Utes and bikes?

[krasher]

Are utes a good way to get around? Or am I best to just get a trailer?

How easy do they fit on the back of a double cab? I have no idea how long the trays are and google won't tell me.

Anyone have any recommendations?

[barty5]

long wheel base is better as they fit easyer. Double cab you will have to leave the tail gate down, Guess it depends on what else you want to use it for.

[kezzafish]

Van van van, thry're secure when ya park up and wicked as a pit tent when it's raining

[noobi]

depends on how many bikes your taking, a long wheel base ute you could easily get three on, but normally its a single cab so three people is a squeeze
Hemex has an old L200, id say itd fit three bikes with the tail gate up
iv seen three bikes on a double cab ute, but two go in forward and the other one goes in the middle backwards, its a really tight fit :blink::blink::shit::shutup:

or a van if its only one or two bikes, theres cheaper than utes normally too, and they lock and have a place to stay/sleep

as for trailers, you need something to tow it aswell
we have a car trailer, that has a bike bay in it, that fits three but we could get 5 on easy and probably 7 if we tried, and thats big bikes too

rant over

[barty5]

Van van van, thry're secure when ya park up and wicked as a pit tent when it's raining

But not a gay homy one with curtain and wood pannels.

[Ktmboy]

Van van van, thry're secure when ya park up and wicked as a pit tent when it's raining

Very good question.

Vans are good but.. when you have a bike caked in mud then all the shit gets tracked inside.

yes/no?

[barty5]

Very good question.



yes

Was a pain in the arse when i was doin couier work van full a shit on a monday morning. Use to get strange looks sweepin it out in the midle of down.
Edit: not forgeting if there anything youve run ova that dont smell so good you got it all the way home with yah. Gota love cow shit.

[kezzafish]

But not a gay homy one with curtain and wood pannels.


Very good question.

Vans are good but.. when you have a bike caked in mud then all the shit gets tracked inside.

yes/no?

It don't matter when you have a gay woodgrain homy. I've never cleaned it out in my life lol. Good point tho, It WAS only used for towing bikes, trips to the tip and home demolition work but that was when i had a motard to commute on... hmmmm... time to borrow some more money?

[kezzafish]

Moral... only use it for bikes... oh and i regularly get 3 450s in my van... ive got the technique doooown

[flyingcr250]

Moral... only use it for bikes... oh and i regularly get 3 450s in my van... ive got the technique doooown

yea getting my van was the best thing i ever did for transporting my bike. i used to use my old hilux. vans are cool you cn sleep in them on two day rides, use them as workshops when its raining, and they are a wicked pit tent for when the sun is beating down on ya. best of all they are reasonably secure if you need to leave them locked up when you are staying at motels or mates houses. :2thumbsup:cool:

[Taz]

I've had a double cab ute. I've currently got a car and trailer. I'd recommend a van.

[cheese]

Vans are great. trailers are good too, utes are expensive cause they are popular.

trailers can be picked up for about $300, but if I was to get a van or a ute, I'd get a van.

[chop]

Vans are the way to go!

[Latte]

I've got an extra cab hilux and I can't get the gate up on the kx (but it's close). but I can get three people three bikes on (3rd backwards and tied to other 2).

Rear seat isn't too bad, have had some 6 ft 4 people in the back for short trips ok (1 hour).

[Patch]

Vans are great. trailers are good too, utes are expensive cause they are popular.
a real man would buy a truck - no substitute for size

[takitimu]

For a dedicated vehicle, Van is absolutely the way to go, but given mines multi purpose, I prefer my Ute.

