what MPV
 

So as I’m going to go racing next year I need a way of getting the bike to the meetings, I have noticed that some people have been using MPV’s and would like to know what peoples opinions are on the different makes and models. Also it seems like a good option to use the vehicle as a place to use as a home from home.

Murray Mint

speak to NBs - he uses an R.Espace for his monster - and has also put in his 996. Takes a folding ramp - and Bobs your aunties proverbial..

You can only fit the one bike in one, but I know he uses his for kipping in too.

We had one last year, great little workhorse - but unfortunately needed to take 2 bikes about.
Older models such as the Espace mk2 can be easily picked up for under £1k, they have plastic bodies so they dont go rusty, nothing special - but they do the job & look a little tidier on the drive than the white trannies you can get for similar price.

Murray - do check the height clearance for other makes of MPV's, as if taking anything other than a small bike, you'll need to prob remove screen etc off the bike (I think Nick does for his 996? )

AK

How much you looking to spend? I'm in the market for one myself at the moment and there are a lot to choose from. I,m leaning towards a Citroen C8 at the moment as its a big un. Also got electric sliding rear doors and front seats that swivel 180 degrees so you can have a mini motorhome experience. Good thing with the c8 is they depreciate in value rapidly so you can make big savings on one a year or 2 old. Those VW Caravelle things are massive and I think they have a table that pulls up in the middle out of the floor telescope wise that you can sit round and eat and drink etc. I suppose if you were planning to put your bike inside you will need to look for a large one with easily removable rear seats?

Depends how much cash you want to spend Mr Mint.
My espace is great, but it was the cheap option. I'd rather have something like a Vito or a Mazda Bongo... much taller meaning the screen wouldn't have to come off the 996 to fit... but my bank manager wouldn't allow it!

I'd've gone for the Caravelle, but I couldn't find one that wasn't held together with rust! A plus point for the espace is the seats come out with the pull of a lever and their mounting points are recessed in the floor so to leave a totally flat base to sleep on.

are you looking to get the bike inside the mpv, or just using it to tow and as a place to sleep ?

I have a Kia Sedona, and as many will attest, I comfortably get my 996 in complete with screen fitted. I also have room for sparte wheels, 4 large equipment/tool boxes, leathers, generator, ramp, paddock stands etc etc etc.

These also depreciate quite a bit from new, so you can get some pretty good deals.

I have the 2.9 turbo diesel and it also hauls a 28 foot twin axle caravan with the bike and all gear loaded. If you need a bit more seating and can leave some gear behind, you can still carry a bike with four seats fitted, although this is tight. Three seats and you still got loads of room.

Thanks for the feed back. I think the Kia Sedona will be my preffered solution.

Murray Mint

I'm thinking to change the car this winter to find something in which I could put the bike as well and then I'd like to buy a caravan, it may help me if I want to have Julie with me at every round.

So anyone knows if I can fit a bike in a Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingot or Peugeot Partner? I don't want to buy a van or an MPV as I'd like to be able to go to work with, or to park it in town etc... So any feedback about that kind of vehicule will be appreciated (doesn't really need to be French but I don't know the other models...).

Mate of mine just squeezed his GSXR1000 in a kangoo, but it had to be in their sideways, so it is possible but it won't go straight in

cheers JPM, so maybe a small 600 Monster will fit a bit better...

I think I'll have to take the bike with me when I'll buy the car "Excuse me sir, can I just test something in your car to know if I buy it or not?" :lol:

620SS / 996 just goes into a Transit Connect with the passenger seat folded flat. Connect is bigger than a Berlingo etc so the bike won't go straight into one of those; but diagonal it might (think the Peugeot Partner is as long / longer than the Transit so that would be OK).

Ford do a version of the Connect with seats but haven't a clue how it compares with other MPVs or if you can remove sufficient seats.

Hi Ian, cheers for that answer. I'll have a look at the Transit Connect...

Actually are you sure there is any difference between the Berlingo and the Partner? Both are build by PSA (the Peugeot Citroen group...) and in the same "frame", in theory one shouldn't be bigger than the other one...

:o:o:o:o

That'll be with the doors open surely?...or without the front passenger seat!
I have a Kangoo, and I've only managed a 350LC diagonally with the front wheel out!
Although I saw an extra long Kangoo in Holland recently, it looked like a factory job, extended by about a foot behind the rear wheels, I've done a search for one, but can't find any details.
I used to use an old style diesel Transit, did 44mpg on it's own, or 28mpg with 3 bikes in the back, towing a caravan, moved on to a turbo-diesel which did 28mpg whatever it was doing, towing 747's around Heathrow or ticking over...it always did 28mpg, I could never work that one out!!

Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo and Fiat Doblo are all the same van! Just choose the badge you prefer.
Similarly, Peugeot Expert, Citroen Despatch and Fiat Scudo use a common body.

Fiat??????????????
You sure about that? I have to check... I can't see the link between PSA and Fiat.

Yep you're right. I dind't know that but PSA and Fiat have a partnership for the design of small utility vehicle...

I put a Honda VFR400 in the back of a Peugeot Partner a few weeks back. It had to go in diagonal with the passenger seat shoved as far forward and out of the way as possible. The VFR is a pretty short bike, so I think if you were thinking of one of these to transport a bike, the only passengers you'll be taking will be very small, or very bendy,

What about my transit van Murray :D

Try here

[Edited on 27-10-2005 by TP]

Thanks for the offer Tony but i do need an MPV.

Murray

It was worth a shot :)

Hi Dunc,

And what if you completely fold the rear passengers seats? I don't have children yet :lol:

Um, I was talking about a Partner van with no rear seats. It was the front passenger seat that had to be pushed out of the way.....

:sniff:

Just picked up the summer/autumn eddition of RPM magazineand on page 19 there is a nice shot of a Renault Espace with 2 bikes[R1 and GSXR 1000] in the back along with aload of kit and a girl in it! Basically they are raving over how good it is.29mpg on diesel at 95mphwith 2 bikes and 3 people on board to quote them.