Motorbike or Scooter and what rack to use?

[zen1th]

Just about to start my bike licence at my grand old age of 55, and looking at ideas for additional transportation.

Just wondering if people prefer scooters or motorbikes, and the best way of transporting them. Is there such a thing as a dedicated motorbike rack for rear of MH, or would a small scooter that can fit in garage be best option?

The bike would have to be capable of carrying myself and my wife as a passenger, so not sure a teeny one would fit in the garage.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[VXman]

We carry a scooter in our garage. However, it is electric and pretty light. If in the garage you need to be aware of the garage payload and also the height of the scooter/motorbike. We remove the mirrors on ours the fit it in. Depending on the weight of the bike you may need the rear suspension beefed up.

A rack mounted on the chassis might give you more options but will be expensive to fit and you are more likely to need the rear suspension beefed up - air assist is an option. (£from 600 ish fitted The further back the bike the more effect it has on the weight over the rear axle.

Heres an example of the cost of a rack - without fitting!

Memo M-Classic 150kg Single Scooter RackDefault Title

The M-Classic scooter carrier. The frame of this carrier is made of steel, which is galvanized to prevent rusting. The ramps, light bar and bracket are made of aluminum.The M-Classic is versatile and available for the following applications:� 1 Scooter� Scooter and bicycles� 4 Bikes (cycle)�...

ukcampingandleisure.co.uk

These people will supply and fit bike carriers. I used them for my air suspension and was impressed.

Motorhome Towbars | UK Towbars | Trusted & Experienced

We specialise in supplying & installing motorhome towbars. Contact us for a quote, advice and fitting info for motorhome towbars.

www.uk-towbars.net

 

[zen1th]

Thanks for the info.

Don’t really want to get electric scooter, but understand they are improving all the time.
Read somewhere against putting petrol engined bikes in a MH garage due to fuel venting and entering hab area.

The single scooter rack may be the best solution, but as you say I would need to beef up the suspension.

Nothing in life is easy is it ha ha.

 

[VXman]

Read somewhere against putting petrol engined bikes in a MH garage due to fuel venting and entering hab area.

Could be but I have seen many motorhomes with petrol bikes in the garage.

 

[David and Sally]

We have a scooter on a Motolug trailer. Obviously you need a towbar but at least it dismantles for storage when you don’t need it.

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[zen1th]

Could be but I have seen many motorhomes with petrol bikes in the garage.

Yeah me too, but doesn’t make it safe if there is possibility of fuel vapours entering the hab.

 

[zen1th]

We have a scooter on a Motolug trailer. Obviously you need a towbar but at least it dismantles for storage when you don’t need it.

Mind if I ask what scooter you have? Can it carry two people?

 

[David and Sally]

Mind if I ask what scooter you have? Can it carry two people?

A Yamaha XMax 300. Plenty of power for two. 80mpg.

 

[PaulW2]

Just about to start my bike licence at my grand old age of 55, and looking at ideas for additional transportation.

Just wondering if people prefer scooters or motorbikes, and the best way of transporting them. Is there such a thing as a dedicated motorbike rack for rear of MH, or would a small scooter that can fit in garage be best option?

The bike would have to be capable of carrying myself and my wife as a passenger, so not sure a teeny one would fit in the garage.

Any help greatly appreciated.

I had a custom built rack on the back of my previous motorhome and carried a Honda SH300 scooter (weight 160kg) on it. That was ok for the motorhome as it was on an Iveco chassis with a 3,700kg rear axle. It was a practical solution for us - comfortable seats, low centre of gravity, easy to operate, capable of keeping up with motorway traffic if required.

Most motorhomes couldn't carry that weight in that manner and then it becomes a question of trailer solutions.

Motorbike or scooter? It's a personal thing. I would recommend, once you've done your licence and have experience of riding the school's (c. 650cc?) bikes that you test ride a sufficiently powerful scooter to give you a sense of what the options may be.

I now have a PVC and no motorbike but do have electric cycles that I sometimes take with us.