[B0000M]

van wins.

ive been with mates in utes, a double cab is all very well to fit 3 bikes, except they rub, the tail gate must be down, and theres no room for any gear either in or outside the ute. furthermore nothing is secure.

trailers theoreticly reduce your speed to 90kph, also add heaps of weight and loss of fuel economy, not to mention your probably going to tow it with your nice tow vehicle which you will manage to get mud right thru your nice car


that said, only some vans fit bikes in them.

hiaces do. flat floor ones dont. mitsi high roof ones do, i dunno what else does

[barty5]

van wins.

ive been with mates in utes, a double cab is all very well to fit 3 bikes, except they rub, the tail gate must be down, and theres no room for any gear either in or outside the ute. furthermore nothing is secure.

trailers theoreticly reduce your speed to 90kph, also add heaps of weight and loss of fuel economy, not to mention your probably going to tow it with your nice tow vehicle which you will manage to get mud right thru your nice car


that said, only some vans fit bikes in them.

hiaces do. flat floor ones dont. mitsi high roof ones do, i dunno what else does

Shit thought you where going to say that nice flash tow vehicles also get stuck when in deep mud and dont look so flash after. As for fuel economy thats a dirty word to me but it dosnt really change with my car. Tows best at 110ks

[B0000M]

Shit thought you where going to say that nice flash tow vehicles also get stuck when in deep mud and dont look so flash after. As for fuel economy thats a dirty word to me but it dosnt really change with my car. Tows best at 110ks

lol , yea and ideal for towing trailers that fancy new orange tow vehicles cant lol

[raglanash]

Courier extra cab is the go if you want a ute, can squeeze people in the back if you have too, fit 3 bikes with the tailgate down and could get the tailgate up with 1 bike on an angle, was a good ute. Got a double cab hilux now, it's fucking high off the ground when loading and the tailgate is down all the time, waaay nicer ute though.

[Hemex]

Well I've got a single cab ute, Mazda b2000 that I got for REAL cheap...Fits 3 bikes in easy but not 3 people and gear... then again how often are you going to be taking 3 bikes and 2 other people with you?
For 2 bikes and 2 people its awesome and I dont think I would EVER pick a van over my ute...

Also, if you just want to fit 3 people in just to commute, its all good... just make sure there's atleast one chick out of the 3, else its going to look pretty fuckin gay with 3 guys all snug and cosy in a single cab..

[krasher]

Was a pain in the arse when i was doin couier work van full a shit on a monday morning. Use to get strange looks sweepin it out in the midle of down.
Edit: not forgeting if there anything youve run ova that dont smell so good you got it all the way home with yah. Gota love cow shit.
Haha lol, had a couple mates who had be paddock hacking get crook from the stench of their bikes after a ride home in their van. Leaving their petrol on didn't help either.

Thanks for the feedback. Van's win but I am not getting on. I had a major car accident when I was 14yrs that has left me like a patchwork blanket with skin grafts and stuff so not real keen to go there again. I like my legs. Probably quite irrational but not a battle I want to fight. They also suck to drive. I want something nice to cruise in too.

Was looking at a mid 90's L200 Double cab or something like that. Tray is only about 1500 long though right? Pretty short. With the tail down will she still fit a couple or even 3 bikes? Anyone know?

I have never had a ute. What are they like to drive? How do the handle? Road noise etc? I want something I can relax in on long trips - not be bouncing all over the place etc.

Cheers.

[Hemex]

I have never had a ute. What are they like to drive? How do the handle? Road noise etc? I want something I can relax in on long trips - not be bouncing all over the place etc.

Cheers.

Yeah I hate vans for the same reason... right up front and don't feel very secure...

My ute, has the back slide out VERY EASILY at a roundabout...its got heaps of power and its awesome over long distances... Just a few rattles and creeks which piss me off but those are on a list that I have been fixing...

More than welcome to take mine for a spin... its an '85 B2000

[barty5]

Yeah I hate vans for the same reason... right up front and don't feel very secure...

My ute, has the back slide out VERY EASILY at a roundabout...its got heaps of power and its awesome over long distances... Just a few rattles and creeks which piss me off but those are on a list that I have been fixing...

More than welcome to take mine for a spin... its an '86 B2000

utes are good for get the arse out side ways like vans. Note to self must do more work on my over powered ute and finish.

