Transporting a bike

pa990

I'm looking at transporting a bike in a van from the UK

I'm thinking of using a paddock stand to the rear and then using a few ratchet straps to keep it in place, and some Styrofoam insulation to protect it as well.

is there anything else i should be aware of ??


ie. how many and where i should attach the ratchet straps.. all advice welcome

(bike in question would be a bmw f800s)
(still looking about on autotrader..but want to be prepared)


edit: advice on type of paddock stand would be welcomed as well

KamiKazi

Pillion grab handles for one set of straps anyway, provided they're sturdy enough.

Wossack

have the bike pushed up against the bulkhead of the van
get some rope/rubberbands to tie the front brake lever closed
then I'd ratchet off the wheels/forks/swingarm, aiming to have the bike pushed down, and into the bulkhead. Possibly one across the seat, but be careful that the strap doesnt ruin any bodywork (styrofoam a good idea, maybe use an old bit of carpet too)

dunno if having it up on a paddock stand is a good idea - the straps may have a tendency to pull it off, and the bike may rock off it while driving / braking. No problem just with the sidestand imo

again all in my opinion, mileage may vary! def recommend stopping after a few miles initially, to see if any weights shifted and to tighten up the straps again

pa990

cheers for the info guys

Just a matter of waiting for the exchange rate to become a bit more favourable

judas1369

It would'nt hurt to stick it in gear, say 2nd to stop forward momentum, its just a little extra insurance and I have found it useful in the past. This is of course in addition to tying it down.

LookBehindYou

Dont transport the bike on a paddock stand.
Just put it on sidestand in gear with front wheel up to bulkhead.
Put a tie wrap on the front brake to stop forward or reverse movement.
If you have hooks on floor, just throw a rachet strap across the saddle (put a bit of carpet or old rags under strap to protect bodywork) An old pillow or cushion between the bike and side of van will protect the side of van.

if you traveled by boat, the bike is just held down by a rachet strap thrown across the saddle to hooks on the floor..

galwaytt

I have a pair of these: Bike Grab

that, and some straps as described, would see you right.

But you do know that the cost of over/back in a van, is far more than going over on bus/train/plane, and just riding it back ?

Anyhoo - what part of the country are you in ?

Pkiernan

When I have had to put my Harley (a heavy bike) in a pickup or trailer, I have always just used 2 heavy duty ratchets, one one each side of the handle bars.

Tightened down so that the front suspension is as compressed as possible, I have never had an issue with the bike budging an inch.

KamiKazi

Pkiernan wrote: »

When I have had to put my Harley (a heavy bike) in a pickup or trailer

must...

resist...

harley joke

cantdecide

Reverse the bike into the van and set it on it's sidestand against the side of the van which should be well padded. It only takes minimal tying down then.

Pkiernan

KamiKazi wrote: »

must...

resist...

harley joke

I knew I was putting myself at risk with my post!!

EvilMonkey

Pkiernan wrote: »

Tightened down so that the front suspension is as compressed as possible, I have never had an issue with the bike budging an inch.

Would that not risk damaging the suspension or burst the fork seals?

Pkiernan

EvilMonkey wrote: »

Would that not risk damaging the suspension or burst the fork seals?

I didn't have any issues with it.

Same when I trailered 2 dirt bikes about 300 miles - just the fronts were tied down.

Also, we brought quad bikes down unbelieveable terrain in 4x4's to our campsite in the mountains. Just ratchetted down eaach corner, they go no where.

pa990

galwaytt wrote: »

I have a pair of these: Bike Grab


But you do know that the cost of over/back in a van, is far more than going over on bus/train/plane, and just riding it back ?

Anyhoo - what part of the country are you in ?

In cork..
I know a guy who will be going over to bring back a van or two.. So i'll prob fly over with him, and put the bike in the back of his van..

Del2005

I recently got a bike delivered to Holyhead. The delivery man had loads of old sofa cushions all over the van.

My bike was resting against the side of the van with a few cushions between it and the van, with some more cushions between the bike and the tie downs. He also had an old Honda Cub the same way.

I never noticed if he had it in gear or how it was tied down. He did use ratchet straps but I didn't pay any attention to them as I was too busy looking at my new bike!

When he took it out I made sure that their was no damage and it was perfect.