 

[Vansflyer]

What are the dimensions of your garage and the real payload of the van, this will rule in or out some of the options.
Carried a Honda Grom (too small), KTM 390 Duke, a 790 Duke and currently a Honda SH350 scooter in ours. Only time we have ever smelt fuel was when I overfilled the Groom once just before returning to the camp site. Older bikes used to vent fuel but not in the last 15+ years with most having fuel injection.
IMHO you need 300cc+ for two up riding on a scoot or a bike so you can get a brisk getaway and keep up with national speed limit traffic.

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[zen1th]

A Yamaha XMax 300. Plenty of power for two. 80mpg.

Just had a look and I like what I see. Thanks for the info.

 

[oldiesontour]

We have just swopped 2 ebikes for a 125 scooter not the fastest but only planning shot ISH runs (10/15 miles) so 50mph enough.Scooter 110 kg home made towbar mounted rack 25/30 kg Peugeot Boxer pvc

 

[zen1th]

What are the dimensions of your garage and the real payload of the van, this will rule in or out some of the options.
Carried a Honda Grom (too small), KTM 390 Duke, a 790 Duke and currently a Honda SH350 scooter in ours. Only time we have ever smelt fuel was when I overfilled the Groom once just before returning to the camp site. Older bikes used to vent fuel but not in the last 15+ years with most having fuel injection.
IMHO you need 300cc+ for two up riding on a scoot or a bike so you can get a brisk getaway and keep up with national speed limit traffic.

It could well have been an old article I was reading about fuel venting, so I think it’s safe to assume newer bikes would be ok.

The MH isn’t yet purchased. Trying to tick all the boxes before we retire and make the jump.

From what others have said, seems that 300cc would be a perfect size.

Thanks.

 

[zen1th]

We have just swopped 2 ebikes for a 125 scooter not the fastest but only planning shot ISH runs (10/15 miles) so 50mph enough.Scooter 110 kg home made towbar mounted rack 25/30 kg Peugeot Boxer pvc

Cheers.

Planning on doing long duration tours once retired, so need something with a bit more distance.

I know e-bikes an option, but fancy the convenience of two riding on a scooter/motorbike.

 

[barryd]

This is something I know a bit about so sorry if its a lengthy answer. I've had two motorhomes. Both Swifts with a rear lounge and both fitted with an Armitage Trailers scooter / motorcycle rack (They are the best IMO). What I will say is the number of Euro vans with enough payload to take any kind of scooter / Motorcycle on the back is extremely limited. It literally took me over ten years to find a replacement for the old Kontiki which we had for 16 years with the same layout that would take the bike and rack.

Vans with a big garage are a bit easier and plenty of people put scooters or small motorcycles in them but the main thing you need to concentrate on in your quest is the available payload on whatever van you decide to buy. This is even more crucial if you are going to fit a rear rack. At best you might be able to carry a small 100-125cc scooter or bike up to maybe 120kg. A bit heavier possibly if you put it in a garage but only if the van can take it. You are probably looking at 4.25t vans as well, maybe 3850kg with a garaged bike. Extended Alko chassis is best for a rack as is a shorter overhang. The distance from the centre of the rear wheels to the load on the back is crucial. The shorter the overhang the better.

We carry a Honda Vision 110 which is 100kg wet and are on our second. Its the best bike I have ever owned. A proper hoot and so much fun and of course Honda reliability. Im sixteen stone (although I have been heavier) and Mrs D is under 8 stone. We have been two up over the highest passes in Europe on them and do around 6000 miles a year on the bike. Albeit slowly going up mountains. Scooters are great for ease of use and storage of course. Dont forget. The van is doing all the long legwork so your maybe just doing about 20-100 miles from site each day. It will do around 50-55mph two up. 60 with a fair wind.

There is a good calculator here at the end of this article but its crucial you know the weights and payload of whatever you are thinking of buying. The only true way is to take it to a weighbridge before buying unless you know someone who has done the maths already on that particular van.

Safe loading and payloads - Practical Motorhome

Exceeding your payload can affect your motorhome’s stability and stopping distances, and could land you with a fine or invalidate your insurance.

www.practicalmotorhome.com

This is ours. The good thing with a rack like this is its dead easy to load. A full lengthy ramp and you just rev it up. One seat clamp ratchet and one through the front wheel. Thats it.

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[oldiesontour]

Cheers.

Planning on doing long duration tours once retired, so need something with a bit more distance.

I know e-bikes an option, but fancy the convenience of two riding on a scooter/motorbike.

