Lowering my ride
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Lowering my ride
I am investigating a camper van solution and want to transport my bike in this van. I intend putting the lowest screen on whilst I am in this "mode" of travel but I am reluctant to take the screen off each time I load up as the pressed in brass inserts in the fairing just won't hack that.
I am happy enough with the stock ride on my '10 FLHTK so don't feel a need to mod the ride as such.
I need to lower the bike:
Firstly when I load it through the rear door, and to do this I need to pull it down on the forks about 3 inches.
Once in the vehicle, I will need to pull the forks down about an inch
So, my questions are:
Is there a problem with pulling the bike down 3 inches (or lets say bottoming out for now) whilst I load up?
Is there a problem leaving the bike with an inch or so compression on the front forks whilst I travel. Could be as long as 2 days?
Is there an option to replace these with air units that I can get back to the current ride quickly and easily?
Hope this makes sense
Thanks
I am happy enough with the stock ride on my '10 FLHTK so don't feel a need to mod the ride as such.
I need to lower the bike:
Firstly when I load it through the rear door, and to do this I need to pull it down on the forks about 3 inches.
Once in the vehicle, I will need to pull the forks down about an inch
So, my questions are:
Is there a problem with pulling the bike down 3 inches (or lets say bottoming out for now) whilst I load up?
Is there a problem leaving the bike with an inch or so compression on the front forks whilst I travel. Could be as long as 2 days?
Is there an option to replace these with air units that I can get back to the current ride quickly and easily?
Hope this makes sense
Thanks
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Someone going to Spain?
I cut down my own windscreens ( cutting a new bottom edge) and have cut the "keyhole" larger.
By loosening slightly the 3 screws, I can slide windscreens out easily.
I wonder if this would work for you. just slide it out.
With little clearance I'd be worried about the top on the bike contacting on big bumps...how little clearance?
detachable tour pack?
mike
I cut down my own windscreens ( cutting a new bottom edge) and have cut the "keyhole" larger.
By loosening slightly the 3 screws, I can slide windscreens out easily.
I wonder if this would work for you. just slide it out.
With little clearance I'd be worried about the top on the bike contacting on big bumps...how little clearance?
detachable tour pack?
mike
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Someone going to Spain?
I cut down my own windscreens ( cutting a new bottom edge) and have cut the "keyhole" larger.
By loosening slightly the 3 screws, I can slide windscreens out easily.
I wonder if this would work for
you. just slide it out.
With little clearance I'd be worried about the top on the bike contacting on big bumps...how little clearance?
detachable tour pack?
mike
I cut down my own windscreens ( cutting a new bottom edge) and have cut the "keyhole" larger.
By loosening slightly the 3 screws, I can slide windscreens out easily.
I wonder if this would work for
you. just slide it out.
With little clearance I'd be worried about the top on the bike contacting on big bumps...how little clearance?
detachable tour pack?
mike
I have the detach kit already, but given the fact that we will be using the van as a base each night I would probably not take the Tour Pak at all.
I really like your idea of trimming the shield and opening up the slots, great call.
I plain on building a loading system with a winch. The bike will be securely strapped to the ramp so I don't expect the bumps to be an Issue but that is a good point and I will look in to that more carefully.
The rear door opening is 1305mm on the VW van and 1240mm on the merc van, once you get through the door the inside height is 1396 on the VW and 1250 on the merc.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
Don't worry about removing the windshield multiple times. There is a replacement insert for the fairing screws that are only a few cents each. They are very secure and you can take the shield off as many times a day as you want when using the replacement inserts without wearing them out.
Dennis
Dennis
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
hmmm,, lifting winch, not ramp? or winch to pull bike and ramp into van?
I often ramp my bike up and down, but most often open back truck
I usually find a place where I can position the truck below grade, so the ramp is more level. ( even a supermarket loading dock)
this may be less complicated.
transporting in general you need to think about the worse case scenario (driving in France), where you have to brake fast or swerve. You can't have the bike moving around, so it is imperative that the bike it secured so that it cannot come forward in a panic stop. We can always control the rate of acceleration, it's the other one...
a wheel chock can be good for that, any tie points for straps need to be into chassis, so they can't tear out.
