Hello all... I'm the proud owner of a brand new 2012 MC - took delivery of it on the 9th - and after doing lots of searches on this forum the last few days I still have a bunch of questions... I'll try to keep it to one per thread, though.

I used to have a pickup truck and even though I didn't use the bed all that often, I have to admit there were times it really came in handy. I could get back every of that functionality with a Class 1 receiver hitch and a small trailer and/or a bike carrier.

So first I went to U-Haul and they said, nope, not ready yet - come back in about 6 months. They estimated it would cost $435 installed, btw.

Next I found this forum which then turned up MiniFini and Mini Do More but to be perfectly honest, despite being a pretty decent wrench-turner I'm not too keen on removing the bumper and cutting holes into my brand new MC. Both of these companies seem to be well-respected on here and both said their 2011 receiver hitch kits will work on the 2012 model year (looks like it to me, but nice to get confirmation all the same).

There is also a custom trailer hitch business which I may go visit today, though that strikes me as high risk, too. I can just see some yokel going crazy with an oxy-acetylene torch...

Anyway, any comments from others who have installed a hitch would be most welcome! And whatever I decide I'll update this thread to "pay it forward". Thanks!