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: