Towbar Front Wheel Bike Carriers

[Foby]

Im sure im behind the times asking this question
I have asked about but not really had an answer!

I saw an advert on fleabay for a towbar front wheel bike carrier which I thought would be a great idea for taking my bike with me on holiday, etc behind my campervan

They work by simply attaching a bracket to the towbar and wheeling the front wheel into the bracket so the wheel is off the ground , tie down and drive away

My questions:
Are they LEGAL in the UK as only seen used in the States?
As the towbar is type approved would it invalidate the van insurance by attaching a bracket/bike in this way, especially as the carrier is home made?
Does it scrub out the rear tyre?
Can the bike be reversed while attached to bracket?
Do you still need a lightboard as number plate and lights on van would still be seen?
Has anyone used a bracket and how did you get on with it?

[Limey_Dave]

1) Not sure
2)Only your insurance company can tell you that.
3)Don't know about scrub,but it will flat it,it's doing the same milage as the van but upright.
4)Should reverse,it's a trailer but pivot point is steering head instead of tow ball.
5)You'd need some sort of light,a 7 foot unlit projection can't be legal.
6)Never used one.

Not much (any)help,but it kept me amused.

[Roger]

Can't say if they're legal, but I've seen them used with trail bikes, without lighting boards or plates.

I towed Patrick home from Talgarth using exactly this method

I wouldn't do it myself, put a lot of stress and wear on the bike.

[Foby]

Thanks good peeps for some of the answers
If anyone else has used one or knows about the legal side i would be interested to know

[Limey_Dave]

This guy is selling them so should have all the answers.


MOTORCYCLE HITCH HAULER TOW/TOWING CARRIER NO TRAILER on eBay (end time 10-Dec-09 11:33:58 GMT)

[Simon_Y]

Only good for bikes with seperate oil sources fror the gear boxes

eg classic brit or HD models. Rice mills will have the gear boxes blown as the oil is fed from the engine oil pump. Just bear in mind.

S

[Foby]

A very valid point Simon
I have now bought a trailer and converting it to suit my Uly but thanks for all the replies good peeps