Lorries MT-1 motorcycle trailer: Loading, securing and parking

The Lorries MT-1 combines a lowering platform with a folding rear section. Here is how those features work in practice, from loading a motorcycle to parking the empty trailer at the destination.

Rear view of a motorcycle on the Lorries MT-1, coupled to the tow car

Construction and equipment

The MT-1 is designed to carry one motorcycle. The platform lowers for loading, and the rear section folds forward to reduce the trailer’s length when empty. A front wheel chock holds the wheel in position while you prepare the straps. The modern 13-pin connector fits my car directly without an adapter, and the LED lights have worked without any problems.

Close-up of the Lorries MT-1 coupling, jockey wheel and platform operating mechanism

Loading the motorcycle

The lowering mechanism is one of the MT-1’s most useful features. As you can see in the side view, the platform forms a gentle slope towards the ground. There is still a small step at the entrance.

Side view of the empty Lorries MT-1 with its platform lowered for loading

The rear view shows the lowered platform’s approach to the front wheel chock, with strap attachment points distributed along the sides.

Rear view of the Lorries MT-1 with its platform lowered for loading, showing the approach to the front wheel chock

I use the motorcycle’s engine to climb onto the trailer rather than trying to push it up by hand. I select first gear and let the bike move slowly up the platform until the wheel chock closes. At that moment, I pull in the clutch and shut off the engine. For me, this is more manageable than moving a heavy motorcycle using muscle power alone.

Once the front wheel is in the chock, the motorcycle can be strapped down for transport. The chock helps with positioning, but it does not replace the straps.

A motorcycle front wheel seated in the Lorries MT-1 wheel chock

Front three-quarter view of a motorcycle on the Lorries MT-1 platform

On the road

The MT-1 is easy to tow, and its rubber torsion axle suspension works well with a motorcycle loaded. When the trailer is empty, it feels a little bouncy and is noticeably noisier. I also registered it in Germany with Tempo 100 approval without any problem, allowing 100 km/h instead of the usual 80 km/h on motorways and designated motor roads when the approval requirements are met.

Folding and parking

There are three ways to reduce the space needed when the trailer is empty:

Attached, with the tail folded: this shortens the combination without unhitching. At a hotel in Italy, I used it this way to fit the car and trailer into one slightly larger parking space.
Detached, with the tail folded: parking the car’s rear overhang above the trailer’s hitch could save more space, depending on clearance.
Detached, folded and stood upright on its rear supports: this gives the smallest footprint and might allow the trailer and car to share one garage parking space in Germany, although I would probably need to remove the front wheel chock.

Verdict

For transporting one motorcycle, I am very happy with the MT-1. It has been practical both on the road and at the destination. I have no real complaints and would buy it again.