Converting a van to securly carr motorcycles

[hornetmike]

We want to convert our parts van a work (Merc long sprinter) to pick up customer motorcycles, the bikes are probably going to be new so we will need a fool proof system rather than a ramp and straps we would use for our own bikes.

Has anyone got any experience with any companies that can supply/convert our van ?
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87 Honda CG 125 - 97 ER5 - SR 50 -81 Z250- 96 CBR 600 F- 94 GPX600R 88- GPX 400R- 87 GS 125 - 2006 Honda CB600F- 2003 ER5 - Honda CBF 1000 2009 - Honda CBR 600 RR 2011
Current BMW R1200GS 2010

[P.addy]

ramp, straps and some mattresses

[Germ]

[G]

Ramp and straps really should be 'fool proof'.
Ok, by the definition, they're not. But a much better solution would be to ensure it's not a fool using them .

I would look to get some proper d-rings put in appropriately spaces on the floor. The problem with straps tends to be finding somewhere appropriate in the van to tie them to - if you've got some proper d-rings nicely spaced, you should be able to hold them very securely.

You could consider a tail lift etc, but I really don't think it's worth paying for a conversion - and even then, definitely not 'fool proof' - as I've seen fools drop bikes off them .

[Marmalade]

You can get decent van wide ramps that you could ride up or maybe a little electric winch for ease of non runner loading.

Bump lock at the front for securing front wheel and a strap either side for security or a bump lock on wheels like the AA use for clamping in front wheel and then winch the lot in and secure once loaded

https://www.nurburgring.org/trip_reports/ring_trip5_pic02_bumplok.jpg
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[Suntan Sid]

Why not use a bike trailer?
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"Everybody needs money, that's why they call it money!"

[hornetmike]

that bump lock looks good, simply cheapish. As its customer bikes we've can't let the bike have a chance of falling over.
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87 Honda CG 125 - 97 ER5 - SR 50 -81 Z250- 96 CBR 600 F- 94 GPX600R 88- GPX 400R- 87 GS 125 - 2006 Honda CB600F- 2003 ER5 - Honda CBF 1000 2009 - Honda CBR 600 RR 2011
Current BMW R1200GS 2010

[P.addy]

Always a chance you could roll the van Or get hit up the arse/side etc.

Im sure straps and the like will see most of the issues away. Just pad the van out like a boss

[G]

[Rogerborg]

If it were my bike going into or coming out of a van, I'd like to see it being held up by something more than Darryl the Apprentice and his millisecond attention span. +1 to the winch and some kind of secure dolly.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Nixon]

Slightly off topic but have you looked into insurance for this type of venture?

A company I worked for explored it and found that getting the right insurance would cost immensely more than any business it could produce ... as in £3000 just to transport on top of their premises and traders insurance. That was not including insuring the van either, just for transporting bikes in the back.
There were policies that would insure a "generic" load for a lot less, but expressly prohibit the transport of vehicles or vehicle parts, so if it did go wrong you would have no cover at all. Just a heads up

[edit] If you have found insurance cheaper who is it??

[Germ]

How about buying a second hand horse transporter and doing that out? They already have a ramp at the back and sturdily built.

[G]

[Gazdaman]

[stinkwheel]

Those bump locks are good.

You should really need nothing more than that and a ratchet tie-down on the end of each handlebar. Those tube ones that slide over the bars are least likely to mark anything.

Most people stick another tie-down across the saddle but it shouldn't really be necessary.
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

[Marmalade]

[djr]

rescue24 (the company that carole nash breakdown use) have one of the bumplock type things, Mounted on wheels. (if they choose to use it) they chuck it at the bottom of the ramp, Push bike in, Ratchet bike in place then a winch pulls it into the back of the van (up an extra wide ramp) then they just tie it in place, Job done.

That's what i'd do if i were using it every day (and importently... Carrying heavy bikes (goldwings/heavy beamers e.t.c) even to be fair loading my sprint st onto a trailer on my own was a PITA and van would obv be higher (although wider ramp you'd be able to run up with bike anyway)

Should have a picture of the winch thing they use - will try and dig it out tomorrow.

[G]

I loaded a R1200GSA with a flat tyre in to my van (and out again) just fine on my own with a single ramp. If it's someone doing it regularly (as I have done in the past with racing, etc) it really shouldn't be a problem,

[Mrjoolz]

Watch re runs of Street Hawk, and see if that gives you any ideas ?!