Transport in a mini van?

gadgetguy1288 · December 9th, 2011, 06:30 PM

Ok so here's the deal: I just got my leave request approved for three weeks(Dec 15th-Jan 4th) to go back home to FL. But I'm not comfortable riding it 12 hours from where I live in NC to home in FL. The wife's idea was to use her Grandma's Mini van. We measured everything out and it seems like it will fit, but I wanted to ask if anyone here had ever done this with a 250?

It has a split back seat(middle row) and if possible we would like to be able to leave one of those seats there for the trip, but we don't have the van here to be able to test it. Can anyone help me out here?

C L · December 9th, 2011, 07:56 PM

Not sure which minivan you guys have but my Ninja fit into a 08 Honda Odyssey. Had to have it leaned a little bit though

gadgetguy1288 · December 9th, 2011, 08:01 PM

Do you think it would be possible to fit 3 people in van with the bike in there?(like driver and 2 passengers)

C L · December 9th, 2011, 08:05 PM

Probably not 3 people with 3 seats, its gonna take up the whole rear section.

3 people on 2 seats.. maybe lol

nickjpass · December 9th, 2011, 08:56 PM

You still haven't said what van you have.

gadgetguy1288 · December 9th, 2011, 08:59 PM

I don't know what it is, Its my wife's grandmothers, not sure of make or model. My wife lives in FL with family while shes finishing her degree at UCF and she'll be driving up here to pick me up regardless, cuz we don't wanna put that many miles on my car. I was just hoping to have the bike down there for some type of transport while there lol.

leed · December 9th, 2011, 09:21 PM

It should fit. It will have to be diagonal though, and more likely than not the last row of seats will have to be taken out. That being said, you'll still have the middle row and the front seats. Only real way to find out is to measure the rear of the van.

This guy fit a Ducati. It's parallel with the van though, and it's in the center. Move it to the side or set it in diagonally and you should be golden with at least 3 seats (driver included).

EsrTek · December 9th, 2011, 09:42 PM

I have a 2007 Chrysler mini van, w fold and stow seating that will fit the bike length, but height I think I would have to remove the windscreen if not the whole cowl.
The hard part in mine would be getting it in w/o a ramp or 2 ideally.

Malicious Logic · December 12th, 2011, 09:51 AM

I think you could possibly make it work without the windscreen....I think you'd have to decide whether you want to get your bike down there, or ride with 3 people in the van. As other people have stated, fitting the bike is already gonna be pushing it. Bringing along someone else, other than your wife, is just extra struggle.

setasai · December 12th, 2011, 10:31 AM

What's wrong with riding it for 12 hours?

Make a trip out of it and you'll be fine. Make frequent stops and have the mini-van tail you. You're in a great position to have some fun since it's a far trip and you dont need to carry any luggage.

If you decide to ride, be sure to check a few things.
-oil change
-all fluids
-all bolts
-brake pads
-tire pressure and tread
-lube and check chain slack

All this only takes an hour and you'll be good to go with confidence.

To answer your question, my toyota sienna looks like it should be able to fit diagonally but it's a tight fit and getting the bike up the ramp would be the more difficult thing. Goodluck.

gadgetguy1288 · December 12th, 2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

What's wrong with riding it for 12 hours?

Make a trip out of it and you'll be fine. Make frequent stops and have the mini-van tail you. You're in a great position to have some fun since it's a far trip and you dont need to carry any luggage.

If you decide to ride, be sure to check a few things.
-oil change
-all fluids
-all bolts
-brake pads
-tire pressure and tread
-lube and check chain slack

All this only takes an hour and you'll be good to go with confidence.

To answer your question, my toyota sienna looks like it should be able to fit diagonally but it's a tight fit and getting the bike up the ramp would be the more difficult thing. Goodluck.

I was going to do this but my bike hasn't yet had its 600 mile service. Im at like 400, and don't want to move it up by 200 miles, but dont want to push it back by 500 miles either lol. So I'm going to get the service done down there.

road_rascal · December 12th, 2011, 08:26 PM

How are you going to get in the van? Ramps? I can barely squeeze my daughters Razz scooter in my Windstar (have to remove the mirrors).

gadgetguy1288 · December 12th, 2011, 08:44 PM

Found out its a newer model Town&Country, with the fold down seats so room wont be a problem. As for getting it in the van, were basically going to muscle it in with 4 guys. That's how we got it out of the truck that I brought it home with.

setasai · December 13th, 2011, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadgetguy1288

I was going to do this but my bike hasn't yet had its 600 mile service. Im at like 400, and don't want to move it up by 200 miles, but dont want to push it back by 500 miles either lol. So I'm going to get the service done down there.

