Table of contents

• Buying advice cars for motorcyclists The right car for transportation
• Interview with MOTORRAD fleet manager

archive

23 pictures

archive

1/23
Although the motorcycle could also be dragged into this family carriage, it is also more convenient: We are presenting twelve cars for motorcyclists.

manufacturer

2/23
Opel Combo: Interesting equipment features for the motorcycle packer: The sliding doors on the left and right are part of the basic equipment, the wing doors at the rear are cheaper than the Doblo at 135 euros extra.

manufacturer

3/23
Dacia Dokker: The first test results are still pending, the van sister Lodgy’s space, workmanship and suspension comfort are convincing.

manufacturer

4/23
Citroen Berlingo Multispace: The backrest of the front passenger seat can be folded down even with the basic “Attraction” equipment, and the loading professional also likes the gull-wing doors at the rear.

manufacturer

5/23
Volkswagen Transporter / Multivan: The enormous and varied amount of space with space for a total of seven people is its great advantage.

manufacturer

6/23
Opel Vivaro: The Vivaro is also optionally available with a second sliding door on the driver’s side (from 436.73 euros). B. the lashing of the motorcycle is made much easier. Practical anyway: the wing doors at the rear.

manufacturer

7/23
Mercedes Viano: Depending on the version, the Viano can accommodate a large family.

manufacturer

8/23
Ford Transit / Tourneo Custom: Access via two sliding doors is already part of the series with the Tourneo Custom “Trend” entry-level equipment.

Lohse

9/23
Eyelets: The lashing points must be firmly screwed into the vehicle floor. If there are no special eyelets, you should look for points in the car at the mountings of the seating groups in order to securely tension the motorcycle.

jkuenstle.de

10/23
Access ramp: available as a rigid solution or a foldable version – these are particularly suitable for transport in a van. Important when buying: pay attention to the permissible load, which must be specified by the manufacturer.

promobil archive

11/23
Creative: An entire tent is hidden in the roof of the Sylvansport trailer. Price from 11500 euros.

promobil archive

12/23
Compact: the motorcycle is loaded across on the narrow single-axle from SMV. Payload 600 kilos, prices from 1999 euros.

promobil archive

13/23
Conventional: With a payload of 600 kilos, there is space for two bikes on the Humbaur trailer. Price 922.25 euros.

promobil archive

14/23
Pick-up: a mostly complex special solution for motorcycles. Costs between 500 and 1500 euros.

Ratering

15/23
Sending: pays off for long-term destinations and especially when customs formalities still have to be dealt with

manufacturer

16/23
Of course, there are also alternatives to transport in your own car. Renting is only worthwhile for short trips and for weekly transports. Ramp and belts cost extra.

manufacturer

17/23
Volkswagen Caddy (Maxi): The load volume in the Maxi (from 1649 euros) can be savored more than in the basic Caddy, which is just under half a meter longer and opens a third row for two more passengers.

manufacturer

18/23
Renault (Grand) Kangoo: With a long rear, the XXL Kangoo not only offers space for a third row of seats, but can also solve many transport problems.

manufacturer

19/23
Ford Transit / Tourneo Custom: The second and third row of seats are completely removable so that two large motorcycles can be stowed away without any problems.

manufacturer

20/23
Fiat Doblo: The Doblo comes with four airbags, the ESP anti-skid program and two sliding doors from the factory in the “Pop” entry-level line.

manufacturer

21/23
Peugeot Partner Tepee: Since May 2008 the Peugeot has been loading plenty of cargo or, with two optional individual seats in the rear, up to seven passengers.

archive

22/23
Belts: At MOTORRAD, the tension belts with clamp locks have proven their worth. Belts with ratchet locks are not used because they are too unwieldy and are often too tight.

fact

23/23
Rainer Froberg (48) heads vehicle fleet logistics at MOTORRAD. His credo when it comes to transport: load carefully, unfasten cleanly and rather tighten one belt more than too little – “after all, there is a person behind the loading wall!”

to travel

Buying advice for cars for motorcycle transport

Buying advice cars for motorcyclists
The right car for transportation

There’s room in the smallest hut ?? With a little creativity and a firm will, even a full-fledged motorcycle can be stowed in the family carriage. But there is also a more convenient way: twelve car tips with plenty of space for the private motorcycle haulier.

