I am in my last semester of full-time grad school and would like to pick up a dirtbike for riding after it is done. However, my wife is recently diagnosed as pregnant and I will likely have to trade in my pickup truck for something with a backseat.

I am wondering if there is anything with a backseat that would allow for a bike to fit in the back without requiring a trailer hitch (Minivan, smaller SUV), or if I should just get something with a towing kit and learn how to back up with a trailer.

**Note: if there is a thread out there that addresses this, please let me know.**

-Cheers

Find something w/a tow kit and learn to back-up. Easiest way. Either that or buy a DOdge Sprinter.
Congrats on the Baby

With just one vehicle for baby and riding, I'd get a small trailer.

I know this is only indirectly dirtbike related, but . . . What is the smallest size car/suv/engine that I should look at for hauling one or two bikes and a small trailer? I am thinking something along the lines of a Ford Escape or a Saturn Vue, or a normal car with a more powerful engine and a stick shift if that is possible and will do the job.

-Cheers

I have a simple 4x8 open trailer for my bike. It weighs 350lbs, and the bike is about 200lbs...

Just about any decent car or minivan should be able to lug around 500 or 600 lbs without a problem.

I pulled a small trailer and 1 bike with an Oldsmobile Cutless Sieara (v6) for a while. It seemed to do the job just fine. An SUV would be better though.

Presently I'm pulling the trailer and bike with a 4 cylinder 110 horse power escort. I wouldn't advise that though. It's a little to much for the car.

simple solution
get a 4 door truck

My escort does just fine with that platform trailer holding two bikes. I have the ZX2 model though, a bit more horsepower.

Works for me

Steve

if you go with a small car make sure that the trailer doesn't have a drop down tail gate. the gate will create alot of drag and the will put more strain on the engine.