By doing your checks for the trip you've essentially done the 600mile service. It's basically a glorified oil change. Document the oil change and mention that you checked everything and you'll be good to go.

Flying Pig · December 13th, 2011, 10:49 AM

My friend has towed his and his gsxr and his girlfriend's 650r in a sienna. Only seats left in the minivan were the two front ones. And the 650 needed the windscreen removed to fit. Take that for whatever it might be worth.

alex.s · December 13th, 2011, 10:51 AM

put a hitch on the van, rent a trailer, put the bike in the trailer.

dont screw around when transporting heavy machinery. you will break something.

Link to original page on YouTube.

blink · December 13th, 2011, 01:26 PM

no need to oil change and all //?

Mr.E · December 13th, 2011, 04:50 PM

Btw, Make sure to check out the Orlando thread since it seems that's where you'll be staying. A bunch of us meet up here and what not, its in the group rides thread. x-)

gadgetguy1288 · December 18th, 2011, 01:43 AM

Well, got down here without too much trouble. Although the loading/unloading process was a little difficult without any ramps. And we had to put it in through the side door cuz the rear door was too short.

We were also able to leave one of the middle seats in.

nickjpass · December 18th, 2011, 05:34 PM

Looks fun.

Reddoak · December 18th, 2011, 10:23 PM

Nice! I stuck my ER-6n in a Ford E-150 cargo van once, that was a pretty easy process. I had 3 other guys help out. Took 5 minutes.

The hardest time I ever had was putting an '86 Honda Interceptor 500 (yeah, red, white and blue) in a VW microbus. Old school... We had to stuff it in diagonally, at an angle, through the side door (motor was in the rear on those, so no back door...) It was.... interesting.

If you intend to get the service done at a dealer down here, I would recommend Kissimmee Motor Sports. I've had pretty positive experiences with their service department.

December 9th, 2011, 06:30 PM	#1
gadgetguy1288 Coastie Tweet Name: Randy Location: E City, NC Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Ebony, 2012 BMW F800R White Posts: 158	Transport in a mini van? Ok so here's the deal: I just got my leave request approved for three weeks(Dec 15th-Jan 4th) to go back home to FL. But I'm not comfortable riding it 12 hours from where I live in NC to home in FL. The wife's idea was to use her Grandma's Mini van. We measured everything out and it seems like it will fit, but I wanted to ask if anyone here had ever done this with a 250? It has a split back seat(middle row) and if possible we would like to be able to leave one of those seats there for the trip, but we don't have the van here to be able to test it. Can anyone help me out here? __________________________________________________ Randy USCG Air Station Elizabeth City

December 9th, 2011, 08:01 PM	#3
gadgetguy1288 Coastie Tweet Name: Randy Location: E City, NC Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Ebony, 2012 BMW F800R White Posts: 158	Do you think it would be possible to fit 3 people in van with the bike in there?(like driver and 2 passengers) __________________________________________________ Randy USCG Air Station Elizabeth City

December 9th, 2011, 08:56 PM	#5
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	You still haven't said what van you have. __________________________________________________

December 9th, 2011, 08:59 PM	#6
gadgetguy1288 Coastie Tweet Name: Randy Location: E City, NC Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Ebony, 2012 BMW F800R White Posts: 158	I don't know what it is, Its my wife's grandmothers, not sure of make or model. My wife lives in FL with family while shes finishing her degree at UCF and she'll be driving up here to pick me up regardless, cuz we don't wanna put that many miles on my car. I was just hoping to have the bike down there for some type of transport while there lol. __________________________________________________ Randy USCG Air Station Elizabeth City

December 12th, 2011, 10:31 AM	#10
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	What's wrong with riding it for 12 hours? Make a trip out of it and you'll be fine. Make frequent stops and have the mini-van tail you. You're in a great position to have some fun since it's a far trip and you dont need to carry any luggage. If you decide to ride, be sure to check a few things. -oil change -all fluids -all bolts -brake pads -tire pressure and tread -lube and check chain slack All this only takes an hour and you'll be good to go with confidence. To answer your question, my toyota sienna looks like it should be able to fit diagonally but it's a tight fit and getting the bike up the ramp would be the more difficult thing. Goodluck. __________________________________________________ 2009 Ninja 250R SE Green Sport Touring Style: ZG ST; Symtec heated grips; RAM GPS w/ mUSB; DIY reshaped seat; DIY Givi E21 Sidecases; 15T sprocket

December 9th, 2011, 07:56 PM	#2
C L ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 300 Posts: 162	Not sure which minivan you guys have but my Ninja fit into a 08 Honda Odyssey. Had to have it leaned a little bit though

December 9th, 2011, 08:05 PM	#4
C L ninjette.org member Name: Andrew Location: Orlando, FL Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2014 300 Posts: 162	Probably not 3 people with 3 seats, its gonna take up the whole rear section. 3 people on 2 seats.. maybe lol

December 9th, 2011, 09:21 PM	#7
leed ninjette.org sage Name: David Location: Loves Park, IL Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Time will tell Posts: 969	It should fit. It will have to be diagonal though, and more likely than not the last row of seats will have to be taken out. That being said, you'll still have the middle row and the front seats. Only real way to find out is to measure the rear of the van. This guy fit a Ducati. It's parallel with the van though, and it's in the center. Move it to the side or set it in diagonally and you should be golden with at least 3 seats (driver included).