Would have thought a motorbike would be a bit lighter than a scooter? Our ebikes were good for 30+ miles no peddling but I wanted to add to the living space by using a rack and incorporating some garage space to living

 

[Slippymurphy]

As a motorcyclist of many years I had never ridden a moped twist and go type until about 2 years ago (55)
They are impossible to ride without a smile on your face a game changer if your van is a wee bit to big to get from park up into town etc
We carry a Honda PCX125 on a rack which bolts onto tow bar rack which is on an alko chasis
Again payload is the issue.
So moped all the way either way ride safely

 

[oldiesontour]

This is something I know a bit about so sorry if its a lengthy answer. I've had two motorhomes. Both Swifts with a rear lounge and both fitted with an Armitage Trailers scooter / motorcycle rack (They are the best IMO). What I will say is the number of Euro vans with enough payload to take any kind of scooter / Motorcycle on the back is extremely limited. It literally took me over ten years to find a replacement for the old Kontiki which we had for 16 years with the same layout that would take the bike and rack.

Vans with a big garage are a bit easier and plenty of people put scooters or small motorcycles in them but the main thing you need to concentrate on in your quest is the available payload on whatever van you decide to buy. This is even more crucial if you are going to fit a rear rack. At best you might be able to carry a small 100-125cc scooter or bike up to maybe 120kg. A bit heavier possibly if you put it in a garage but only if the van can take it. You are probably looking at 4.25t vans as well, maybe 3850kg with a garaged bike. Extended Alko chassis is best for a rack as is a shorter overhang. The distance from the centre of the rear wheels to the load on the back is crucial. The shorter the overhang the better.

We carry a Honda Vision 110 which is 100kg wet and are on our second. Its the best bike I have ever owned. A proper hoot and so much fun and of course Honda reliability. Im sixteen stone (although I have been heavier) and Mrs D is under 8 stone. We have been two up over the highest passes in Europe on them and do around 6000 miles a year on the bike. Albeit slowly going up mountains. Scooters are great for ease of use and storage of course. Dont forget. The van is doing all the long legwork so your maybe just doing about 20-100 miles from site each day. It will do around 50-55mph two up. 60 with a fair wind.

There is a good calculator here at the end of this article but its crucial you know the weights and payload of whatever you are thinking of buying. The only true way is to take it to a weighbridge before buying unless you know someone who has done the maths already on that particular van.

Safe loading and payloads - Practical Motorhome

Exceeding your payload can affect your motorhome’s stability and stopping distances, and could land you with a fine or invalidate your insurance.

www.practicalmotorhome.com

This is ours. The good thing with a rack like this is its dead easy to load. A full lengthy ramp and you just rev it up. One seat clamp ratchet and one through the front wheel. Thats it.

View attachment 1021718

Great link for calculating loadings

 

[zen1th]

This is something I know a bit about so sorry if its a lengthy answer. I've had two motorhomes. Both Swifts with a rear lounge and both fitted with an Armitage Trailers scooter / motorcycle rack (They are the best IMO). What I will say is the number of Euro vans with enough payload to take any kind of scooter / Motorcycle on the back is extremely limited. It literally took me over ten years to find a replacement for the old Kontiki which we had for 16 years with the same layout that would take the bike and rack.

Vans with a big garage are a bit easier and plenty of people put scooters or small motorcycles in them but the main thing you need to concentrate on in your quest is the available payload on whatever van you decide to buy. This is even more crucial if you are going to fit a rear rack. At best you might be able to carry a small 100-125cc scooter or bike up to maybe 120kg. A bit heavier possibly if you put it in a garage but only if the van can take it. You are probably looking at 4.25t vans as well, maybe 3850kg with a garaged bike. Extended Alko chassis is best for a rack as is a shorter overhang. The distance from the centre of the rear wheels to the load on the back is crucial. The shorter the overhang the better.

We carry a Honda Vision 110 which is 100kg wet and are on our second. Its the best bike I have ever owned. A proper hoot and so much fun and of course Honda reliability. Im sixteen stone (although I have been heavier) and Mrs D is under 8 stone. We have been two up over the highest passes in Europe on them and do around 6000 miles a year on the bike. Albeit slowly going up mountains. Scooters are great for ease of use and storage of course. Dont forget. The van is doing all the long legwork so your maybe just doing about 20-100 miles from site each day. It will do around 50-55mph two up. 60 with a fair wind.

