August 24th, 2014, 07:52 AM | #1 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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Installing a hitch to a car to tow bikes?
Not quite sure where to put this, so forgive me if it's in the wrong section..
I have a 2007 Mazda 3 sedan and I'm wondering if it's possible to install a towing hitch to pull a motorcycle or two. I'm thinking of getting a dirt bike but I have no way to take it to places I could ride it, other than renting or borrowing a truck which I don't want to do. So what's the general consensus on installing a hitch on a 4-cylinder 2-liter car to tow one or two motorcycles on a small trailer? |
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August 24th, 2014, 07:55 AM | #2 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
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There is a thread around here somewhere... I think either a comment or a pic is a mazda 3 with a hitch and trailer. I am sure someone will come up with the link.
Anyway... a few members have small cars that pull a small trailer and a bike with some gear with success.
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August 24th, 2014, 07:58 AM | #3 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '17, Dec '14
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Sweet, my next question would be about how much it would cost. I see that a hitch looks to be about $150, maybe an hour of labor to install it, a cheap ****** trailer is like $500, I guess the trailer has to be registered with a license plate....? .....That's a lot of Uhaul pickup rentals.
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August 24th, 2014, 08:16 AM | #4 |
Cat herder
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Yes, easy to do. Go to http://www.etrailer.com.
You'll need a hitch, ball, drawbar and wiring harness. There are plug-and-play harnesses that make installation easy. Total outlay will be somewhere around $200. Harbor Freight makes suitable trailers, including one that folds up so you can store it in your garage. Don't get the cheapest one... the minimum usable one is the one with 12" wheels. It's $299 new (you put it together), but coupons are easy to find that will take the cost down to $269 or so. Add some decking plywood and miscellaneous hardware to that. You'll also need a ramp. A chock is not absolutely necessary but is a good idea. You can get bike-specific trailers, but if you're investing in a trailer it makes sense to get one that can be used for things other than hauling a bike. If you don't need the folding feature, Tractor Supply has a good trailer with a built-in ramp for about $700. Registration will depend on your state's requirements. U-Hauls are cheap, but don't forget that you'll need it for more than a day at a time. That changes the math a bit.
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August 24th, 2014, 08:16 AM | #5 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
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Cost? No real clue about small hitch stuff. Like the bigger stuff, I figger it will be all over the place and it will pay you to shop around and do as much work yourself. Also, HF has small, light trailers for around 2 big faces that will easily haul a 250/300/sumo and your garden tractor. Combine that with a coupon for 40% off and BAM! Cheap trailer. Take your time and do your homework here. Losing a trailer at 55mph will not be fun.
Found the link too! https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...=181723&page=2
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August 24th, 2014, 09:03 AM | #6 |
ninjette.org member
Name: C-Bass
Location: Alberta
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Yep, can be done. I had a trailer hitch installed on my Lincoln (Hidden Hitch brand), and some other brand of trailer hitch installed on my Jeep Patriot -
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August 24th, 2014, 04:09 PM | #7 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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Perfect! Thanks, guys! I'm in no hurry so I'll go do some homework and of course I need to acquire this dirt bike first before I have to worry about taking it anywhere.
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August 25th, 2014, 06:17 AM | #8 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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most small sedans have a towing capacity of around 1500 lbs or so, more than enough for small open trailer and bike. Most of the hitches are pretty much the same, I had good luck with Curt. I also second etrailer.com. I think I got the hitch, receiver, ball, and PNP harness for like $300 shipped for our Honda Odyssey.
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August 25th, 2014, 06:22 AM | #9 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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*ok for full disclosure*
Mazda DOES NOT rate the 2007 Mazda3 with any tow rating it seems in the US. It is however rated for non-US spec vehicles at around 1100 lbs without trailer brakes. Still more than enough for a small single trailer and bike.
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August 25th, 2014, 10:29 AM | #10 |
wat
Name: wat
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if it has a rear subframe and front discs, it's good enough to tow 1/3rd of its weight
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August 26th, 2014, 01:28 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nadroj
Location: 172.0.0.1
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I've seen it done.
