Actually the only time I carried it was to the Republic of Texas Rally (about 300 miles), girlfriend had a bad back and didnt want to ride all the way. Hell I ridden all over the USA, rode all the way from Texas to Sturgis and back in 03. I've been riding long enough I dont feel I have to prove anything to anyone anymore!!

 

They dont leave puddles, they mark there spot!!!

 

The tailgate is solid. I had my quad out there on the end with no issues.

It does have a tendency to "bounce" if you don't have enough weight on it and you it a solid bump due to the lift assist.

 

I like that attitude and I know exactly what you mean! Been to Sturgis, Denver, Cape Cod, Indy and tons of other places all out of Orlando on the bike. Had to postpone an Alaska roundtrip last summer because of this damn detached and torn retina in my right eye. Hope to have that finally fixed early enough this spring that I can resurrect the plans. Just ride, man, and screw anybody who doens't get it.

 

Yea they are pretty tough. I loaded my snowmobile in the back of mine, and actually spun my track on my tailgate. 96 carbide studs made a pass across the tailgate. It didn't leave a pretty picture, but it didn't tear through either. Next mod, spray in bedliner.