Best vehicle to cart a race bike

[Toast]

Hi all.

I'm just wondering what your views on the what is the best way to take a race bike around the place?

Also, what do you currently use? Advantages, disadvantages of that.

I'm looking for something to get about in. I was thinking van, 'cos I live in an apartment, and need somewhere to put all of the shit, but now I'm starting to lean towards trailer and store it at a 'Local Lockup' kinda place with the bike on it, 'cos my gf wants a car when she arrives in the country this month.

Vans seem fukn expensive too, while I'm at it...

[Kickaha]

Even though I use a ute I'd go for a van

1 you can lock it up with everything inside it

2 You're not stuck with the 90kmh limit for trailers

3 buy the right van and you can fit two bikes+ gear+ 4 people comfortably

[inlinefour]

I dont race because of being a shift worker and not being able to commit to the challenge time wise. However in time that may change. I reciently brought a new hiace van and have it set up for transporting bikes and keeping them secure. Bloody marvelous. Prior to that I was relying on hiring a trailer from the local BP and dragging it behind my old hilux surf with the bike on the back. Now that was a crap situation, the bike would get wet/marked/filthy and run the risk IMO of getting damaged as it was out in the open. However I have transported my current MX bike in the van several times now, convient, hassle free and I put a tarp down and it keeps everything pretty clean. At one stage I was blatting along a localish beach minding my own business and I guess one of "not in my back yard" brigade complained. After packing the bike back in the van and closing the doors I was asked if I'd seen a hoon blatting around on a bike. Its got tinted windows and I guess they did not see what was inside. I replied yea I saw it and asked what was wrong with it. They bleated about it, from a narcisistic point of view. I told them that its probably because of gumpy old farts like themselves that there is no where for young uns to ride their dirt bikes anymore locally. The conversation pretty much ended there. Also I can pump my double matteress up in the back and go camping. I honestly cannot see myself owning anything but a van in future as far as cages go. Provided that you can cope with the fact that it does not handle like a conventional cage, its all sweet. I have a ramp in the back, tarp layed down and tie downs allready. Should anyone need help in the naki, provided I'm not working, I'm happy to help a fellow biker...

[SwanTiger]

Van or an enclosed trailor, it's good to keep your shit covered / dry and secure when you're travelling.

[Motu]

I don't like utes - everything has to go in the tray,stop,and everything has to go into the cab.I really like the van,low and easy to load,everything in one place....you can get your gear on under the rear door in the rain,even work on your bike there.But on the trip home you have half the paddock and your smelly gear in with you to remind you of the fun day you had.Plus my van can get stuck pointing downhill on a dry day.

So now I'm back to a trailer and a 4x4,and think it's the best option.Speed limit is now 90kph,so it's ''almost'' safe to do 100kph.Still have the smell in the cab though.

[kickingzebra]

4x4 and ENCLOSED trailer....
I bought a standard trailer, but am about to put a lid on it, much nicer to be able to take the trailer off, and leave it somewhere, take the truck around and about, and forget about people stealing stuff off it. Van is too small for any more than 2 people, it is always me the wife and soon to be baby, so not enough space for tyres tools and people!!

[Kickaha]

Van is too small for any more than 2 people

I know of several people with LWB vans and they are quite capable of taking 4-5 people along with 2 bikes and their gear

[Motu]

Yeah,try a LWB Transit,the rear bench seat holds 4.

[James Deuce]

Sidecar.

Get you noticed.

[kickingzebra]

yeah, ok, but dollars then come to the party. LWB vans, like the mighty ford transits, cost arseloads! 4x4 cheap trailer cheap, mint.

[Kickaha]

yeah, ok, but dollars then come to the party. LWB vans, like the mighty ford transits, cost arseloads! 4x4 cheap trailer cheap, mint.

I'm talking Toyota, Diesel Pig's van cost him $1500 and fits all the above in

[Shaun]

yeah, ok, but dollars then come to the party. LWB vans, like the mighty ford transits, cost arseloads! 4x4 cheap trailer cheap, mint.

