A Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Motorcycle Dollies
A motorcycle dolly could be one of the most useful pieces in a motorcycle-related kit you need in your garage. It can be very annoying if you still have to do some backward and forward shuffling when you try to maneuver your bike in tight spaces. The dolly can answer your problem, as you can easily wheel your bike around once it is loaded into place.
Motorcycle dollies are constructed differently, which is why some models offer a lot more than others. Here are some of the most important factors that you need to consider when choosing a motorcycle dolly.
- Types of Motorcycle Dollies
- Quality
- Price
In this post, we are going to discuss everything you need to know before you get yourself a motorcycle dolly. We have here the best motorcycle dollies, along with a brief description of their features. We also have provided you with information on the benefits of having a dolly and the essential factors you need to consider when choosing one. Read on if you want to know more.
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What is a Motorcycle Dolly and Why Is It Important?
Every motorcycle enthusiast who wants to work around their bike, especially in confined spaces, most certainly needs a decent dolly. You will eventually realize that there isn’t enough space in your automotive area due to the tools, parts, benches, and other projects already taking up so much space. In this case, having a set of decent dollies can be a great advantage for you.
You may think of the dollies as the skates for your motorcycle, wherein you just simply lift your bike and slide the dolly under the tires. After this, you now have the freedom to push your motorcycle around in whatever direction you want to. In a way, motorcycle dollies open a whole lot of possibilities for you, either working on a new project or having extra space in your garage.
A motorcycle dolly is considered an essential tool or accessory that is intended to ensure you have an orderly garage. Think about all the space you can have once you get a dolly. It should have a superb quality that will allow you to easily slide it under your bike across any surface. It is indeed one of the most valuable additions to any garage, repair shop, or sales floor.
Choosing the Best Motorcycle Dolly
Not all motorcycle dollies are constructed the same way, which is why some models offer a lot more than others. In this section, we will take a closer look at the factors that you need to consider when choosing a motorcycle dolly. Make sure that you read this section carefully, as it will help you narrow down your choices to choose the best bang for your buck.
1. Types of Motorcycle Dollies
Before you begin searching for motorcycle dollies, you should first be oriented with the 3 options you will face. Just keep in mind that there is no perfect dolly for every scenario due to these two very important factors: the storage space reserved for your motorcycle and the weight of your motorcycle. Now, let’s talk about the three types of dollies:
- Fixed: A fixed motorcycle dolly has a larger frame, is secure, and is suitable for storage spaces wherein you get in or out of it with ease, very much like a trailer. Due to their limited moving parts, fixed motorcycle dollies have a bigger weight capacity and are more likely to accommodate bigger and heavier motorcycles.
- Adjustable: In an adjustable motorcycle dolly, you only need to mount the rear wheel and the kickstand. This would mean that while your motorcycle stands secure, you can also maneuver it into your desired position. You will find that the rear wheel position adjustment is a great deal when you try getting it into the storage position, especially if the space is tight.
- Scissor center stand: A scissor lift that comes with wheels is probably the unit that has the lowest weight capacity, and because of the moving parts, this one is suitable for use on lighter bikes, including pit bikes and dirt bikes. What’s great about this type of dolly is that it works well for storing, washing, moving, or working on your motorcycle.
It is important to note that you should first consider the type of motorcycle you own before you decide on what type of dolly to buy. This way, you will buy a dolly that is right for you. In addition, make sure to identify the use or purpose of the dolly you are going to purchase so that buying it wouldn’t go to waste.
2. Quality
When choosing a motorcycle dolly, quality is among the most important things that you need to consider. Take time to check how the model was made, as well as the materials used to make it. In addition, its overall construction and design should be carefully evaluated. Choosing a high-quality product will save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Price
While your budget is one of the determining factors when choosing the best motorcycle dollies, you should never settle on a cheap model with low-quality features. You should choose the dolly that matches the quality you desire while also considering the budget you allot for it. To add, you need to evaluate each feature carefully to know which gives you more value for your money.
Top 5 Picks for the Best Motorcycle Dolly
In this section, we will be discussing our top 5 recommendations for the best motorcycle dollies. If you want to narrow down your choices, take time to read the features, pros, and cons of each product on this list. This way, you will learn which advantage or disadvantage you can or cannot live without.
1. Black Widow Steel Cruiser and Chopper Motorcycle Dolly
The Black Widow motorcycle dolly has everything you need in a dolly. With its size, it can easily carry a cruiser around while supporting a maximum weight of up to 1250 lbs. Its kickstand plate can be adjusted and comes with 3 different positions, allowing you to customize your bike’s position. In addition, it gives you plenty of options for smaller motorcycles, such as motocross bikes.
