Van rental

[Spinal]

Not sure if this is general motoring or not; but it involves 2 motors...

I think I've found my bike... its a 2001 Ducati If I get the bike, I'll get pics. But transport is a problem as my DAS is in a week.... hummm (I'm getting ahead of myself, I know...)

Now, I've seen motorcycle collection companies, and though I'm sure they are good - I don't like the idea of paying the seller beforehand then paying a third party to move my possession without me...

So, I was thinking - the bike is less than 100 miles from home - does anyone know of a company that rents vans (preferrably with anchors built in to which I can strap my bike too?) Or at least with ramps?

That way I can drag a friend or two along, pay the seller and move my bike the same day - all without breaking the law

I've just mailed rentabanger (which is scarily close to my house...) know of any others? Or maybe of a motorcycle removal company that is willing to pick up the bike when I go and pay as well as let me ride shotgun?

Thanks,
Michele

 

[BTB 500]

All panel vans should have load anchoring rings in the floor - with some decent ratchet straps it ought to be no problem to anchor a bike securely. Not sure about getting a big (heavy) bike in there in the first place, though!

 

[Spinal]

I might have found a company that will work around me!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120152324392

I'll need to contact them and see if they can collect at 6 in the evening! Otherwise, I was wondering, do you think a medium (750cc, 180ish kg dry weight, 55ish inches wheelbase) bike will fit on the lifting-base of a Luton van?

I'm thinking of going to view it on Wednesday and make a deal with the seller (though I'm fairly sure its going to be good - it has full Ducati service history and was last serviced a just before summer; 9000miles and 2001 model...). Then I'de like to collect it Friday...

Another option would be to find a multistorey parking lot near the seller (in Verwood, Dorset) and leave it there for a few days until I can ride it back! (assuming I pass... otherwise I need to get one of these vans...)

Lets see what the eBay van people say (they even have MY name!) if not, I'll need to rent...

Michele

 

[Ade B]

You'll struggle to get the bike into a luton van even on a lift as turning it will be tricky and the lock on an sportsbike is tiny - with two people one could lift the front or rear round but its no lightweight.

Best bet is two people and a scaffolding plank into a normal transit type van.

Or more sensibly, pick it up once you've passed - far more fun

Ade

 

[davidpavey]

No need for a box van, hire a small van, Trafic, Vito, Transit, etc, then use a plank or ramp, much easier all round as you`re only pushing up a small gradient, rather than balancing on a taillift with it 4-5 feet up
I`ve got a couple of metal motorbike troughs, you`re welcome to borrow if you want. I think my office is only round the corner from you (Harefield, Uxbridge). I`m in ther Tuesday if you want them. Good luck

 

[Spinal]

OOH! You might have made my day! I want to see if (by removing all the seats) I can fit the bike in the whale-erm, I mean Voyager.

I'll go do some measurements - if it fits, I would LOVE to borrow those troughs!

(I think it'll fit lengthwise, I've managed to fit a 125cc in a audi 80 - but I'm worried about the height...)

Michele

 

[davidpavey]

No worries mate, let me know. You should fit it in the Voyager, I got my Gixxer in one, had to remove the screen though (height issue). I think the Duke should be the same, take a few hex keys with, it should come off in a couple of minutes

 

[Spinal]

Measured...
Hmm, doubt it... Need to find more detailed specs on the bike, but the seat is at 88cm, and while the inside of the whale is 120cm, the door is only 100cm...

Van rental it is - lets see if rent-a-banger will answer the phone on a Sunday! I'll also need to arrange insurance for this - but I could drive down on Tuesday evening and can get you the troughs back on Wednesday... oooh, the temptation! I'll drop you a pm if I can place a van! Thank you so much!

Michele

Found some more detailed specs: 1,100 mm (43.3 inches) (but I'm not 100% sure). I've asked on a Ducati forum when the height without the windscreen is; fingers crossed!

Michele

 

[davidpavey]

Good luck in getting it sorted mate, I`ll take them into work with me Tuesday, no rush in getting them back, I`m not using them at the moment.

 

[Spinal]

OK, rent-a-banger aren't answering the phone, but assuming 50% more than their adverts (£40 a week; so say £60) + 1 week of insurance from temporary insurance plc (fully comp) at £68 is £120.

£60 more than getting the company to deliver it sounds reasonable for peace of mind!

I'll pm you my details on Monday, as soon as I have a van rented! Expect pics of wednesday

Michele

 

[davidpavey]

Do you need a van for a week?? you must be able to rent one with insurance for a day for about £40-50!!!

 

[Spinal]

Nope - don't need one for a week; but the van rental companies I found in my 5 minute search want me to be 23 years old - which usually wouldn't be a problem as my housemate could drive (hes just turned 30 to his great displeasure) - but his parents are visiting, so I doubt I can convice him to drive for 4 hours when he could be touring...

I'll need to look better tomorrow when companies are actually open - and ask my friends what their ages are! (the disadvantages of being ALMOST 22 - just a few more days now )...

Theres a company on eBay that rents vans right near me, £25 a day with insurance - but it demands the driver is 23...

I've called some friends, and the only 23year old that is free just happens to be in Sweden! grrr...

At this point, the ideal scenario is I find a van that I can rent for a day or two. If not, I'm going in the Voyager on Tuesday (I've just got a reply regarding the Ducati's height,

carby SS is 1110mm from ground to top of screen--if you remove farings,screen and mirrors it will fit in a 1000mm hole! total higth after these removed is around 970mm- dont know about an injection 750 tho

and I'm bringing a tape measure. If I find that it'll fit without dismantling half the bike and without damaging the bike - great! Otherwise, I'll have to drive back a few days later and get that motorcycle moving company to meet me there (or rent a van).

What is the "standard proceedure" in this case? Do I leave a deposit and pay the rest when I collect the bike? Do I pay the full amount and take the paperwork and get that sorted?

Thanks again!
Michele


edit: "mine" is an injection model...

 

[davidpavey]

If you do it that way, I personally would leave a deposit (make sure you get a receipt) and then pay the balance when you collect it.