There is a good calculator here at the end of this article but its crucial you know the weights and payload of whatever you are thinking of buying. The only true way is to take it to a weighbridge before buying unless you know someone who has done the maths already on that particular van.

Safe loading and payloads - Practical Motorhome

Exceeding your payload can affect your motorhome’s stability and stopping distances, and could land you with a fine or invalidate your insurance.

www.practicalmotorhome.com

This is ours. The good thing with a rack like this is its dead easy to load. A full lengthy ramp and you just rev it up. One seat clamp ratchet and one through the front wheel. Thats it.

View attachment 1021718

All useful info so thanks.

 

[Vansflyer]

Vans with a big garage are a bit easier and plenty of people put scooters or small motorcycles in them but the main thing you need to concentrate on in your quest is the available payload on whatever van you decide to buy. This is even more crucial if you are going to fit a rear rack. At best you might be able to carry a small 100-125cc scooter or bike up to maybe 120kg. A bit heavier possibly if you put it in a garage but only if the van can take it. You are probably looking at 4.25t vans as well, maybe 3850kg with a garaged bike. Extended Alko chassis is best for a rack as is a shorter overhang. The distance from the centre of the rear wheels to the load on the back is crucial. The shorter the overhang the better.

We carry a Honda Vision 110 which is 100kg wet and are on our second. Its the best bike I have ever owned. A proper hoot and so much fun and of course Honda reliability. Im sixteen stone (although I have been heavier) and Mrs D is under 8 stone. We have been two up over the highest passes in Europe on them and do around 6000 miles a year on the bike. Albeit slowly going up mountains. Scooters are great for ease of use and storage of course. Dont forget. The van is doing all the long legwork so your maybe just doing about 20-100 miles from site each day. It will do around 50-55mph two up. 60 with a fair wind.

To add to these valid points.
Before buying our current van I would measure the garage door aperture to see if a bike would fit before I would even look in the van! No fit bike = not suitable.
The KTM 390 Duke is a cracking little tender @ around 170KG kerb weight, only negatives for us were the vibes from the single pot at speed and the pillion seat tilting forward a little. We had Shad luggage which held two helmets in the top box and bike jackets in the panniers. On the return trip the panniers and top box carried food, wine & beer.
The Honda scooter is a similar weight, comes with storage under the seat but actually takes up more room in the garage as it has more bodywork low down. The same top box fits the scoot so storage options are roughly the same. We also needed a longer ramp to get the scooter in and out or it grounded out on the scooter floor.
The loading is a five min solo job with a sliding dolly to assist.
Our van (carthargo c-tourer) was one of the few vans that had the payload with a GVW of 4250KG from the factory and a garage big enough to put a bike in. However with the bike in the back and a tank full of water we were very close to blowing the rear axle load so we up-plated it to 4800kg gross and a higher rear axle max. So we now can carry 150L water, all the stuff we need and have the bike with 2 x Bromptons etc in the garage without fearing a weigh bridge.
The jury is out on the scooter and we may go back to a motorbike after the next trip... we will see.

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[VXman]

As a motorcyclist of many years I had never ridden a moped twist and go type until about 2 years ago (55)
They are impossible to ride without a smile on your face a game changer if your van is a wee bit to big to get from park up into town etc
We carry a Honda PCX125 on a rack which bolts onto tow bar rack which is on an alko chasis
Again payload is the issue.
So moped all the way either way ride safely

Maybe a misuse of terminology or maybe I'm being pedantic but we are not talking mopeds.

A moped is under 50cc (or equivalent electric) limited to 28mph. I use an electric one in my van because I haven't got around to taking my motorbike test. I ride on my grandfather rights car license.

My first moped when I was 17.

My current one.

 

[Scotch mist]

I’ve had over 200 motor bikes / scooters. , competitively competed in most types of motorcycle events so got a bit of experience , I currently have a ktm duke 390 & a Honda SH125 scooter for the MoHo , I personally like the scoot the best ,loads of storage , fast enough 2 up (50-55mph) & a bonus of 100mpg , on holiday it ain’t a race lol