Transporting 749 In A Transit Van- Beginers Advice Appreciated

Definitely a good idea and make sure that the van you hire has tie-down points at floor level. Many hire firms sheet the insides of the vans with plywood covering any tie-down points.

 

My mate straps a couple of old mattresses to the sides inside.

 

be careful when loading if using ramps,, if driving up the ramp it can be dislodged / driven out by the rear wheel !! make sure the base is secure
have you just bought one ???

 

I use motorcycle handlebar tie downs on the front, (about £30 on ebay), mounting to the floor anchors in the van, a good ratchet strap from the left footpeg hanger to the right roof of the van, and a cable tie around the front brake lever. If being extra carefull i put blankets over the tank where the foot peg strap usually rests and down between the bike and the vans right side.
But i'm happy with the one strap and cable tied front brake for short trips. Just don't try ratcheting it down on to the side stand!

 

also compress the front forks and ratchet down at same time and if your not using a paddock stand put the bike in gear.
when ratcheting down and you think its a s tight as you can get it...give the bike a bounce up n down to get a couple more clicks on the ratchet

 

Does that mean you have now sold it John?

 

Have moved My MS a few times.

I would make sure you have a helper getting it in and out of the van. Put in front wheel first.
Make sure the Van has some floor mounted Eyelets to strap to
Push Bike in at a slight angle and as far forward as the front wheel will let you go, put on side stand and push as far forward.
Strap front wheel to nearest eyelet Holds if forward.
Strap each side around back wheel to each corner, stops rear end moving left or right.
I would then strap around a high point on the frame middle of the bike, down the side stand side to make sure it cannot go other way.
I do not like pulling down on any suspension parts it can damage it, and if prolonged can make the springs shorter.
I sometimes just put a strap around the side stand to make sure it stays upright pulling it towards the front, not too tight. (no idea why it will never fall off side stand lol)
If I was doing a long distance run a strap the other side to pull against the side stand side.

Then don't drive like a lunatic

 

No sorry John, but I have some 5 Ton tie down straps if you need to borrow mate?

 

John when I moved my mates bike in a van it had a wooden plywood floor, we screwed some wood blocks to create a chock for the front and rear wheels, simple but effective idea.

 

Don't trust the side stand foot on a ply-clad floor. My 748 broke through and was only saved by the extra padding I'd put in. The lurch as it dropped through (going around a roundabout in Nottingham) moved the hire van quite disturbingly!

 

It is a good comment about the side stand, I suppose more you pull it over it is putting more pressure on it, but the MS is a pretty solid one for sure in my case

 

I just use 2 at the front with the bike upright and a cable tie on the front brake lever.

 

Dont overtighten the straps and compress the forks too much, they domt like it and nor do your seals

Wheel chock is ideal, as above with bar straps and I strap frame around footpeg area or suframe and pull forward ideally if not then out sideways. Woul want it taught, not tichht, and if in a chock you really dont need that much tension

AlternativeLy strap it upright agaisnt the side of the van in gear, and stick an axle stand under yoru footpeg or some other fixed pount to stop it toppliing over if a strap loosens a little

 

I thought you just put an Ohlins shock on that bike? Is that the one you've sold?

 

And that is fast progress for John.