Ramps

[Dan79]

I need a ramp to assist getting one of my bikes into my shed in the winter.

I know it will fit as it is the same size of shed, in a new position. I used to simply use a block of wood and force of momentum as the elevation was only about four inches.

However the new position is 7 inches above ground level (including lip of doorway, which i would consider cutting a channel through if necessary). Too much for a 5'8" shrimp like me to charge a 190kg bike in without doing serious damage to the shed, the bike, or myself, or a combination of the three.

If anyone either has a good method for getting a bike into a narrow doorway at this height, involving makeshift ramps or whatever, I'd be interested in details of such methods.

Cheers
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[CptBlack]

You need an extravegant system of pullys and levers.

Seriously though, how much space have you got to play with in the run up?

Normally, I find a small ramp and ride it in with lots of clutch control is enough but only had about 5 inches to ride up really.

[Ariel Badger]

I often watch people push a bike into the back of a van up a scaffold plank. I use a wider piece of wood that was once a science desk top. 7" is not high, long ramps are easier than short ramps IMHO.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Kwaks]

The entrance to my shed at the end I put my bike is about 2 ft off the ground.

When I open the shed door, I wave a hinged ramp inside made out of decking boards, which I drop down.
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Fallen Angel "Nae sniffing my seat now!!!!! "
www.cliqueycuntsmcc.co.uk
I AM NOT A FAST RIDER!!!!!!!!!

[truslack]

While marshalling we push bikes into the back of the recovery vans on scaff planks, and that's about 1.5-2ft high - 7inch shouldn't be a worry.
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[Dan79]

Thanks for all the replies, this gives me plenty to go away with and try out.

I have plenty of room for a run up, albeit no room to overshoot once in the shed only about 2 inches, no room to either side due to shelves, bucycles, and piles of other junk, and have to rock the bars from side to side to get handlebars and indicators through the doorway - never tried getting bike in under its own power for these reasons but may be worth a try.
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[truslack]

How about walking it under power with the clutch if you struggle pushing it? Just watch out for it spitting the ramp out if it isn't attached at the top.
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[Dan79]

Let me clarify - when I used to push the bike into shed I actually sat on it and use my legs to poke it along like someone on a velocipede, or a kid on a hobby horse - doorway is too narrow for one person to stand to side of bike and push it in that way - the handlebars are fairly high (it's an old Honda Magna V30).

Or is my technique completely wrong ? Bearing in mind doorway is so narrow I used to lean bike left and right to get handlebars through. Any suggestions welcome !
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[Dan79]

Problem solved !

Thanks for the ideas.
____________________
Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[truslack]

Go on, what was the solution?
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Current: Suzuki RG 125 Gamma, Honda H100, Triumph Tiger 800XC, Suzuki SV650 (minitwin)

[Dan79]

Tried the method of pushing it in up the amp whilst off the bike, rather than my old mode of sitting astride it. Never realised quite how easy it was as I'd never tried it before, so I've learnt something new. Managed to rock the bars through by approaching at a slight angle!

Sorted
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Previous bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (FII) Interceptor and 1990 Yamaha RXS100
Current bikes - 1984 Honda VF500 (V30) Magna

[Casper]

Quite sure with a 4" step you could have did the same driving it in. Tricky first few tome but you would get a nack.