UK Riders: Best Bet for Touring / Transporting Bike + Self

[greybeard146]

I was thinking about this as an ideal solution for touring the hills / dales / peaks of the UK / Ireland viz. a transit type van + KTM 400EXC (or similar) + sleeping bag and a few other creature comforts.

Anyone familiar with this type of set-up?


What I like about it is that I get to stay dry when desired in driving around in the van, and when I want to scoot off down a track or up a goat track, I can park up and wheel the bike out. This would seem to almost be the best of both worlds...it also gives me the option of B+B en route too, because let's face it, sometimes, hacking it in the van ain't much fun, nor is getting soaked and/or frozen on the bike day-in-day-out.

Anyway, those are my thoughts...would appreciate hearing any positive input!

[redmurty]

I cannot see a problem with your idea, sound like you have already got it sussed. Just have a good time, plenty of B and B's around so no problem there just make sure the van is secure. cheers Spud

[Possu]

Sounds like a good idea, just make sure you buy the relevant maps that show the legal trails etc for the area's you'll be visiting. I recommend the OS Landranger series @ 1:25,000 or 1:50,000.

Also ensure that you know the difference between al the different types of route, this will help you stay legal.

Might be worth your while posting up in advance stating where you're headed in case another inmate is available and willing to give you a guided tour.

[Timpo]

Sounds good, but there are technicalities, ie, insurance of both van and bike, minimum 3rd party cover required. Tricky without a permanent UK address and driving UK reg'd vehicles.
Trails are best researched as a mistake may see your vehicles being siezed by the authorities.
Riding alone is not recommended, and this can be remedied by joining ride lead by the TRF or similar trail riding group. You get shown the best legal trails, and you have help if your ride turns in to an incident.

Timpo.

[greybeard146]

Thanks, guys, for the input!

What would you recommend as being the best type of van for this type of venture?


I'm wondering what vehicle(s) the regular enduro/trials/mx crowd use?


Cheers!

[Timpo]

Originally Posted by greybeard146

What would you recommend as being the best type of van for this type of venture?

Depends on your budget......

Originally Posted by greybeard146

I'm wondering what vehicle(s) the regular enduro/trials/mx crowd use?

Personally, I have a VW Transporter T5 LWB, and several others I know use this (and T4) van. Though, they can be expensive to buy, they seem to be reasonably reliable and have a very good security rating.
Mercedes Sprinters rate high too, a very big van, though overkill if you're travelling solo.
Other riders use Ford Transits, very good value and lots available in the market place. Modern units have plenty of farkles for the money.
Also Vauxhall (Nissan/Renault) Vivaro, Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay may be an option......

I recommend a few tips for you.....
Avoid vans with windows in the rear and try to find a van with a bulkhead, this will keep you goods out of sight from the thieving scrotes.
Do not have any stickers or signs on the vehicle indicating there may be bikes inside.

[greybeard146]

Originally Posted by Timpo

Depends on your budget......

Personally, I have a VW Transporter T5 LWB, and several others I know use this (and T4) van. Though, they can be expensive to buy, they seem to be reasonably reliable and have a very good security rating.
Mercedes Sprinters rate high too, a very big van, though overkill if you're travelling solo.
Other riders use Ford Transits, very good value and lots available in the market place. Modern units have plenty of farkles for the money.
Also Vauxhall (Nissan/Renault) Vivaro, Fiat Ducato, Citroen Relay may be an option......

I recommend a few tips for you.....
Avoid vans with windows in the rear and try to find a van with a bulkhead, this will keep you goods out of sight from the thieving scrotes.
Do not have any stickers or signs on the vehicle indicating there may be bikes inside.

Thanks, Timpo! Any pics?

Cheers!

[greybeard146]

Timpo, thanks for that. The van looks exactly right for what I was thinking...any chance of a pic of the inside set-up (with bike)?? If not, no worries.

Nice dog!

Cheers!