Just make sure you do not get a huge trailer and it'll be fine. A smallish single axle utility trailer should be good. The best for your application would be a kendon but they are $$$$ http://www.kendonusa.com/ |
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August 26th, 2014, 01:36 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Christina
Location: Toronto
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August 26th, 2014, 01:40 PM | #13 |
Private Joker
Name: Ben
Location: Towson, MD
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trailer insurance in MD is cheap, I was quoted >$100/yr for a fully enclosed trailer and less than half that for something like a harbor freight trailer, tags would cost more
that said, I think the harbor freight option is the way to go here for you. I'm looking into enclosed trailers but I also intend to go hardcore into track days (eventually racing, years down the line) and get a lot of use out of it so the extra money makes sense
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August 26th, 2014, 02:11 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org guru
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August 26th, 2014, 03:29 PM | #15 | |
ninjette.org sage
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Quote:
Check out this sport bike one they sell - http://www.kendonusa.com/trailer_spo...ml#prettyPhoto |
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August 26th, 2014, 06:00 PM | #16 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
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I have a Honda Accord that towed my GSXR-600 to the track a few times. I bought my hitch from etrailer.com, and it was a super easy install.
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August 26th, 2014, 06:12 PM | #17 |
KAWASAKI GURU
Name: Shawn
Location: Florida
Join Date: Jul 2013 Motorcycle(s): Turbo Ninja 250 Posts: 863
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I tow with a 2013 VW Passat... its a Turbo Diesel but the gas version uses the same hitch. I was a little hesitant to tow with it but last weekend I finally made the trip with a fully loaded trailer including a 08 250, my fully loaded tool box, a air compressor, a ramp, rear stands and a few other things, total payload about 1,000lbs plus the weight of the trailer.
Towing on cruise control at 70mph I was getting 29MPG :-) I normally get at 75mph 39mpg, 60mph I get about 42-44mpg depending on wind lol... I love this TDI! Make sure you pay attention to the tongue weight of the trailer, the trailer I was pulling was a little heavy up front but with the tool box on the rear of the trailer it pulled perfect. One more thing, trailers with fold down ramps will sometimes make certain cars turn into slugs, its basically towing a wall... I'd rather have a small ramp that I tie down than a big ramp. And one more thing lol.... I found everything that fit my car using the website e-trailers but just copy the part number and check ebay, I saved a total with the light kit and the hitch about $45 going with ebay. |
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August 26th, 2014, 11:26 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Germantown, MD
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), and 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R (multiple winter project) Posts: 177
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I picked up my Curt hitch for a Honda CRV a month ago through ehitch on eBay. Every once in a while, eBay Motors will have coupons and I used that since it come out cheaper than going through etrailer.com. There was also a coupon through ehitch for multiple orders, and I used that to get the hitch and wiring.
One thing that I forgot to include was the wiring harness bracket, which isn't included with the hitch. I got that through a different eBay vendor. I spent less than $150 total, and installation should take less than 1 hour. It will require no drilling, and I only have to cut a rectangular space in the back plastic cover. I still need to install it. I will probably install the hitch first and do the wiring later. I won't need to hook up any lights for a Yakima bike holder. I'm hoping to pick one of them up used on eBay for less than $100. |
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August 27th, 2014, 04:45 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
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Curt hitch, motorcycle specific trailer.
2003 jetta, 250,000 miles. Towed them a total of 1300 miles on my first trip
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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August 27th, 2014, 08:27 AM | #20 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
man that is GREAT mpg towing, lol. nothing I have even comes close
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August 27th, 2014, 09:01 AM | #21 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: nadroj
Location: 172.0.0.1
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): zx6r ninjette a bunch of other ****** bikes Posts: 22
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Quote:
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August 27th, 2014, 11:16 AM | #22 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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^^^ and pricey. Find a used one for around $1500 or so if possible
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August 27th, 2014, 11:33 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: nadroj
Location: 172.0.0.1
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): zx6r ninjette a bunch of other ****** bikes Posts: 22
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October 20th, 2014, 08:41 AM | #24 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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Hey, here's an update.... With the recent purchase of my DRZ 125 I decided I will now install a tow hitch on my Mazda 3! I just ordered it today, it is the Hidden Hitch 60201 Class 1. I'm getting it from Trick Trucks. I think it's going to be around $220 for the hitch and wiring, but they wanted like another $150 to install it so I'm trying to get a friend to do it for a lot less than that. My car is apparently rated to tow 2,000 lb (?!?!)
