2021 Kia K5 Hitch Setup for Towing a 2024 Suzuki GSX 8R

Updated 08/26/2026 | Published 08/20/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(27)

$229.53

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(1)

$78.20

Trailer Hitch Receiver Adapter 1-1/4" to 2" Hitch - 6-1/2" Long

(287)

$52.63

Question:

Good evening, I was wondering if you can assist. I have a 2021 Kia k5 ex model. I was planning on moving from Virginia to Florida and I was planning on towing my motorcycle 2024 Suzuki GSX 8R. I wanted to reach out to the professionals and get your input on this and if you can guide me in the right direction! Thank you!

asked by: Miguel P

Expert Reply:

Hi Miguel, professional here! No, I’m just kidding, but I can definitely help you out. For your 2021 Kia K5 EX and 2024 Suzuki GSX 8R, my suggestion would be to invest in a lightweight aluminum motorcycle trailer and use the Curt Trailer Hitch # C58JR. I would not recommend a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier because your Suzuki weighs around 452 lbs, and putting that much weight directly behind the vehicle creates far too much leverage for this setup.

The Curt # C58JR has a 1 1/4 inch receiver, and motorcycle trailers require a 2 inch connection, you can use the etrailer Hitch Expander # e43YR to expand it to 2 inches. Just keep in mind that using an expander reduces the hitch's tongue weight capacity by 50 percent, taking the Curt hitch from 200 lbs down to 100 lbs of available tongue weight. With a lightweight trailer, the motorcycle's entire 452 lbs isn't sitting on the hitch. Only about 10-15% of the total loaded trailer weight becomes tongue weight, so your putting about 40 lbs of weight back there.

There is one other thing I want you to be aware of before making the decision. Kia does not recommend towing with the K5, and towing could potentially affect warranty coverage if your vehicle is still under warranty and a problem is determined to be related to towing. That said, plenty of people do use smaller vehicles to pull lightweight trailers. I just want you to know Kia's position upfront so you can make an informed decision.

You'll also need wiring to operate the motorcycle trailer's lights. For your K5, you can use the Curt T Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C95JR. This gives you the standard 4 way connection for the trailer's running lights, brake lights, and turn signals so you're covered on the lighting side of the setup as well.

If you find a lightweight aluminum motorcycle trailer you're considering, send me its weight and I'll be happy to help you run the numbers. What part of Florida are you looking in?