[thecharmed01]

We have a double cab nissan ute, and it fits 3 bikes on the back (tailgate open) but that was two big big's, one smaller, the small was facing backwards in the middle..... but also 3 people and gear inside easy!
We chuck one of those gazebo's on the back with the bikes for cover.
Toolbox was on the back too LOL

Not sure how much gear you boys take, but we had 3 gear bags and lots of armour/boots etc????

[Blair.DRZ]

I had a 1990 l200 double cab for a while but only ever had 1 bike on it at a time, even on an angle still had to leave the tail down, but I'm sure could've got two on quite comfortably. Even though it was a double cab there wasn't heaps of room in the back seats, but some of my mates are real fat arses anyway so that was probably the problem. But good strong runners, not really made for speed but just keep on going and going.

[kezzafish]

Ha haaa, krasher and Hemex you've bought up the one good point that i was hopeing no one would mention... vans are death traps lol. But a great place to be pinned while you wait for the jaws of life!

But i will say that 3 bikes plus gear plus 3 very cosy dudes is mint and easy in my van. 2 bikes on the side have bars turned in and have 1 strop to the side and 1 pulling em forward. Rear facing centre bike has 2 strops down forks to rear bumper and 1 strop holding it back against front seats. Gear can very easily be stashed around, on top of, underneath (between wheels) the bikes. We all have our own 20 litre fuel cans which come with us and i always take a pretty comprehensive set of tools... nothings gonna fall off the back like a ute as it's enclosed.

But... it IS a challenging drive which i actually enjoy, we usually get half pissed on the way home and have a laugh (and a cuddle)... i've always thought it'd be rad to have a Van race class with weight handicaps for the faster vans/drivers. Imagine all the plumbers,electricians,couriers that'd be keen, i'd fuck em all up. Run 40psi in front and 50 in rear for added roundabout fun

We only take the trailer if we have 4 bikes (1 on the draw bar on a special frame we made)

[Reckless]

Courier extra cab is the go if you want a ute, can squeeze people in the back if you have too, fit 3 bikes with the tailgate down and could get the tailgate up with 1 bike on an angle, was a good ute. Got a double cab hilux now, it's fucking high off the ground when loading and the tailgate is down all the time, waaay nicer ute though.

Hey ranglan try the extra ramp thing. I saw it a while ago now and take an extra ramp for the height of the 4x4. so you put the ramp on the tailgate and the other shorter one on the bumper(bullbar in my case). Bike up one and you walk up the other works great!! Walkin the plank makes all the difference LOL!!! I've taken a pic for ya! The things in the rack on the ute are where the Fork props sit.

Back on topic! I have a Mazda Proceed cab plus 4x4. Good for 3 bikes frontwards I have a rack mounted to the front. If you where regular with two bikes and passengers would be peeeerfect. We fit 3, but the center is a crf150f (or was a KX85). The problem for all vehicles (vans & Utes) when moving from 2 to 3 bikes is the area you need for bikes and gear. The cab plus is good for tray area but 3 adults is a squeeze inside with the helmets & food etc, good for two and a junior though. We take the Exy up gazebo with us most times for shade etc!
I reckon if your goin to 3 full size bikes you gotta move to a trailer so you have somewhere dry for all the gear as well. As B0000m says its a lot more expensive on gas towing a trailer.
So I reckon perfect would be: 1-2 bikes: van or Dble cab ute, 3+ bikes: trailer and double cab ute with canopy.

[raglanash]

Hey ranglan try the extra ramp thing. I saw it a while ago now and take an extra ramp for the height of the 4x4. so you put the ramp on the tailgate and the other shorter one on the bumper(bullbar in my case). Bike up one and you walk up the other works great!! Walkin the plank makes all the difference LOL!!! I've taken a pic for ya! The things in the rack on the ute are where the Fork props sit.

Sweet, I have just been picking parking spots carefully or taking a run at it or riding it up if i'm feeling keen, saw a guy the other day with a little step ladder...