( one of my Pals had his back broken by a loose item in the van in a panic stop).
get any height advantage by reducing tyre pressure?
Mike
I often ramp my bike up and down, but most often open back truck
I usually find a place where I can position the truck below grade, so the ramp is more level. ( even a supermarket loading dock)
this may be less complicated.
transporting in general you need to think about the worse case scenario (driving in France), where you have to brake fast or swerve. You can't have the bike moving around, so it is imperative that the bike it secured so that it cannot come forward in a panic stop. We can always control the rate of acceleration, it's the other one...
a wheel chock can be good for that, any tie points for straps need to be into chassis, so they can't tear out.
( one of my Pals had his back broken by a loose item in the van in a panic stop).
get any height advantage by reducing tyre pressure?
Mike
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
hmmm,, lifting winch, not ramp? or winch to pull bike and ramp into van?
I often ramp my bike up and down, but most often open back truck
I usually find a place where I can position the truck below
grade, so the ramp is more level. ( even a supermarket loading dock)
this may be less complicated.
transporting in general you need to think about the worse case scenario (driving in France), where you have to brake fast or swerve. You can't have the bike moving around, so it is imperative that the bike it secured so that it cannot come forward in a panic stop. We can
always control the rate of acceleration, it's the other one...
a wheel chock can be good for that, any tie points for straps need to be into chassis, so they can't tear out.
( one of my Pals had his back
broken by a loose item in the van in a panic stop).
get any height advantage by reducing tyre pressure?
Mike
I often ramp my bike up and down, but most often open back truck
I usually find a place where I can position the truck below
grade, so the ramp is more level. ( even a supermarket loading dock)
this may be less complicated.
transporting in general you need to think about the worse case scenario (driving in France), where you have to brake fast or swerve. You can't have the bike moving around, so it is imperative that the bike it secured so that it cannot come forward in a panic stop. We can
always control the rate of acceleration, it's the other one...
a wheel chock can be good for that, any tie points for straps need to be into chassis, so they can't tear out.
( one of my Pals had his back
broken by a loose item in the van in a panic stop).
get any height advantage by reducing tyre pressure?
Mike
Can't ride the bike in as it is just too low and dangerous. Once inside the bike will be secured to guide rails running down each side of the wheels and then strapped down in the van, which has loads of securing points but I do take on board what you are saying about hitting bumps and rapid braking.
Tyre pressure is worth investigating if I need more as getting a compressor on board is easy enough.
Interested in getting some feedback on the front shocks being loaded for a couple of days, haven't cleared this down in my mind yet
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
how about strap attachment points on the bike?
handlebars probably not good with the amount of tension you plan, bars could slip, rotate and bang the tank
Mike
handlebars probably not good with the amount of tension you plan, bars could slip, rotate and bang the tank
Mike
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
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From: Cheltenham, UK
If I need to pull the front down on the forks then I have seen a bracket that mounts between the engine guards up at the top where they meet, I will go with something like that.
Just about to order the van, so will get on with detailed design in about 2 months time. Will post pics when done
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
interested in how you get on.
i have had similar thoughts, using a Sprinter ( which is sold in the US), they do some cool conversions including a "toy hauler" (which is the term here for a caravan or motorhome with a "garage" on board).
Often they have a bed which comes down from the ceiling when the motorcycle is removed. floor has attachment points etc.
the Sprinter comes in a few versions here, extended wheelbase, raised roof etc.
Mike
i have had similar thoughts, using a Sprinter ( which is sold in the US), they do some cool conversions including a "toy hauler" (which is the term here for a caravan or motorhome with a "garage" on board).
Often they have a bed which comes down from the ceiling when the motorcycle is removed. floor has attachment points etc.
the Sprinter comes in a few versions here, extended wheelbase, raised roof etc.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 12, 2011 at 03:10 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Yes, Sprinter is a great van but a bit big as I plan to use this van as my daily runner as well. You could easily ride the bike in to a sprinter so far easier from a loading perspective. The VW transporter or Merc Vito is a great option from a daily runner perspective but very tight from a loading perspective.
If you google a company called "everything GRP" they have a really neat modular concept for the camper furniture
If you google a company called "everything GRP" they have a really neat modular concept for the camper furniture
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