Abstract: The hitch mounted motorcycle carrier includes a hitch engaging body, which has a hitch engaging member configured to be removably joined to a trailer hitch receiver disposed on a motor vehicle and a forward support column extending upwardly from one end of said hitch engaging member. A carrier housing, which has a carrier platform for carrying a motorcycle thereon. At least one control arm that has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being rotatably connected to the hitch engaging body, and the second end portion being rotatably connected to the carrier housing. At least one hold down bracket positioned on the carrier platform for securing the motorcycle to the carrier platform and an actuating assembly connected to at least one control arm and adjoined to the hitch engaging body for lifting and lowering the motorcycle.