I recon that the xtra cab mazda or fords are the perfect ute for bike transport, from 03 up they have the suicide door to get into the back which was awesome, I would still have mine but my work upgraded me to an 08 Hilux, fuckers eh....
Got a few mates with he old hilux single cabs, they just go and go.

[takitimu]

Was looking at a mid 90's L200 Double cab or something like that. Tray is only about 1500 long though right? Pretty short. With the tail down will she still fit a couple or even 3 bikes? Anyone know?

I have never had a ute. What are they like to drive? How do the handle? Road noise etc? I want something I can relax in on long trips - not be bouncing all over the place etc.

Cheers.

1500 would be about the same as mine, I put the tail door down, made some holders for my ramp that goes across & holds everything in, the deck liner has some slots almost at the back, you can get ramps that go on the end of the tail door & wrap either side but they are expensive, seen a few guys use quad ramps ( walk on one, bike on the other ), to be fair reckless has the best looking setup I have seen.

Road noise is not to bad, got some wicked michelin tires, if it's bouncy get a bag of gravel & strap it under the back of the deck, or a concrete post or two, mine is a bit bumpy with one bike, two bikes ( 250 kilos ) and it's nice, the extra weight stops them being quite so tail happy to.

Enjoy

[Buddy L]

FORD COURIER CAB PLUS the only way to travel.:cool:
I use mine for work and play. Drives like a car and pulls like a school boy:buggerd:
Does about 600-650 kays to a 50
litre tank, if im carefull.
And has towed some massive things
Shame about the rust in it.:weep:

[oldskool]

Also, if you just want to fit 3 people in just to commute, its all good... just make sure there's atleast one chick out of the 3, else its going to look pretty fuckin gay with 3 guys all snug and cosy in a single cab..
But if it rains the poor chick will get wet sitting out the back?

[Rupe]

Hey ranglan try the extra ramp thing. I saw it a while ago now and take an extra ramp for the height of the 4x4. so you put the ramp on the tailgate and the other shorter one on the bumper(bullbar in my case). Bike up one and you walk up the other works great!! Walkin the plank makes all the difference LOL!!! .

Often watched you use that ramp and thought how much easier it made it. top tip

[mattwood]

I just got myself an 86 ford econovan, been doing it up.
Fits a bike with the bars down, havnt tried two bikes yet, but i think they will go in no sweat. They are mint to sleep in and do pretty sweet skids with out to much effort. Tiny as petrol tanks tho, only like 40L..

heres a pick, before and current.. need some mags and tints now, got a huge ass big bore for it haha. Anyone got any cheaps 4 stud mags lying around??

[flyingcr250]

I just got myself an 86 ford econovan, been doing it up.
Fits a bike with the bars down, havnt tried two bikes yet, but i think they will go in no sweat. They are mint to sleep in and do pretty sweet skids with out to much effort. Tiny as petrol tanks tho, only like 40L..

heres a pick, before and current.. need some mags and tints now, got a huge ass big bore for it haha. Anyone got any cheaps 4 stud mags lying around??

make sure you get mags with the right off-set otherwise you wont be able to open the sliding door. ive seen it happen lol:oi-grr:

[Brainflex]

Fits a bike with the bars down,

I have a serena that I use for my bike. I didnt want to keep moving the bars so use a strap to pull the front end down. Put bike in van and then strap bike down.

[tommorth]

had a ute l200 was nice to drive did good skids managed to run it out of oil and seize it left it for half an hour while I walked to the gassy to get some oil came back put the oil in still seized so rolled down hill dropping the clutch in gear till it un locked drove it around for about six months after that till I sold it just couldnt get comftable leaving my tools out in the open everytime I parked somewhere . Got a lwb transit van now its not like driving a car but its not to bad can fit soo much stuff inside and uses less gas than the v6 mitsi I had before costs about 30 bucks to drive up to kerikeri and could probly fit 5 or 6 bikes 3 easily only 3 seats though. pain in the arse to park but every one lets you in in traffic lol

[Quasievil]

I use one of these for my Motard and highly recommend them awesome piece of kit and no hassles with trailers (this is my second choice to a van)

http://www.rawdevelopments.com/pages/bikecarrier.html

[Rupe]

