]

Our old Revcon has a back bumper that pulls out about 3 ft and was used to carry a bike from the factory, the bumper has 2 tubes that sleeve into the frame on both sides and are held in place either open or closed by pins.

[fe2_o3]

  Our 4104 has three 2" receivers in under the rear bumper. The one in the center is for a trailer (duh) the two outer ones were for a motorcycle rack.  The PO used it for 3 or 4 years. I've found no damage...Cable

[mc5a Jon]

It's a 500lb Harley! I was going to tarp it to reduce the dirt I will check into the extendable bumper Idea, because I don't want my bus to look worse than it already does! I have a small trailer I could haul the bike on, but being the big KID that I am I want to take as many toys with me as posable. I still haven't figured out how to bring my boat, and truck, and bike, to the lake and keep it under 65 foot!! Any one have picts of a retractable bumper? Is 500lbs too much? Thanks alot its a 68' MC5-A.

[Len Silva]

You also want to make it simple to unload in case you have to open the engine compartment on the side of the road.  Hope that never happens to you!

[Ed Hackenbruch]

It may be a 500 lb. Harley, but don't forget to factor in the weight of the rack.     That is going to do a couple of things.  1. It moves your center of gravity back quite a bit i would think, which also means less weight on your steer tires. 2. If you ever have a fire in the engine compartment you stand a good chance of kissing your bus and probably your bike goodbye.  3. Likewise if your engine ever runs away on you, you will never be able to get to it in time to shut it down and save it.   I am amazed at some of the things/setups that i have seen hooked onto motorhomes going down the road. Just because you can do it,....... doesn't mean that you should.