sharing some of the weight on the towball ( small motorcycle ) with the roof bars/rails. I suspect not but if the weight is say 100kg and the limit is 70 would a few ratchet straps to the roof be legal and safe?

are you sitting a 100kg bike on a towbar rack ?

😯

possibly!
I presume you’ve seen those dave cooper type racks?

Ratchets straps to the roof! Does this transfer the weight off the rear axle back to the front?

Tractor weights on the front?

I presume you’ve seen those dave cooper type racks?

I have, but only on trucks with heavy-duty fittings

Is that yours ?

Not mine.

Forgot about possible wheelies

legal and safe?

No.

Worth bearing in mind that the specified tow bar weight is for a trailer with a free moving hitch. If your rack clamps on and the centre of mass is behind the tow ball this will have an even greater effect. My car lists lower weight limits for clamp-on bike racks based on how far back the centre of mass is.

No, don’t bother.

Not legal and may cause damage or handling problems.

Nose weight limits are there for a reason, if you want more then buy a different car.

Surely this might be a better idea

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTORCYCLE-CARRIER-TRAILER-DOLLY-1-/302286216217?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

I have one of those MX racks for sale – they just bolt to the towbar flange in about 2mins.

the rack/dolly style set up linked to have a poor reputation for trouble. I saw one in use and the bike had nearly fallen over to one side after a corner .don’t like the idea at all of dragging a bike along in that fashion.

I’ve used those dave cooper type racks on normal saloon cars for years, never had a problem nor has anyone else I know who’s used them.
Regarding the cars handling, it does affect it of course but just drive accordingly.

Presumably they wouldn’t tell you if they wheelied their car into a tree?

In other news, driving a car with completely bald tyres might affect the handling a little. Just drive accordingly.

Rachel

Presumably they wouldn’t tell you if they wheelied their car into a tree?

You won’t though, just drive the car accordingly. If your not capable of that then their not for you.

just drive the car accordingly. If your not capable of that then their not for you.

Also, in most cases…

“their not for you” if you want to have valid insurance, or drive legally.

The dolly type – your bike would need to be road legal.