Ethan Posted June 13, 2024 Posted June 13, 2024 Looking at getting my first van so I can take my motocross bike places without having to ask for lifts I’m only 20 so insurance is still a bit of an issue so wondering if anyone’s tried getting a bike into a caddy maxi or van along those lines cheers Quote
husoi Posted June 13, 2024 Posted June 13, 2024 Depends on the size of the bike isn't? I had a cbr125 in one of those. 1 Quote
Tinkicker Posted June 13, 2024 Posted June 13, 2024 (edited) Or a motorcycle rack. I carried my trusty Bultaco SherpaT 350 many miles sat over the rear bumper of my Ford Escort mk3 back in the day. Edited June 13, 2024 by Tinkicker 2 Quote
Bender Posted June 13, 2024 Posted June 13, 2024 Trailer would be cheaper, bikes take up a surprising amount of space when you put them in a van 2 Quote
RideWithStyles Posted June 13, 2024 Posted June 13, 2024 as all post have valid points! as something slightly left field i got a mount for the car (transversal) on a tow bar mount for a "heavy" 50cc tht could mount much bigger bike but quite frankly cumbersome and fixing it securely even with two large rachet straps to the car was a completely hit and miss. it was either it secure to 90mph on a bouncy back road, to its scratching the f out of the car, to ohhh when did it decide to unmount itself? . Bender is correct and would be best but do you have space to place it somewhere secure? if not then an alternative method might be needed? just a big as ford transit sports van. Quote
Nick the wanderer Posted June 14, 2024 Posted June 14, 2024 You really need a Renault Trafic/ Ford Transit size van to comfortably get a bike in and out. As has been suggested a trailer would be a cheaper option and although not the cheapest, Motolug would be my choice. I wouldn't bother even looking at a towbar type carrier for anything heavier than a couple of pushbikes. Good luck! 1 Quote
Geordie Oldie Posted June 14, 2024 Posted June 14, 2024 I dread to think what the insurance would be like for a 20 year old on a transit size vehicle, trailer on its own would probably work out cheaper than the insurance. Then again, transit size means you could shift furniture for extra cash. Used to love tooling around in a transit. Quote
Capt Sisko Posted June 14, 2024 Posted June 14, 2024 (edited) Another one recommending a trailer as that's what I used to use when I did trail riding many years ago. Most can be stood vertically when not in use so don't take up much room and there are plenty of used one on flebay. You'll also be able to flog it for the same price later if it doesn't suit. On other advantage of a trailer is that on the drive home a lot of the muck bounce off as you drive along (or even self washes in the rain), or as I used to do, drop into a jet wash somewhere on the way home and blast the bike clean whilst still on the trailer. The mud then blocks their drain and not yours at home! Edited June 14, 2024 by Capt Sisko Quote
Yorky Posted June 14, 2024 Posted June 14, 2024 The disadvantage of a trailer is that if you want to take the bike any distance that includes an overnight stop en-route then the bike is on full display to everyone, and may not be there in the morning. Quote
husoi Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 On 14/06/2024 at 18:20, Yorky said: The disadvantage of a trailer is that if you want to take the bike any distance that includes an overnight stop en-route then the bike is on full display to everyone, and may not be there in the morning. If you leave the bike on a trailer without proper security then you deserve that someone takes it away. Whenever I take my trailer I use the wheel lock on the trailer. Having a bike on a trailer overnight should always mean proper locking and covered from sight. Quote
Capt Sisko Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 5 hours ago, husoi said: If you leave the bike on a trailer without proper security then you deserve that someone takes it away. Whenever I take my trailer I use the wheel lock on the trailer. Having a bike on a trailer overnight should always mean proper locking and covered from sight. If they're that determined to have your bike they'll probably just steal the car & trailer as complete unit. 1 Quote
Tinkicker Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 (edited) On 14/06/2024 at 08:17, Nick the wanderer said: You really need a Renault Trafic/ Ford Transit size van to comfortably get a bike in and out. As has been suggested a trailer would be a cheaper option and although not the cheapest, Motolug would be my choice. I wouldn't bother even looking at a towbar type carrier for anything heavier than a couple of pushbikes. Good luck! A couple of pushbikes? Really. I have actually done a few thousand miles with motorcycles strapped to the back of my car without issue. Can you actually say the same, or is it merely opinion? Not my pic btw. For illustrative purposes only. Edited June 16, 2024 by Tinkicker Quote
Tinkicker Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 Just now, Tinkicker said: A couple of pushbikes? Really. As said. I have probably done a few thousand miles with motorcycles strapped to the back of my car. Can you say the same or is it merely opinion? Quote
Fleck Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 10 minutes ago, Tinkicker said: As said. I have probably done a few thousand miles with motorcycles strapped to the back of my car. Can you say the same or is it merely opinion? Towbar noseweight is usually rated at 50kg. Rather you than me. My rack is on the 2 chassis rails and is still only rated for a 150kg bike Quote
Bender Posted June 16, 2024 Posted June 16, 2024 The nose weight on a towbar is more related to the safe handling of what is being towed. You dont want negative nose weight as it will severely impact what your towing, as does excessive nose weight. Overloading a towbar puts extra weight directly onto the rear axle of the car and could exceed the average cars max rear axle weight pretty easily. That BMW could easily weigh 6 billion kgs just ask @Stu the badge alone probably has it's own gravity well.. 2 3 Quote
Nick the wanderer Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 9 hours ago, Tinkicker said: As said. I have probably done a few thousand miles with motorcycles strapped to the back of my car. Can you say the same or is it merely opinion? I considered it and very quickly dismissed it. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm saying it's not recommended. That is my opinion. Quote
Stu Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 18 hours ago, Bender said: That BMW could easily weigh 6 billion kgs just ask @Stu the badge alone probably has it's own gravity well.. Ffs haven't I told you a billion times already to stop exaggerating!! 5 billion kgs I think you will find.... 2 4 Quote
Bender Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 31 minutes ago, Stu said: Ffs haven't I told you a billion times already to stop exaggerating!! 5 billion kgs I think you will find.... No denial of the badge gravity well I see 1 Quote
Pie man Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 I think a van would be better, can carry all your gear, fuel, tyres, spares and tools etc, you could even camp in it. Something along the lines of, as others mention, Ford transit, Renault Traffic, Vauxhall Vivaro, and if all else fails 2 2 Quote
Stu Posted June 17, 2024 Posted June 17, 2024 1 hour ago, Bender said: No denial of the badge gravity well I see Can't deny the truth 1 1 Quote
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