Van/PickUp advice.........

[AngelGrinder]

Ok, over the winter months I want to replace my trusty Astra with something bigger....and with the ability to carry 2 bikes for trackdays next year.

Van wise, I'd be hoping for something about the size of a Merc Vito. Where I live it's awkward for anything bigger, and I usually end up parking in front of peoples houses, so it's only really practical for me to have a small van or pick-up, so, while I know it's better to have something bigger, I can't.

I've also used the trailer route with the Astra, but just want some thing more secure for longer distances.

Pickup-wise, it would need to be a 4 cab, and I don't mind if the tail gate needs to be down for the bikes to fit on it...


So, what can I get with 2 grand?

Reccommendations and experiences welcome!
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Currently Riding - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000 Mille

[stinkwheel]

Ford Transit. Old shape, diesel.

Absolute piece of piss to drive. I reverse park mine in front of my house every time out and it has a tighter turning circle than a ford mondeo (as in I can U-turn the transit in my street, I had to do a 3-point turn when I had a mondeo).
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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.

[Sparks!]

Worth noting that pick ups are just as long as a LWB van so if it's overall "size" restricted you then a pick up is no different than the van, unless it's a case of having a big ugly van or an equally big but prettier looking pickup being okay.

I've got an L200 Warrior and love it, although it's more tart value than anything, it's akward for carrying bikes, but perfectly doable. You won't get one for £2000 though, even the 4work models fetch £3-4k + in decent condition.

As for the older transits, they are awesome to drive and +1 on the turning circle, those things spin round on the spot!
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Current Toys: 06 Yamaha WR250F | Nissan 350Z GT | Tech 4 Homes

[Ste]

[SlimRick]

VW T4?

[SlimRick]

VW T4?

https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-T4-High-Roof-Van-Perfect-for-Camper-Conversion_W0QQitemZ330371927466QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Commercial_Trucks?hash=item4cebb38daa#ht_500wt_703

[AngelGrinder]

[WildGoose]

Another vote for Ford Transit, smiley grill. 95-2000 approx, non turbo for extra reliability. I bought my 98 last November for £1200. Just passed its mot this week, needed a new exhaust £70, and sailed through.

https://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/Random/BQyVcNQBmkKGrHgoOKi8EjlLmY5yVBJ6zLL.jpg

The short wheel base model like this, will fit in any supermarket car parking space with no issues. Multi-storeys are the only no-no. My boss has a hilux, and it is significantly longer than my van.

They are designed with reliability and ease of maintenance in mind, I do 90% of servicing and repairs myself, parts are about the cheapest of any vehicle on the road.

The only thing that should put you off is the level of rust, they rust like buggery in our climate. Unless you love welding, be very picky when doing the walk round of a potential purchase, get underneath and have a good poke around, there are plenty of vans around, so walk away from anything more than light surface rust anywhere near any structural points. Wheel arches are door bottoms are ok, and easily changed, but rusty chassis rails are a pain in the backside and rather work intensive to sort out.

Unless you need to get in and out of muddy fields or tow (vans get a raw deal with towing, they are more than capable but never get plated quite as generously as 4x4's), the idea of a 4x4 should be dismissed. There are nothing but disadvantages with them, and expensive fuel and repair bills.

My van returns 35 to the gallon average, try that in a 4x4.

More van rambling here, https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=145419&highlight=transit

If you do end up with a transit, the transit forum is excellent for help, and i'd be more than happy to offer help myself.
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[stinkwheel]

[G]

I don't see the point in a pick-up unless it's more of the 'ute' theme - a converted car that still has some of the handling characteristics. Vans are so much hassle for transporting pretty much anything in (one tie down for a bike, none for most other things). Can sleep in the back and easily get a lot more stuff in there if you want.
I had a turbo SWB transit like the above and was pretty pleased with it. Muddy fields aren't a problem with low tyre pressures, just as with a 4x4 - though maybe more of an issue with a rear wheel drive van if it's not got stuff in the back, however in that situation even on tarmac the transit would do doughnuts in first and second .

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

+1 for the transit.

I have a mark 7 example that I got for £1500 with 9 months MOT. Turning circle is awesome as Stinky says (I swear the wheels can go 90 degrees to the chassis ) Easy to park, easy to drive, room on the dash for newspapers. It's got it all.

Two bikes is easy. One strapped to each wall with one tie on each.

Stuff doesn't slide about much provided you don't drive too stupid.

It's awesome.



As said watch for rust on them all, and belt changes on the smiley face and earlier models.
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[AngelGrinder]

Anyone ever tried 2 bikes in a Vito? Or something simiar?
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Currently Riding - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000 Mille

[G]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Ford Ranger. No
You'll replace the rear springs, even if you never load it.
Turning circle of a F1 car.
You turn the wheel 25yrds before entering the corner, giving the suspension plenty of time to prepare itself for the Pepsi-Max Experience.
The ABS is very sensitive.
It drinks lots
Terrible Turbo lag, then Oomph at 2,500rpm
Washer bottle that holds nowt, yet huge void for a biggun.
Rev it at the lights and you'll be seasick.

Plus points
Straightline down the carriageway it'll lift its heels.
Quite tough when crashed.


Tranny van everytime.


Pat
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[kingsmith]

vw t4 vey cheap to buy and great relability...

big vw nut so have to say that..

be getting on my self after xmas.



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honda cg 125 copy cheap and crap, perfect for work..
suzuki gsxr600 srad 2000
passed 12/11/09 happy boy