What about the thieving Scum

[vtec]

Well the guy I got my 600 off had just got hold of a rather long campervan bus style thingy, and that would be awesome. But our setup is pretty sweet, we used to load the van up with the bikes, but it takes ages to unload all dads tools and equipment, and it was totally gutless and really uncomfortable for long hauls, so dad and his mate built this awesome 3 bike trailer, and he went and bought a 4.2 litre turbo diesel Landcruiser VX, so the whole family can come along in style and comfort without holding up traffic.

But yeah, those Motogp setups would be awesome, but the closest average joe will come to it would be a rather large campervan or bus.

[inlinefour]

yeah, ok, but dollars then come to the party. LWB vans, like the mighty ford transits, cost arseloads! 4x4 cheap trailer cheap, mint.

I changed form a hilux surf to a hiace. The only reason that it cost more was because it was new. I wasted 11K on the surf, I imagine I could have had a reasonable van for that amout. But alas it all boils down to what you have to spend on it in the end and whats right at the time (I did not even have a bike back then :()...

[FROSTY]

apsolutely no hesitation--A van every time.
so many reasons.
a van gives you a dry place to get changed in the wet.
bike and gear are more secure.
safer re fall over/off whilst driving.
fuel economy is beetter than a car with trailer

[sugilite]

LWB van, I sling 2 bikes and 3 people in it. Tinted windows for extra security and same reasons as everyone else that recomends a van. :2thumbsup

[GSVR]

Van of course but what type. New Ford Transit is probably one of the best or a Merc but they don't come cheap so most settle for a Toyota or similar.

[Cleve]

An excellent question and one that I have gone backwards and forwards with for a while.
I guess also personal circumstances and budget need to come into consideration, not just ideal world unlimited resources. My mode of transport that takes my bike to race meets also is my 1/2 of the family modes of transport. Drive to work, drop kids off at school, clubs etc. A Van while probably the best for race bike transportation is not the best vehicle for the other 90% of what I would use that vehicle for... I currently car and trailer but on that long drive home from Manfield to Auckland would like to cruise home at 110kph not 99kph and get home an hour earlier... I thought a double cab ute (such as Hilux, Triton, Rodeo etc) would be my next best option... is it?

[sAsLEX]

.. I thought a double cab ute (such as Hilux, Triton, Rodeo etc) would be my next best option... is it?

Would a bike fit on the tray!? Maybe on an angle but you would need the tailgate down other wise, is that a bad thing

And other have said gear being outside is an issue, though supercheap and the like sell large steel boxes you could have next to the bike to lock and store all your gear in.

[svs]

van definately the best/easiest. I got LWB hiace for $3k. Reliable (so far) - been up to pukekohe and down to ruapuna, and far easier and faster on the road than the trailer. Slept in the van at pukekohe so saves on accomadation and it's much better than the car/trailer in the wet.

You can also use the van for other stuff and as a daily runabout.

I still got the trailer if anyone wants to buy it.......

[kickingzebra]

Was gonna go holden crewman. 4 seats, back for the bike, and lockable tool kits etc.

Am going towards enclosed trailers at present. I agree with Cleve, as a second vehicle, a van doesn't do what I want it to, so unless I have space and money to burn, for once a month outings, the turck and trailer gives more space, and when I get an enclosed trailer/convert mine, the stuff will be every bit as safe. (no van is bogan proof!)

Still think a van would be mint for one or two people, and when circumstances dictate, I might get one ($600 petrol hiace in gordonton at the moment!! 160,000 kms, but a bit old and rough)
but unless you are buying those big arse huge long wheelbase transits, volkswagens, mercedes etc, the standard LWB Hi ace, caravan, l300 etc vans aren't big enough to leave a row of seats in the back, and get the bikes in.

