revtothelimit - motorbike forum

Helping a friend move house in a couple of weeks. They've got a couple of bikes which need moving too, none in a roadworthy condition so I'm sorting out van hire. Do all vans come with tie down points? I assume not. Any guidance on how best to secure the bike/s?

Yeah i've not known one that doesn't. Although they're in slightly different locations at times.

Have you investigated how much a bike mover might cost you vs van hire costs, unless you are using the van for other trips it might save you the hassle?

A mate of mine used these less than two weeks ago to shift 4 bikes in two trips, seemed pretty good.

https://www.twinztransport.co.uk/

Dickyboy wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:01 pm Have you investigated how much a bike mover might cost you vs van hire costs, unless you are using the van for other trips it might save you the hassle?

A mate of mine used these less than two weeks ago to shift 4 bikes in two trips, seemed pretty good.

https://www.twinztransport.co.uk/

If you have your own van you can fill in a huge amount of "stuff" around the bikes, which a bike-mover probably wouldn't let you do.


@Beancounter I'm sure I've mentioned this before - but when I was doing van moving for money (ie working for a bike shop), we used to tie the first bike in with 1 strap:
- pad of some sort against the right wall,
- lean bike on wall with steering turned hard left
- tie front brake on
- strap from front-right floor of van (obviously assumes a tie-hook there), to lower yoke
- pull strap taught so that forks are compressed "somewhat" (don't need to FULLY compress them, but pull it down pretty hard)

Second bike then generally tied down the same way on the other side - depends on van config (ie where doors are, etc etc)

The other way to do it with more straps is this (also works for trailers):
Bike in van straight - up against one side (this is so you can get both bikes in)
Tie front wheel to something so it can't move in any direction (especially sideways)
strap from fork leg above lower yoke to a tie down near the rear of the van/trailer (both sides)
strap from rear of bike frame (as far back as possible, but make sure it's a strong part of the frame) to tie downs near the front of the van/trailer.

2nd bike same fashion (assuming you have room !)

The first method gives more room for 2 bikes in a smaller van.

IIRC the most I ever had in the Merc Sprinter we used in Nottingham was 5 scooters, bit a spiders-web of straps but nothing moved in transit.

When you hire the van, first thing to check is for tie-down loops. (ask for them when you make the booking)

Oh and get a GOOD ramp - the "convex" ones are excellent.

Dickyboy wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:01 pm Have you investigated how much a bike mover might cost you vs van hire costs, unless you are using the van for other trips it might save you the hassle?

A mate of mine used these less than two weeks ago to shift 4 bikes in two trips, seemed pretty good.

https://www.twinztransport.co.uk/

Aye, thought of that but we'll be using the van for moving boxes and bits of furniture too, I'd imagine there will be 6/7 runs over the weekend.

Beancounter wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:27 pm6/7 runs

In which case sack the van idea off and get a luton with a tail lift, less trips and easier loading / unloading.

MrLongbeard wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 3:20 pm

Beancounter wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:27 pm6/7 runs

In which case sack the van idea off and get a luton with a tail lift, less trips and easier loading / unloading.

Not a bad thought - getting the bikes in might be easier - depending on how "humpable" they are (ie, got to hump them round once the lift has come up)

MrLongbeard wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 3:20 pm

Beancounter wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:27 pm6/7 runs

In which case sack the van idea off and get a luton with a tail lift, less trips and easier loading / unloading.

When my mate BeeDubya was moving, we borrowed the works Luton with tail lift - made life so much easier (not just the bikes, it can be set as a step too).

The bikes included a couple of BMWs, so bulky & heavy.

I've used Phil at Acceleration several times - the last just last week. He is an expert at moving bikes, has a properly kitted out van and is very reliable and helpful. Plus he charges about half what anyvan and the like quote. It's not actually that much more expensive than renting a van / trailer and so much easier on the mind.... He is however often busy so lead times can be a couple of weeks.

https://www.motorcycletransportservices.co.uk/

Rockburner wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 3:22 pm

MrLongbeard wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 3:20 pm

Beancounter wrote: Wed Jul 02, 2025 2:27 pm6/7 runs

In which case sack the van idea off and get a luton with a tail lift, less trips and easier loading / unloading.

Not a bad thought - getting the bikes in might be easier - depending on how "humpable" they are (ie, got to hump them round once the lift has come up)

I did this with a fireblade and a 690 enduro on my own and it was as sketchy as fuck. I managed it but I would never do it again. There’s no clean way to manoeuvre them or pivot them on the stand.

Transits have loops for tie downs
VW Crafters also have loops

Well the ones I hired did