Ducati Sporting Club UK > Sport > Trackdays & Race Schools > Bikes in a van

[MSO 749s]

Dear All

Looking to get 3 sports bikes in a long-wheel-base transit next Tuesday for a track day at Silverstone. Any experience/ ideas/ tips?

We've not loaded bikes into a van before so should be interesting.

Anyone else going to Silverstone GP with Focused Events Tuesday 12th May, next week? We'll be the ones with the bikes falling off the back of the lorry...

Regards

Mark.

[Ray]

When I've done this I've put two in forwards and one backwards.


like this



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With mirrors off the handle bars are often the widest bit of the bike and three in all facing forwards sometimes just isn't possible even if you stagger the line line up so they aren't bar to bar as it were.


Ray.

[MSO 749s]

Good idea. On their stands (they'll all road bikes) or paddock stands?

[Ray]

I prefer to use a rear paddock stand only on my 998 but I can fasten the bike securely on the stand very easily.

Just give yourself plenty of time to load up and make sure the bikes are secure. I tend to use the frame of the bike to fasten it down both front and rear, plenty of cloths etc to avoid any rub damage

You need to be sure that the bikes are secure if you have to brake hard or heaven forbid run into something, they are unlikely to break free under acceleration in a Transit unless it's one the specials with an F1 or cosworth engine

Enjoy yer day.

Ray.

[KeefyB]

I used a couple of old camping matresses to line the inside of the van.That way the bike has something soft to lean against.Got them for pennies from the local Sally Army or Sue Ryder shop.Use ratchet straps and load the supension if possible,...a couple of straps to stop the bike toppling over,....and it wont go anywhere.

[Jon]

I zip tie the front brake and push the bikes front wheel up agaist some thing
static.

[MSO 749s]

Dear All

Thanks for your comments. I feel a bit more confident now, even if my two mates seem a bit dubious...

Photos to follow next week for examples of how/ how not to do it!

Regards

Mark.

[MSO 749s]

Three road bikes will not fit so having to go for a Luton! A bit overkill but it's all I can get at short notice.

May try and get a Sprinter next time.