I use one of these for my Motard and highly recommend them awesome piece of kit and no hassles with trailers (this is my second choice to a van)

http://www.rawdevelopments.com/pages/bikecarrier.html

billy no mates

[flyingcr250]

I use one of these for my Motard and highly recommend them awesome piece of kit and no hassles with trailers (this is my second choice to a van)

http://www.rawdevelopments.com/pages/bikecarrier.html

i was following a car with one of those on the back, it was flexing heaps over every bump, looked scary and dodgey lol:doh:

[Quasievil]

i was following a car with one of those on the back, it was flexing heaps over every bump, looked scary and dodgey lol:doh:

Ive gone all over NZ on mine and no issues, you need to mount it tightly (which aint hard)

[Quasievil]

billy no mates

WTF are you talking about plonker ?

[B0000M]

they were sold at one stage as a 'no mates' bike trailer, well a similar product anyway

[Quasievil]

they were sold at one stage as a 'no mates' bike trailer, well a similar product anyway

Ah Ha, oh well that works for me, its a pain carrying other bikes for people anyway.

[Hazza]

FORD COURIER CAB PLUS the only way to travel.:cool:
:

+1

Ford couriers are choice ive got one it goes hard and primo for the bikes

[tnarg]

Ive got a ford courier 2.2 single cab. Fits the bike on with room to spare. Only problem are the rear springs have been reset so feels like theres no suspension at all. Had the door hinge nuts drop off when I got to woodhill the other day :eek:

[mattwood]

I have a serena that I use for my bike. I didnt want to keep moving the bars so use a strap to pull the front end down. Put bike in van and then strap bike down.

how do u use the strap to compress the forks? like where do you attach it?

[Buddy L]

Front alxe spacers or under the front forks, used to have to do it when dad had an ecovan.

[B0000M]

you could use one of those race start thingees...... now theres another practicle use for it! lol


or get a hiace.. then they simply fit as is

[flyingcr250]

you could use one of those race start thingees...... now theres another practicle use for it! lol


or get a hiace.. then they simply fit as is

yea a hiace would be the way to go, mine hasnt let me down yet.

[mattwood]

yea a hiace would be the way to go, mine hasnt let me down yet.


yeah, got this cheap as though. Just going to do it up then flick it on and hopefully make enough to get a hiace, or maybe a hilux but i really like vans.

sweet, ill hav a go at strapping the front down next ride, will save heaps of time, and wont have to worry about the handle bars sackin out over the first jump.. :crazy:

[lb99]

I have a 95 navara 2.7d, 2wd flatdeck, it goes like the clappers, can fit 3 bikes easy, has done 5,(two backward) with plenty of rubbing, has LSD and have never been stuck, drives like a car, power steer, air con and stuff, use it for work, gets a really hard time at work, but has never failed to get me there.......... only 2k too

[krasher]

I have a 95 navara 2.7d, 2wd flatdeck, it goes like the clappers, can fit 3 bikes easy, has done 5,(two backward) with plenty of rubbing, has LSD and have never been stuck, drives like a car, power steer, air con and stuff, use it for work, gets a really hard time at work, but has never failed to get me there.......... only 2k too
$2k? If i could find one for that I would be in.

[Buddy L]

$2k? If i could find one for that I would be in.


I would dream of getting 2 grand for mine, once i buy a car on the company then ill most likely give the courier away or trademe $1 and some one just take it away,

[flyingcr250]

I would dream of getting 2 grand for mine, once i buy a car on the company then ill most likely give the courier away or trademe $1 and some one just take it away,

same with my hilux, i dont know weather to get rid of it or fix it for myself.

[oldskool]

I would dream of getting 2 grand for mine, once i buy a car on the company then ill most likely give the courier away or trademe $1 and some one just take it away,
Post it on here and we can all fight over it! ...Hey yeah, 1st prize on a KB run! (Barty not included as he was last years weener of the GNCC)