Also the nasty issue of vehicle safety, head ons in vans? I know that flys in the face of the dangers of racing, but To me anyway, vans handle nastily, and crash worse. If I screw up while driving, I don't want my wife and baby to pay the price for that.

Trailers can be arse, but if well maintained etc, there isn't a real problem.

[texmo]

LWB? whats that stand for?

[dhunt]

LWB? whats that stand for?
Long Wheel base as opposed to SWB (Short Wheel Base)

[sAsLEX]

LWB? whats that stand for?

Long Wheel Base

Just longer basically
<img src=http://www.toyota.co.nz/Apps/WebObjects/ImageServer.woa/wa/MediaServer/mediaData?entity=SIBTMPicture&sibID=TgVa3htCMJQKyJ9R&sibEntityCode=38>

<img src=http://www.toyota.co.nz/Apps/WebObjects/ImageServer.woa/wa/MediaServer/mediaData?entity=SIBTMPicture&sibID=TQVa3htCMJQKyJ9R&sibEntityCode=38>

[texmo]

haha sweet as thanks

[Kickaha]

Would a bike fit on the tray!? Maybe on an angle but you would need the tailgate down other wise, is that a bad thing


Even loaded on a angle you still need the tailgate down on a doublecab (unless it's the bucket or a RS125), I've done thousands of Km in a double cab carting two bikes with wheels resting on the tailgate and it hasn't ever been a problem

[TygerTung]

Are you guys buying brand new plush vans or somthing?!

You can easily get a van for well under a grand, maybe $1500 if you want a flash one:banana:

I use my classic 1975 corolla wagon and a trailer, I'm getting a bike trailer soon, holds three bikes.

Vans are a bit better though as you can just chuck everything in the back and get changed etc inside, but a cage and a trailer is fine.

What do you need a 4x4 to tow a trailer for? They handle worse than vans, and although they might be good for towing, you're only towing a couple of bikes not a car or somthing!

[Toast]

I just found my race van...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Toyota/auction-71299424.htm

Ofcourse it can fit a bike.

[SlowHand]

Oh bitchin' I'll refrain from bidding since you spotted it first ok?


Back on topic, cheap vans eh? hmmm

[k14]

Yep one vote for a van. Had my 86 hiace (2L petrol) since feb last year and have hardly spent a $$$ on it. Tyres and wheel bearings is about it. Done over 30000kms in it now (ticked over 200000km on sunday) and 10000km in last 4 months. Good security and not too much of a hassel to drive around. Can fit 3 bikes and 3 people in there (at a stretch) but easily 2 people, bikes and gear. Paid $1400 for mine.

Yeah only major concern is having a crash in it, be very dodgy if that was the case. Something I don't really want to think about actually.

Probably look at upgrading to a later model (mid 90's) hiace in the next year or so. Just for a bit more comfort and also better crash protection.

[Skunk]

Yeah only major concern is having a crash in it, be very dodgy if that was the case. Something I don't really want to think about actually.
Probably look at upgrading to a later model (mid 90's) hiace in the next year or so. Just for a bit more comfort and also better crash protection.
The ones to get are the Y chassis Hiaces. The chassis frame splits into a Y shape forward of the front axle. Don't remember if it was 90 or 92 that came in.

[Expert]

All these modes of transport have pros and cons, trailer needs to be woffed, stored and speed limit issues. Utes are good but insecure.
I had a bike rack for the back of my car in the uk and it was great, in fact i'm gonna make one to go on my car now, they are so handy, no storage or woffo issues, you can drive fast and you can have the comfort of your car for the 99.999999% of the time you are not transporting a bike. None of this going slow in clumsy old vans and thirsty utes. Use some common sence when strapping it on and there are no problems.

