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Loading RK into a van

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Old May 20, 2008 | 07:21 AM
  #1  
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Default Loading RK into a van

Ok guys need some insight here. Riding dn to North Carolina in two weeks. Coming back though I have to put my Rk in a cargo van. In 30+ years of riding believe it or not I have never done this. Trailer on occasion yes never a van. My questions. Will the bike height be ok or will I have to lower the bars a bit. I have ramps rated for 600 lbs, can I chance it or do I have to go out and buy ramps.And I will have help. I have a Condor wheel stop and tie downs, so I have that covered. What haven't I thought of and what am I going to run into. This is killing me putting a perfectly good running bike in a van, unfortunately I have no choice.
Thanks
Greg
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 08:09 AM
  #2  
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

It would seem to me this is something you should be able to figure out with the bike and the van sitting in front of you. You didn't mention what year, model and make of van, so we would have no idea of door clearance or capacity of the vehicle. As far as the ramp load rating, I think the bike is well over 700lbs and if you are going to be on it part way up the ramp, you have a serious overload problem.
Can you rent a trailer to pull behind the van?
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 08:26 AM
  #3  
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

Sorry it's a 2007 GMC cargo van. Trailer not an option.
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 08:30 AM
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

Broke a clutch cable years back doing wheelies on a GS550. We put it in a van to get it home.

1 - Bars on that bike barely made it, I think a RK will need the bars lowered some.
2 - Wide ramp. It is a real pain trying to roll something out the back when you don't have a place for your feet to walk it down.
3 - Find a good embankment or ditch to load it on so the ramp is close to level as you can get it. Plus will make it a lot easier to see if the bars will not make it without having to pull a hill up the ramp and hit the van top with the bars while your rolling.
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 08:33 AM
  #5  
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

Just measure the hight of the bike and that of the interior of the van.I have seen bikes in vans ao it should be possible,unless you have 18 inch apes
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 10:03 AM
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

ORIGINAL: georgiabiker
2 - Wide ramp. It is a real pain trying to roll something out the back when you don't have a place for your feet to walk it down.
3 - Find a good embankment or ditch to load it on so the ramp is close to level as you can get it. Plus will make it a lot easier to see if the bars will not make it without having to pull a hill up the ramp and hit the van top with the bars while your rolling.
I agree, trusting ramps could be risky.
Every town has some sort of whorehouse.....er I mean warehouse, I'd stop in and ask if you could use loading loading dock!
Lot's of places are even setting empty!
Some sort of food product would probably be all the payment the dock guy may need to allow you to do this.
Will the bike fit? The tape measure is your friend!
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 10:46 AM
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

3 People is optimal, one on each side of the rampand one in the van
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 11:03 AM
  #8  
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

Here's a video on how to do it.

http://www.toxicjunction.com/get.asp?i=V2565
 
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Old May 20, 2008 | 11:50 AM
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

problem solved
 
Old May 20, 2008 | 12:27 PM
  #10  
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Default RE: Loading RK into a van

I was wondering when that one would show up. Just be sure the back doors are open and the parking brake is set. 8-)
 
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