Jorg Lohse

03/31/2013

What if there is no “Finn Torben on board” but “KLX inside” or “Twister on Tour” as a self-adhesive message on the rear of your four-wheeled vehicle? The offspring are fully fledged, the family vacation is out, but the days off could now be planned in intimate togetherness, but also with the familiar two-wheeler. Off to the mountains, down to the south – the monotonous journey is unwound verbatim on the motorway, and the two-wheeler only rolls out of the luggage compartment in the curvy destination area. Are you planning to replace your car anyway? All the better, then you can immediately include the vehicles on the following pages, which we have rated together with our sister magazines “auto, motor und sport” and “Lastauto Omnibus”, in your considerations.

Buy complete article

Buying advice cars for motorcyclists
The right car for transportation

6 pages) as PDF

€ 2.00

Buy now

First of all: There is of course no such thing as the ultimate recipe for how to stow your motorcycle safely in the car. Depending on the model, this can be done relatively easily or requires some very special tricks and tricks. Standard measure on almost every motorcycle: removing the mirrors. Additional height centimeters can be saved by loosening the handlebar clamp and turning the handlebars downwards – but watch out for the cables! Does the transport fail due to a few centimeters of the vehicle length? Then the expansion of the front wheel could bring the decisive gain in space. A wheelbarrow wheel (from the hardware store) pushed onto the quick-release axle ensures that the motorcycle can still be maneuvered easily. A wedge placed in the brake calliper prevents the pads from being compressed if you accidentally grip the brake.

Safe lashing of the bike is crucial during transport. The MOTORRAD professionals reveal how vehicle logistics are handled safely in day-to-day editorial work. Good tensioning straps that ensure a solid stand are indispensable. Ideally, the motorcycle is pulled against the solid rear of a folded seat bench – the main or side stand remain folded in to prevent it from rocking while driving. A stable (loading) wall that can be sawed to size and fixed behind the front seats is essential. Cunning people push their motorcycle backwards, tighten it slightly, then push it backwards and pull the brake lever (e.g. with a cable tie). Good Trip!

Subscribe to MOTORCYCLE videos on Youtube

manufacturer

Ford Transit / Tourneo Custom.

Ford Transit / Tourneo Custom

In 2013, Ford sent the compact Transporter versions Transit and Tourneo Custom into the race. With their streamlined, sporty appearance, they should set themselves apart from the rather clumsy Transit series, which are also available with family-friendly interior fittings (“Euroline” model, from 39 388 euros). Like the competitors, the Custom line is offered with a short or long wheelbase, but the Transit or Tourneo Custom will be available with full seating from the “Basic” entry-level version. How the seats are arranged is up to the user: depending on the seating configuration, there is space for up to nine people. The second and third rows are completely removable, so that two large motorcycles can be stowed away without any problems. Another bonus point for loading and lashing: access via two sliding doors is already part of the series with the Tourneo Custom “Trend” entry-level equipment.

manufacturer

Opel Vivaro.

Opel Vivaro

As you can see here, it is available with a lightning bolt in the radiator grille, but also very often with the Renault diamond as Trafic and at the Nissan dealer as the Primastar. Except for the identification mark, there are hardly any differences. All three vans with car equipment suitable for large families are technically identical and are manufactured in England (where the Vauxhall Vivaro still comes off the production line for the UK market). Wide distribution and low prices make the “nine-seater”, which has been available since 2001, also interesting as a used one. In the hobby racing scene, the Opel / Renault alliance, as a solid mule, enjoys a much higher level of acceptance than the competitor model from Wolfsburg. With a long wheelbase, a motorcycle fits into the second row of seats in the rear compartment. So you don’t have to wait until the children are out of the house or the car. The Vivaro is also optionally available with a second sliding door on the driver’s side (from 436.73 euros). B. the lashing of the motorcycle is made much easier. Practical anyway: the wing doors at the rear.

manufacturer

Volkswagen Transporter / Multivan.