December 9th, 2011, 09:42 PM	#8
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	I have a 2007 Chrysler mini van, w fold and stow seating that will fit the bike length, but height I think I would have to remove the windscreen if not the whole cowl. The hard part in mine would be getting it in w/o a ramp or 2 ideally.

December 12th, 2011, 09:51 AM	#9
Malicious Logic hates stupid people Name: Mark Location: Oklahoma City Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2005 ZX6R Posts: 860	I think you could possibly make it work without the windscreen....I think you'd have to decide whether you want to get your bike down there, or ride with 3 people in the van. As other people have stated, fitting the bike is already gonna be pushing it. Bringing along someone else, other than your wife, is just extra struggle.

December 12th, 2011, 08:26 PM	#12
road_rascal ninjette.org member Name: ___ Location: ___ Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): ___ Posts: 160	How are you going to get in the van? Ramps? I can barely squeeze my daughters Razz scooter in my Windstar (have to remove the mirrors).

December 12th, 2011, 08:44 PM	#13
gadgetguy1288 Coastie Tweet Name: Randy Location: E City, NC Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Ebony, 2012 BMW F800R White Posts: 158	Found out its a newer model Town&Country, with the fold down seats so room wont be a problem. As for getting it in the van, were basically going to muscle it in with 4 guys. That's how we got it out of the truck that I brought it home with. __________________________________________________ Randy USCG Air Station Elizabeth City

December 13th, 2011, 10:49 AM	#15
Flying Pig Resident Lurker Name: Solomon Location: Bay Area, CA Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): R6, Strom, 250R, CH80 Elite Posts: 78	My friend has towed his and his gsxr and his girlfriend's 650r in a sienna. Only seats left in the minivan were the two front ones. And the 650 needed the windscreen removed to fit. Take that for whatever it might be worth. __________________________________________________ When was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

December 13th, 2011, 10:51 AM	#16
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	put a hitch on the van, rent a trailer, put the bike in the trailer. dont screw around when transporting heavy machinery. you will break something. Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________

December 13th, 2011, 01:26 PM	#17
blink Always. Name: Alex Location: Calgary, AB Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '05 GSX-R600 Posts: A lot.	no need to oil change and all //? __________________________________________________ blink-182

December 13th, 2011, 04:50 PM	#18
Mr.E That rider dude. Name: Eric Location: Orlando, Fl. Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 White Ninja 250 SE. Posts: A lot.	Btw, Make sure to check out the Orlando thread since it seems that's where you'll be staying. A bunch of us meet up here and what not, its in the group rides thread. x-) __________________________________________________ Mods: flushmount Led front binkers, diode mod, pazzo levers, clear tank pad, racing replica grips, bike monkeys integrated tal light, zx-2r vinyls, rearsets, red bar ends, and more red accented stuff.

December 18th, 2011, 01:43 AM	#19
gadgetguy1288 Coastie Tweet Name: Randy Location: E City, NC Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Ebony, 2012 BMW F800R White Posts: 158	Well, got down here without too much trouble. Although the loading/unloading process was a little difficult without any ramps. And we had to put it in through the side door cuz the rear door was too short. We were also able to leave one of the middle seats in. __________________________________________________ Randy USCG Air Station Elizabeth City

December 18th, 2011, 05:34 PM	#20
nickjpass #squid Name: nickypoo Location: Five Guys Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): Track dedicated 2008 ZX6R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jul '16	Looks fun. __________________________________________________

December 18th, 2011, 10:23 PM	#21
Reddoak ninjette.org guru Name: Bill Location: Orlando Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r - Traded for 2009 ER-6N Posts: 424	Nice! I stuck my ER-6n in a Ford E-150 cargo van once, that was a pretty easy process. I had 3 other guys help out. Took 5 minutes. The hardest time I ever had was putting an '86 Honda Interceptor 500 (yeah, red, white and blue) in a VW microbus. Old school... We had to stuff it in diagonally, at an angle, through the side door (motor was in the rear on those, so no back door...) It was.... interesting. If you intend to get the service done at a dealer down here, I would recommend Kissimmee Motor Sports. I've had pretty positive experiences with their service department. __________________________________________________

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