[redbaron36]

I dont race because of being a shift worker and not being able to commit to the challenge time wise. However in time that may change. I reciently brought a new hiace van and have it set up for transporting bikes and keeping them secure. Bloody marvelous. Prior to that I was relying on hiring a trailer from the local BP and dragging it behind my old hilux surf with the bike on the back. Now that was a crap situation, the bike would get wet/marked/filthy and run the risk IMO of getting damaged as it was out in the open. However I have transported my current MX bike in the van several times now, convient, hassle free and I put a tarp down and it keeps everything pretty clean. At one stage I was blatting along a localish beach minding my own business and I guess one of "not in my back yard" brigade complained. After packing the bike back in the van and closing the doors I was asked if I'd seen a hoon blatting around on a bike. Its got tinted windows and I guess they did not see what was inside. I replied yea I saw it and asked what was wrong with it. They bleated about it, from a narcisistic point of view. I told them that its probably because of gumpy old farts like themselves that there is no where for young uns to ride their dirt bikes anymore locally. The conversation pretty much ended there. Also I can pump my double matteress up in the back and go camping. I honestly cannot see myself owning anything but a van in future as far as cages go. Provided that you can cope with the fact that it does not handle like a conventional cage, its all sweet. I have a ramp in the back, tarp layed down and tie downs allready. Should anyone need help in the naki, provided I'm not working, I'm happy to help a fellow biker...


Sounds like a good setup you have there, pity about the vans being so expensive though.

[Kyle]

I voted "other" The best vehicle is a truck (looking at the pro racer teams, a semi truck and covered trailer, with a fully eqipped workshop and sleeping areas.) But really, a small truck is good. We use a 2.5 tonne open-back truck and its excellent, can fit five bikes easy and all our gear on the tray, drinks diesel so is fairly cheap to run, and above all, the boss pays for the gas, hooray for sponsers!
:2thumbsup

[Tim 39]

I am looking at getting a hiace for nationals, how economical are the 2.4 petrol ones? compared to other van's

[Toast]

I am looking at getting a hiace for nationals, how economical are the 2.4 petrol ones? compared to other van's

I’m picking up a 2.0 petrol injected one tomorrow, so will let you know how that is on the gas. I imagine that a 2.4 petrol would be no less economical, due to being less stressed during a trip (may even get better economy).

[kickingzebra]

The old ones are a bit thirsty, sorry can't give exact details, been too long, but they are good on power. Go the mighty diesel if you can.

[texmo]

I’m picking up a 2.0 petrol injected one tomorrow, so will let you know how that is on the gas. I imagine that a 2.4 petrol would be no less economical, due to being less stressed during a trip (may even get better economy).

Congrats on the new van bro. what is it exactly?

[The_Dover]

Congrats on the new van bro. what is it exactly?

it's like a car, sort of. but bigger and box shaped. the engine goes up the front and it has a wheel at each corner. some have windows, some don't and some have lots of seats in them. they have lots of space for motorbieks and if you're a dirty boy, a mattress too.

[texmo]

it's like a car, sort of. but bigger and box shaped. the engine goes up the front and it has a wheel at each corner. some have windows, some don't and some have lots of seats in them. they have lots of space for motorbieks and if you're a dirty boy, a mattress too.

you should see my van, its teh bizz.

[Toast]

Congrats on the new van bro. what is it exactly?

Cheer dude.

It's a Toyota Hiace, 94, 2.0 petrol, injected, long wheel. base. Not a minta, but it's in really decent nick mechanically (had it inspected).

The price seemed good compared to what else was around, I think because no one else could be arsed going down to Pokeno to buy it.

[texmo]

Cheer dude.

It's a Toyota Hiace, 94, 2.0 petrol, injected, long wheel. base. Not a minta, but it's in really decent nick mechanically (had it inspected).

The price seemed good compared to what else was around, I think because no one else could be arsed going down to Pokeno to buy it.

mint dude, how many kms?

[Toast]

mint dude, how many kms?

200 thou'. Seems alright to me for a commercial. Compression checked, all perfect, gearbox solid and smooth, should give trouble free miles...fingers crossed.

