Van???

[superstacker]

I was thinking today about what car to get, in a couple of years time when ive paid off my loan and my current car gives up the ghost.

I wanted a diesel as i do a lot of motorway driving up and down the country.

My dad suggested to me, "Why dont you buy a small diesel van that you can cart your bike up and down with?" Good idea methinks?

But....What kind of van could i fit a VFR400 in? i can see that ill normally be riding bikes like my 400 or maybe a slightly bigger bike like a GPZ500 or perhaps one of the smaller 600's. But as im a short ass i wont be riding any tall machines.

I also would like to get away from driving a transit, as id like to be able to use the van for day to day stuff.

So whats out there?

[Davo]

As long as it's not a stupidly long bike, a short wheel base transit sized van will suffice.

[stinkwheel]

Fiat Doblo?
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[it really is that quick]

got a berlingo (too small to get anything in)

peugot expert, citroen dispatch or fiat scudo should do nicely,
if you find one get the hdi as they're much easier to drive (more power).

rob.
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not just any short of winnah... But a Sahf East Winnah

i dont look like your average hortifuckingculturist

[mr.z]

bet you could get a bike in a landrover

Or maybe a toyota pickup? something like that...
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[mrchips]

Something of a Vito, Transporter, newer Hiace size should do, and is not antisocially large either.
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Northern Irish? www.nibikers.com

[Razzy]

get a ford transit, loads about, many wheelbase size, cheap as chips to buy and there are parts pissing out of everyones shops so there cheap also.
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GSX 1400 K5 SOLD
Tiger 955i SOLD
R.I.P Aprilia RSV 1000r 9/2/09

[Cillit-BANG]

Depends on what size your budget is. If you have a fair bit to throw at it, then a van can be great, if your on a budget, a car of similar value will be far better.

Commercial vehicles are actually quite expensive compared to a car. Insurance is a lot higher too. They drink fuel, and are fairly slow. A tank of fuel will set you back £80.

If your looking for day to day use then you'll need to budget at least £6-7K before your get any comparable to a car for comfort. An old transit is fantastic for getting building gear/labourers to site, but shite as a vehicle to use as a car. They can be a pain to park around town, they won't fit into most multi-stories, and most won't fit under height barriers. Most have rear windows paneled, so reversing is done on mirror judgment, which isn't always great, especially if your backing up to £30k of shiney car. They don't corner that well, they have no drive out of corners, they are noisy...... If you go to the supermarket, by the time your home the shopping is scattered into every corner in the back, the eggs are broken, the milk spilt.

I drive a VW transporter, X-Reg, 2.5L Turbo, (£6k in 2004) I'm a joiner so its lined with carpets and is nicey looked after. It has all mod-cons, even drop down arm rests! It is still noisy and quite demanding to drive. If you want to talk to one another at motorway speeds, you have to shout. I do use mine for runs to the super market etc, but would sooner take the car for anything over a couple of hours.

Unless you need a van, I'd think twice. You can hire a van for less than £50 a day for when you really need one.

FWIW, I love my van and yes, it does have VW 5 spoke-alloys

[superstacker]

All good points, i was basically looking for something like an escort van, but a bit higher at the back? Which is why i wasnt really after a transit, just something that could double as an ability to carry the bike as well...

[Phoenix]

You won't get a bike in a car based van like the Escort or Astra. Only bet is the next stage up, the Citroen Dispatch, Scudo etc as mentinoed. But they'd be a squeeze length wise for bigger bikes.

I've seen someone get an NC30 into a people carrier, a Previa I think, possibly an espace though I can't remember, so give that a thought.

[garry]

forget van ............... buy car buy towbar......

buy trailer ...............

i,ve been in your position, bought van , not practical for everyday use, sold van
bought pick up lwb hilux great for bikes , not good for tesco,s, as when you stop at lights the scroats invade the back .....

solution !!! merc van for work and movin bikes

merc slk for shoppin ( £40k )

solution 2 merc van for work and movin bikes

shop online ( saving £40k )

on this mail alone you have saved £40,000

no need to thank me or send cash , unless you need to relieve your hard earned ..........
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so long so long so long and thanks for all the fish !

[colin1]

you can get a motorbike carrier that fits on a towbar mount. less hassle than a trailer

they are designed for motocross bikes but could probably take a road bike, but i am guessing

they are on ebay from time to time and in adverts in dirt bike mags
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Davo]

[colin1]

my rs125 isnt much above 100kg and id be tempted to try with a heavier bike but i guess it is a bit risky
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Johnny GSX-R]

Bedford Rascal van or Suzuki Supercarry WILL fit a 400 inside.
Cheap insurance, cheap to buy and run, 1000cc 5speed will do 80mph all day long.

[stinkwheel]

I always wondered if you could get a bike in a black cab. They have built in wheelchair ramps, tiedowns and everything.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[colin1]

i like the idea of having a bedford rascal when i have a bit more cash and i could put a motocross bike in the back
the girlfriend has wanted me to get a car for ages

its sort of a car isnt it
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colin1 is officially faster than god

[Dom_]

Saw this on 400greybike, made me laugh.

https://img487.imageshack.us/img487/2982/apriliars12500bikepics467890sm.jpg

[superstacker]

Hmm could get one of those type of van, lick of paint and some cheap alloy wheels and even the local chavs would like me!!!

Just would be really good to have a small van like that i could throw the bike in or loads of kit!

[T1z3R]

i've thought about getting a van as well. i currently ride 17 miles to work and 17 miles home and the missus uses our car for her work/business so when something goes wrong with the bike im stuffed for transport. seemed like a van would 2 two jobs...will get me to work if needed and will be able to transport the bike when things break on it.

have looked at transits but reckon one of those dinky little daihatsu jobs would do the trick but not sure about length ways?

https://www.digimods.co.uk/images/Virtualcarimages/cars/daihatsuhijet.jpg
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duck my sick!

[Delbwoy]

mercedes vito. fast, stylish, reliable. nice yellow one, tints etc
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Check my website. look at my profile though as putting it here would be spamming methinks (I worked hard to create it so at least look at it!) Nothing to do with bikes I might add! Might appeal to the more feminine personality.

[Johnny GSX-R]