Volkswagen Transporter / Multivan

The current range of vans with the multivan family ship has been on the road since 2003, and the last facelift was given in October 2009: the five-cylinder TDI engines were swapped for more economical four-cylinder with common rail injection. The most powerful diesel (180 hp) works with double charging. The Multivan is available in standard and long versions (from 2933 euros) and with all-wheel drive (“4Mo-tion”, from 38 967 euros). Its advantages: the enormous and varied amount of space with space for a total of seven people (“Comfortline” equipment, plus 10 145 euros). With a low noise level and pleasant suspension comfort, the transporter genes are barely noticeable in the Multivan. This also applies to its safe cornering behavior, good handiness and precise steering. The seat conversion and expansion is cumbersome and needs helpers.

manufacturer

Mercedes Viano.

Mercedes Viano

The Viano has been in the Mercedes program since 2003; the last facelift was over two years ago (July 2010). Like its sister model, the Transporter Vito, the competitor for the VW Multivan is made in Spain. Depending on the version, the Viano can accommodate a large family. The long or extra-long version costs 869 or 1702 euros extra, with seating with a third row of seats an additional 453 euros. The “Trend” series version includes a sliding door on the right, the left is optionally available for 806 euros. When removing all seats, at least two full-size motorcycles fit into the rear compartment. If you want to continue traveling comfortably with this payload, you should order the air suspension (2009 euros) or choose the “Ambiente” equipment line (from 6735 euros surcharge). Used buyers should watch out for rust problems.

manufacturer

Ford Transit / Tourneo Connect.

Ford Transit / Tourneo Connect

The delivery van version based on the Ford Focus has been on the road since 2003. More widespread than the family-friendly Tourneo Connect is the truck version Transit Connect as a closed box van. For 2013, the compact high-roof station wagons and delivery vans are coming in a new design, this time based on the C-Max car model. The Transit Connect is optionally available with a short wheelbase and a flat roof, but load masters will appreciate the long version with a high roof more. How the new Tourneo Connect will be equipped had not yet been finalized at the time of going to press. The most interesting variant, however, will be the “Grand” version, which offers space for seven people and will have a large footprint in the rear when the rows of chairs are expanded (similar to the new Van Tourneo Custom designed). If you are interested in a used first-generation Tourneo, you should check whether the rear bench seat can also be completely removed from the corresponding model year.

manufacturer

Volkswagen Caddy (Maxi).

Volkswagen Caddy (Maxi)

Even if the whole family is crying out for the Touran: As a forward-looking transport planner, insist on the inexpensive and rustic solution that a caddy has to offer. The current series has been on the road since May 2004, the last facelift was given to the Volkswagen in September 2010. The load volume in the Maxi (from 1649 euros) can be savored more than in the basic caddy, which is another half a meter longer and opens a third row for two more passengers. The optional expansion of the seats is already specified for the basic “Startline” equipment, but in practice you should approach the chair with a strong helper and allow some time (especially the first time). When it comes to motorization, there is a choice of three gasoline and seven diesel versions, as well as natural gas and LPG drive.

manufacturer

Fiat Doblo.

Fiat Doblo

The second generation of the Fiat Doblo started in February 2010 and is now more geared towards car enthusiasts. An elaborate independent wheel suspension has noticeably improved driving comfort, and the interior has been given real living space quality with appealing materials. Even the basic equipment of the Fiat is impressive: the Doblo comes with four airbags, the ESP anti-skid program and two sliding doors ex works in the “Pop” entry line. With the family package (from 650 euros), you can take a seat in a third row of seats in the cargo area. Those who cannot warm up to the diesel engines should think about the natural gas turbo with 120 hp. Smart extras for the two-wheel logistician: the optionally available high roof (1000 euros) and the practical rear wing doors (200 euros).

manufacturer

Renault (Grand) Kangoo.

