Small van but big enough to take a few bikes?

Cdb1991 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 10 Jan 2016 Karma :

Smallest size van that will fit 2 sports bike or 2-3 motorcross bikes for track days etc i like ford transits and vw transporters but not sure if they'll be big enough for 2 sports bikes? Any one know? Or any other simular vans decent vans but dont want nothink too big as will be my daily van too cheers lads

Taught2BCauti... · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Karma :

You might find the floor too high in the VW's, but more importantly - what's your budget?
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m3-paul · Spanner Monkey Joined: 03 Feb 2009 Karma :

Something like a vivaro/trafic/primastar lwb high top would be as small as you would want to go for the amount of bikes you want to transport. The high top is superb. Great to not have to crouch over when loading and room to put tools and kit.
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Vito swb will work fine, fit an SV and Daytona in there with ramp, kit and spares.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

I've managed to fit two large and one small bike in a SWB transit before now, so anything transit sized or bigger will be fine. I'd go for the hi top though, just for convenience, and especially if you're carrying MX bikes.
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Aff · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 May 2011 Karma :

I've had 2 sportsbikes in my new shape Expert before.

Nice low floor too.
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Tamsin · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Cdb1991 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 10 Jan 2016 Karma :

Well my plain is to sell my current van because its too small but as im using is as a daily i want a fairly nice one to be in not an old shitter, will probly havto get it on finance so that allows my budget to be anythink i suppose its more about what i prefer then ill try find one for a resnable price, as little as possible is best but i cant have it both ways lol got to choose cheapness or cumfort lol

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Yes, you get a longer vito too.

However, I like that it's the dimensions of a larger car - a little wider, but about the same length as something like a Laguna Estate.
I believe if you have the crewcab one, while the 'compact' counts as a car for various things like speed limits, the slightly heavier longer wheel base may not.

If I was going larger, I'd be tempted by a transit or similar, which is slightly wider - I've had a GSXR750Y, Triumph 675 and SV650 in a SWB transit along with kit etc.
Was a squash and had one bike backwards, but fit ok.

Would like a XLWB iveco or something to complement the Vito, but while it can be a faff, for the part it's a good compromise between space and general usability.
In the summer we had two track bikes with spare wheels, tools, tyre changer, two mountain bikes, fuel and water containers, leathers etc in the back of the Vito ok AND towed a small caravan around Wales. Even fit a medium sized dog in for the first leg of the trip!

If the van was merely for occasional bike use, I'd just go for something larger for ease of loading etc. Howevever for a 'daily', the Vito is a good choice.

Beware - the early White ones especially rust. A lot. Not too much later they galvanised the chassis and gave it a 12 year warranty (that's really hard to claim on.)

Also, pretty sure my first gear is gone (was hoping it was just the cables). Luckily, it doesn't really need it - even just about managed in Wales.

chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I put my TDM in a vito once it was very tighten height wise, we might have taking the screen off I can't remember. It is a tall bike mind.
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G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I have to take the small screen off my KTM690 to get it in - sports bikes and mx bikes etc are fine, however. You won't get any more internal height without it going over the 2m to get in car parks etc - I'd love a FWD van with a really low rear so I can have my cake and eat it too.

Cdb1991 · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 10 Jan 2016 Karma :

cheers for the info lads ill have a little look through the net see if anything catches my eye