[bungbung]

I got a nz new 1995 l300 diesel lwb for $1800 with 230kms. Diesel consumption around 9l/100km. $1.01/l fuel kicks ass even after paying ruc.

[sAsLEX]

I got a nz new 1995 l300 diesel lwb for $1800 with 230kms. Diesel consumption around 9l/100km. $1.01/l fuel kicks ass even after paying ruc.

note if your speedo "falls" out of its connection your km "may" stop increasing??!

[Tim 39]

I’m picking up a 2.0 petrol injected one tomorrow, so will let you know how that is on the gas. I imagine that a 2.4 petrol would be no less economical, due to being less stressed during a trip (may even get better economy).

cheers
the next thing will be actually affording to buy it in the first place!

[gav]

Think some of the best race vehicles I've seen are old ambulances. I've seen them kitted out so the guy has air bottles on board and heaps of tools in drawers etc. Sure probably a bit thirsty on gas, but bloody practical.
Otherwise a van is hard to beat.

[motobob]

Hi all.

, 'cos my gf wants a car when she arrives in the country this month.

V

Shit those mail order Russian chicks are demanding. She hasn't got in the country and she wants a car. What makes you think she is gonna let you race the bike Phil.

Oh and good choice Phil.

[Toast]

Oh and good choice Phil.

On the girl or the van? I'm happy with 'em both...could do with a couple more concubines around the place though.

[Tickler]

Just wondering thou,
how do you effectively tie your bike down inside a van? a trailer has hooks and loops etc, the inside of a van is generally flat on the floor, no hooks, loops etc.
We have a van in our family and the only thing is could see you could tie onto would either be the lip near the roof(hides the roof lining joint etc) or those flimsy little bars that go along the window.

[texmo]

lip near the roof.

From the rear set to there.

[The_Dover]

do you bother tying yours down Tex?

All of the pieces??

[sugilite]

U bolts through the floor just behind the Drivers and passengers seat works well for tie down points.

[Fishy]

I think because no one else could be arsed going down to Pokeno.

I do everyday :sunny:

[texmo]

do you bother tying yours down Tex?

All of the pieces??
Unlike you when I crash my bike I keep it in one peice, so what I bent my subframe.... I didnt bend my tool kit too

[The_Dover]

you weren't trying hard enough mate.

[sAsLEX]

Here's a good tow and carrying vehicle from the land of the free.

[Tickler]

America never ceases to amaze!

they build suv's that could pass for tanks

and the engines! god damn!
ford make a 10litre v8 for the expedition. or a 8 litre v10 either way its blooody big engine.

pitty it weigh's 3tonnes

[twinshock750]

Current: Stationwagon and trailer...
Why: Wife's car. Not enough room for 2 cars and a van at the house...nor the need for a van 99% of the rest of the time.

Preferred: Van.
Why: Security, speedlimits, haven't this semi stable thing hanging out the back...

[Toast]

For anyone interested in the economy:

515 kms for $67, which was probably at about $1.43/litre, so that works out at just over 9L/100kms.

Most of that was 90-100km/h cruising, with a bit of stop/start city stuff and a few hills thrown in...typical NZ driving really.

[sAsLEX]

America never ceases to amaze!

they build suv's that could pass for tanks

and the engines! god damn!
ford make a 10litre v8 for the expedition. or a 8 litre v10 either way its blooody big engine.

pitty it weigh's 3tonnes

Here is the best bit the 8 litre V10 in the Dodge Viper receives the gas guzzler tax due to it being based on tractor technology and rather thirsty...... but they move the engine in to a Dodge Ram truck and call it the RT10 and its miles per gallon halves and it does not receive the tax as the truck is big enough to get out of the tax...... a country of idiots that one.
<img src=http://www.edmunds.com/media/reviews/top10/05.cars.to.drive.valentines.day/05.dodge.srt10.500.jpg>

http://lettrist.blogspot.com/2006/08/american-auto-industry-in-2007-still.html