Renault (Grand) Kangoo

For friends with full seating, the Kangoo is not only available in standard dimensions, but also as a stretch limo with 40 centimeters more length. The current series started in January 2008, and the facelift followed exactly three years later (2011). With a long rear, the XXL-Kangoo not only offers space for a third row of seats, but can also solve many transport problems. Removing the seats in the rear is easy to do, but experts stow motorcycles such as an SR 500 simply by folding down the rear seats. The testers appreciate the Kangoo’s ease of use as well as the acceptable suspension comfort and problem-free cornering. The stable brakes are also convincing. His downsides: volume at high speed, hooky gearshifts and slightly callous steering.

manufacturer

Dacia Dokker.

Dacia Dokker

The low-budget brand of the French car manufacturer Renault has now built up a real fan circle. New in the range from March 2013: the Dokker high-roof station wagon, which will support the well-known Lodgy family van (from 9,990 euros). The Dokker transporter, which has been upgraded to a family carriage, is priced a whole 1000 euros lower and offers sliding doors that are extremely practical for transporters (in the base only on the right, from the “Ambience” equipment line on both sides, prices are still open). The four-digit entry price is topped off by a comprehensive safety package: In addition to front and side airbags, the basic version of the Dokker is equipped with the electronic stability program ESP. The first test results are still pending, with the van sister Lodgy convincing space, workmanship and suspension comfort. On the negative side, the testers were particularly annoyed by the roaring road noises, the uncomfortable seats and poor agility.

manufacturer

Peugeot partner TePee.

Peugeot partner TePee

Lion or double point? This model also has the same technical solution from another company. The partner Tepee is essentially identical to the Berlingo from Citroën. Since May 2008, the Peugeot has been loading plenty of cargo or, with two optional individual seats in the rear, up to seven passengers. In spring 2012 it was given a very subtle model upgrade. The high-roof station wagon cannot hide its transporter genes; extras such as the ladder flap (310 euros) still identify it as a craftsman’s car. With the “Allure” equipment line (plus 3350 euros), the individual seats in the rear can be removed very easily. In the test, in addition to the large, variable interior, the handling and the cultivated diesel engines are also convincing. Weaknesses have to be accepted in terms of comfort, the mediocre overview and the bumpy steering. From the “Active” equipment line, the Tepee is available with two sliding doors.

manufacturer

Citroen Berlingo Multispace.

Citroen Berlingo Multispace

The current Berlingo generation (model launched in May 2008, facelift in March 2012) not only offers a lot of space for the family, but can also be tailored to large transport projects in a variety of ways. The backrest of the front passenger seat can be folded down even with the basic “Attraction” equipment, and the double doors at the rear also appeal to the loading professional. From the next higher expansion level, “Tendance” (plus 1850 euros), three removable individual seats are installed in the rear, plus another sliding door on the driver’s side, which makes it much easier to lash the two-wheeled cargo. If you treat yourself to the full seating package, the “Family” option can accommodate seven travelers in the Berlingo. The Citroën scores with its good handling, the sophisticated diesel engines and its comfortable seats. It has small weaknesses in terms of comfort, poor clarity and its jerky steering.

manufacturer

Opel Combo.

Opel Combo

Russelsheim or Turin? Neither, the Combo is almost identical to the Fiat Doblo, but rolls off the assembly line in Turkey like its Italian brother. Not only are the optics very similar, the technical correspondence rate is also high, including the available engine variants – also here with the 120 hp natural gas turbo. The anti-skid program is standard in the Opel from the entry-level “Selection”, but the side airbags cost an extra charge (225 euros). Interesting equipment features for the motorcycle packer: The sliding doors on the left and right are part of the basic equipment, the wing doors at the rear are cheaper than the Doblo at 135 euros extra. Here, too, a third row of seats can be anchored in the rear. Compared to other high-roof station wagons, the complete expansion of the seats is more complex.

manufacturer

Renting: is only worthwhile for short trips and for transports during the week. Ramp and belts cost extra.