This motorcycle dolly is only 80 lbs. heavy when assembled, making it lightweight and easy to move around. It also features 5 high-quality double caster wheels, making it easy for you to maneuver it around your garage as easily and safely as possible. Lastly, the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty on parts.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- The Kickstand plate is adjustable.
- Works great even on smaller bikes
- Comes with high-quality caster wheels
- Easy and safe to use
- 1-year warranty offered on parts
Overall
Based on reviews, the Black Widow is one of the best motorcycles dollies out on the market. Loaded with a lot of useful features, you will never regret buying this model.
2. Venom Motorcycle Center Stand Mover Dolly Cruiser Park for BMW Drakar Standards Megamoto 800 1100 1200 1300
The Venom motorcycle dolly is specifically designed to pull your motorcycle even without you using a trailer. It is made of steel and has double-wheel casters. A handle can be used to stop the wheels, so the motorcycle will stay in place after you move it.
This motorcycle dolly measures about 22 x 16 inches and has 360-degree castors. The diamond pattern center plate is approximately 7.5 inches wide. The weight it can handle is not stated, although it should be able to handle about 500 lbs.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Requires no maintenance
- It can be used with many types of motorcycles.
- Has a wheel lock
Overall
You should not worry about its limitation on manual transmission. It is a great product overall, and you only should do a very simple step of removing the driveshaft if you have an automatic transmission bike.
3. Extreme Max 5001.5077 Motorcycle Dolly
The Extreme Max motorcycle dolly, just like the first product on this list, can accommodate a total of 1,250 lbs.. You are likely to expect a dolly with this weight capacity to be bigger and bulkier. But fortunately, it’s not. You will see how slim and low-profile the Extreme Max motorcycle dolly is.
When using this motorcycle dolly, you need to load up your bike into the dolly by rolling it on and flicking up the 2 end stops. Once it has been properly positioned, you can adjust its side tracks just to ensure that the kickstand is well seated, with the motorcycle at the right angle. The Extreme Max has an interior length of 76 inches but requires that your tire is less than 7.5 inches.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- It can be easily maneuvered
- Has an adjustable kickstand tray
- Can accommodate up to 1,250 lbs. of motorcycle weight
Overall
While it does not come with a step-by-step guide on assembling it, it is still a great buy. Once you have laid out all the parts, assembling it will be a breeze.
4. BikeMaster Adjustable Motorcycle Dolly
The BikeMaster motorcycle dolly can help you fit your motorcycle into tight spots. It takes up less space when not in use. It can distribute the weight of the motorcycle on the bike wheel and the kickstand. This useful tool is made of heavy-duty gauge steel, and it comes with 6 wheels to distribute weight. It can fit many motorcycle types and can adjust to fit most motorcycles.
It is equipped with wheel locks, which can be used to ensure safety, so the motorcycle stays in place. To add, its wheels are easily maneuverable, so moving your bike should be fairly easy. It is a middle-of-the-range motorcycle dolly that can help with your needs.
Pros:
- It can accommodate many types of motorcycles.
- Made of high-quality materials
- Comes with wheel locks for safety
- The bike is easy to maneuver
- Comes with steel plates for added protection and strength
Overall
Although it’s compact, this model can accommodate any type of motorcycle. It is great for light to medium-weight motorcycles, especially if you want a dolly that is adjustable to different types of bikes.
5. Condor Motorcycle Garage Dolly
The design of the Condor motorcycle dolly resembles that of a ladder instead of a tray, which is clearly seen in the other models on this list. This one-of-a-kind feature comes in handy, as you can load any motorcycle regardless of the tire’s width. Interestingly, even super wide 260-section tires will fit perfectly into place.
While it has great usability and high-quality construction, this model may suit a repair shop more than your garage’s accessory. Nonetheless, if you like this model, it is a great idea for a professional-looking garage.
Pros:
- Can accommodate all-wheel widths
- Has great functionality
- Made of high-quality materials
- Allows easy storage
Overall
Given the look and function, I personally would purchase this model since it would look and function well in my garage. You might see this model in a repair shop, but you should still consider buying it if you like the look and its construction.
Conclusion
Choosing the best motorcycle dolly is essential, especially if you want to save some storage space in your garage. With the review of the top 5 products, along with the essential factors to consider, we hope that we can help you in narrowing down your choices to choose the best one on the market right now.