But now I'm hoping that I can tow the dirt bike around to some cool places, bring my dog, and have some fun this winter riding around the dirt with my pup! I'm going to borrow a friend's trailer for the time being but eventually I might get a 2 or 3-rail bike trailer. Wheeeeee
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October 20th, 2014, 08:48 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Germantown, MD
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ducati Monster 796, 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (sold), and 1985 Kawasaki GPZ900R (multiple winter project) Posts: 177
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Don't forget the hitch cover!
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October 20th, 2014, 09:01 AM | #26 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I dropped out of UMD 3 times
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October 20th, 2014, 12:19 PM | #28 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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Yea.... I hated UMD
but I'm going to visit St. Mary's College of Maryland next weekend.... half because a degree is necessary (?) for a 'good' job (?) and half because I want to delay the 40-hr-workweek and 'figure out' what I 'want to do' 'with my' 'life' I like fixing bikes all day but I don't want to do it forever and I am tired of working a lot harder than I get paid.
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October 20th, 2014, 07:46 PM | #29 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Germantown, MD
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1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
October 20th, 2014, 07:50 PM | #30 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
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good, southern md, so I can go there without going anywhere near the actual umd itself.
bitter memories...... I hated that college. lol
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October 21st, 2014, 08:06 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alan
Location: Gwinnett County, GA
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What are the cons of a hitch that lets you just mount the front of the bike to the back of a car?
Seems price would be cheaper and it would take up less space in use or in storage. The idea of a bike directly behind my Miata appeals more than a trailer that can sway around and cause problems. |
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October 21st, 2014, 08:24 AM | #32 | |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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October 21st, 2014, 08:29 AM | #33 | |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
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November 3rd, 2014, 11:26 AM | #34 |
ran when parked
Name: Katie
Location: DC/MD
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): Freeride 250R, KLX250SF, mopeds Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Sep '17, Dec '14
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I got my trailer hitch installed today! In total, parts and labor including wiring harness, it cost me $366. Now I am researching trailers, Harbor Freight has one for like $300 that'll tow 2000lb and seems like it's a good choice.
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November 3rd, 2014, 11:29 AM | #35 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Katie, if you go with the HF trailer, get a coupon and wait until they go on sale. I have seen them walk out the door for $150 with a well timed purchase.
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November 3rd, 2014, 11:48 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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Modified HF trailer.
Welded 2" square outrigger to the front. All bolted joints welded. and 8" tires upgraded to 12" I hauled 2 KLRs to TN with it. no issues at all
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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November 3rd, 2014, 12:43 PM | #37 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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looks good
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November 3rd, 2014, 01:05 PM | #38 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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thanks, I wish it still was. About 16 hours after that picture it looked a little different.
But, I guess the point of my Picture is that, the Trailer I had was easily 15 years old. other than new decking every few years, it was a great trailer, especially for the price! (i got mine free )
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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November 3rd, 2014, 01:43 PM | #39 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Jason
Location: WV
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Quote:
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November 3rd, 2014, 01:46 PM | #40 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Monroe, MI
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): '75 CB550:.'82 XV920:.'00 KLR650:.'00 EX250:.'08 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
MOTM - June '15
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the trailer was fine, but it did bend the tongue. It was still hanging by the safety chains. almost all of the ratchet straps broke.
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'82 XV920: Soon to be tracker--'00 KLR685:adv --'04 DRZ400E--'12 Super Tenere --'13 Versys Ride more, worry less. |
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