Rent a van
An alternative that can cost money and is not always easy to achieve. On the subject of costs: vans are often rented as moving helpers on weekends – which of course drives up rental prices. The private motorcycle haulier drives cheaper if he plans his trip during the week: At Europcar, at the time of the research, a Sprinter cost only 29 euros per day from Monday to Thursday. Second point: the loading. Transport can be a tricky undertaking without a stable ramp and fixed lashing straps. The rental vans also often lack solid eyelets to secure the load.

Ratering

Sending: is worthwhile for long-term destinations and especially when customs formalities still have to be completed.

Send by forwarding agent
An alternative to have the motorcycle brought to the holiday destination directly and without a monotonous journey via the motorway. The SKS forwarding company is one of the largest motorcycle mail order companies, which not only handles the logistics for Harley-Davidson, but also transports Otto normal riders’ bikes – securely lashed in special transport cages, from door to door on request, anywhere in the world. Of course, the work of the professionals has its price: within Germany between 216 and 283 euros, to Benelux and Austria for 330 euros. Transport to the Pyrenees would cost around 500 euros – one-way, of course.

promobil archive

Pick-up: a mostly complex special solution for motorcycles. Costs between 500 and 1500 euros.

With the mobile home
Garage and hotel in one, plus the mobility guarantee so that you can easily reach attractive destinations at your holiday destination. But be careful: With motorized two-wheelers, the limit values ​​of the carrier systems supported on the frame are quickly reached. For scooters, the pick-up is usually still possible without any problems, if real motorcycles are to be saddled, calls for a special solution. Prerequisite: The motorhome is blessed with ample reserves for the axle load and payload. In order to make it easier to charge even smaller or lighter vehicles, the carrier should definitely be lowerable.

promobil archive

Conventional: With a payload of 600 kilos, there is space for two bikes on the Humbaur trailer. Price 922.25 euros.

On the trailer
Probably the best alternative for private vehicle transport, after all, there is now a suitable trailer concept for almost every occasion. If you want to convert your simple flatbed trailer, with which the green waste usually rolls to the chopping area throughout the year, for motorcycle transport, you should definitely not only get a stable, non-slip ramp, but also screw a suitable holding device for the motorcycle on the loading area. So-called rockers, into which the front wheel is pushed, are particularly practical. The motorcycle is immediately stable and can then be braced effortlessly – even if you are working alone. Depending on the scope, the upgrade costs around 200 euros.

promobil archive

Compact: the motorcycle is loaded across on the narrow single-axle from SMV. Payload 600 kilos, prices from 1999 euros.

If you want to regularly go on tour with your bike in tow, you should treat yourself to a real motorcycle trailer with an integrated ramp as well as retaining brackets and non-slip checkered plates ensure optimal loading conditions. Depending on your budget, there are simple entry-level models from just under 700 euros or smart special solutions such as B. the collapsible motorcycle trailer from Boxer-Design for around 2000 euros, which disappears in the trunk of the towing vehicle after transport. On the subject of trailer hitch: If you don’t have the agricultural hook on your car ex works, you have to calculate around 300 euros in parts and two hours of assembly time for retrofitting.

archive

Access ramp: available as a rigid solution or a foldable version.

Access ramp: is available as a rigid solution or a foldable version – these are particularly suitable for transport in a van. Important when buying: pay attention to the permissible load, which must be specified by the manufacturer.

Lohse

The lashing points must be firmly screwed into the vehicle floor.

Eyelets: The lashing points must be firmly screwed into the vehicle floor. If there are no special eyelets, you should look for points in the car at the mountings of the seating groups in order to securely tension the motorcycle.

Lohse

At MOTORRAD, the tension belts with clamp locks have proven their worth.

Belts: At MOTORRAD, the tension belts with clamp locks have proven their worth. Belts with ratchet locks are not used because they are too unwieldy and are often too tight.

Interview with MOTORRAD fleet manager

fact

Rainer Froberg (48) heads vehicle fleet logistics at MOTORRAD. His credo when it comes to transport: load carefully, unfasten cleanly and rather tighten one belt more than too little – “after all, there is a person behind the loading wall!”.

? A vehicle fleet with three XXL Sprinters from Mercedes, a VW transporter, various trailers: MOTORRAD still drives a motorcycle at all?

! More than enough. But before the test, our “trucks” roll. The motorcycles must be picked up by dealers, importers or manufacturers. In winter, all testing moves to the south of Europe – otherwise serious testing would not be possible. Every year we move over 400 machines across Europe for the MOTORRAD Group with our sister magazines PS, 2Rader and MOTORRAD CLASSIC. This quickly adds up to over 250,000 kilometers a year.

? Your sprinters look spacious, how much can you load?

! If we pack well, up to five motorcycles at the same time. However, the available space cannot always be explored one-to-one. We can load a good ton, so a cruiser test is over after three vehicles. After all, the driver, co-driver, measuring and test equipment and a tank full to the brim must also be factored in.

? What is indispensable when transporting a motorcycle?

! First of all, the motorcycle has to get safely into the hold. Many hobby transporters try to push the vehicle into the car on a beer bench. Too bad that the wooden bench is way too short and the angle is way too steep. You can tell by the loading sill at the latest. In addition, the load capacity for most motorcycles is insufficient, and such a device is slippery on top of that. If you want to do it right, treat yourself to a sturdy folding rail with a non-slip surface that can be positioned flat and secured against slipping.

? What are typical mistakes that can happen when lashing?

! If the motorcycle is on the side stand or center stand while tightening. The stands are then so under load that impacts from bumps in the ground can simply be passed through and recordings can break. If things go really bad, even the frame is gone and a total write-off.

? How is it right?

! Align the motorcycle straight, the front and rear wheels are in alignment. Ideally, it is braced against the loading wall at the front. The first fixed point is the lower triple clamp. If you can’t get there with fully faired bikes, the inside handlebar is used. Make sure that no cables are kinked by the straps. Tighten alternately tightly, but not to a block, so that the fork innards are not destroyed by movements while driving. Brace the back as straight down as possible. It is best to look for fixed framework points. Then secure the front again in opposite directions so that the motorcycle stops safely even when the brakes are full.

Related articles

• Rear rack for motorcycle transport: what is possible and what should be considered?

  L. sings f for motorcycle transport Caravans, mobile homes, Anh nger, transport systems All-round 5 pictures manufacturer 1/5 That “Allround Cate…

• 8 camper vans for motorcycle transport (2020 overview)

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Ingolf Pompe 22nd pictures Citroen 1/22 Citroen Jumper Biker Solution:…

• Citroen Biker Solution Multi – motorhome with motorcycle transport option

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Citroen 22nd pictures Citroen 1/22 Citroen has expanded its range of…

• Overview – possibilities of motorcycle transport trip

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Herder 6th pictures Claudia Werel 1/6 What transport options are there…

• Motorcycle transport lock from AXfix: For motorcycles with hollow axles

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems manufacturer 5 pictures manufacturer 1/5 Through the hollow axles of…

• Motorcycle transport

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems counselor workshop Motorcycle transport Motorcycle transport…

• Folding caravans for camping and motorcycle transport

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Farfalla campers 14th pictures Farfalla campers 1/14 The Farfalla…

• Humbaur HKPA: fully poly-aluminum luggage tag for motorcycle transport

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Humbaur 4th pictures Humbaur 1/4 Humbaur is adding the new HKPA…

• Caravan with motorcycle transport option

  Motorcycle transport solutions Caravans, mobile homes, trailers, transport systems Photo: Pompe 5 pictures Pompe 1/5 Benches and a table are unfolded in…

• Buying advice for motorcycle navigation systems and apps for motorcycle tours

  jkuenstle.de 15th pictures Garmin 1/15 Garmin Zumo 390 LM, 449 euros – purchase tip in MOTORRAD 18/2015: Except for the poor navigation result on the…