VW Commercial Vehicles makes the Multivan over in Europe which I don’t believe is offered in the U.S. They just unveiled their Harley Davidson transporter version:
The system is practical and very simple to use: two different Harley-Davidson transporter packages can be ordered when the customer orders a Multivan Comfortline. The system, for which Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has applied for a patent, consists of a winch and a folding ramp for pushing the motorcycle into the Multivan, and a moulded rail inside the vehicle for attaching the motorcycle securely with fastening rings and belts. This special equipment package is known as “Easy-in”.
You still have room for four when the bike is all loaded. If someone purchasing the van doesn’t happen to already own a motorcycle, you can run over to your Harley Davidson dealer and they’ll sell you a color matched Night Rod so you have something to carry inside. No use having the nifty loading system without something to carry around. Over here in the states, we tend to use pickups. Nice idea, though, and the bike is out of the weather and secure during transport.
Link: HSPN Global News
James says
When are they going to build a system where you don’t have to stop to load the vehicle? Kind of like how Knight Rider drove up into the 18 wheeler while it was driving along some lonely road.
JoeKing says
Curious how they chose to start with the Harley-Davidson model first….
todd says
Right. I don’t see how a Harley owner is going to give up his F250 Super Cab for a VW Mini Van. I think VW would have been much better off not alligning with any of the brands and just offered a motorcycle toting van.
No, VW no longer offers vans in the US. I asked and they wanted to know if I’ve seen their Toureg.
My current bike retreiver is a ’58 VW single cab pick-up truck.
-todd
Daniel says
The winch/ramp system might be useful for pickup trucks as well…
Chris Benton says
Dodge has the Mercedes Van, imported and called the Sprinter, which will handle bikes easier (lower and taller) and comes in 3 sizes and lots of aftermarket gizmos. A KLR Kawi will fit easy, although it is tall. Try a KLR in the VW Van and you might have a problem, same with other off road bikes or bigger bikes like the Gold Wing, etc.
I would like to see Dodge come up with a specific model for bikers, sure beats the hell out of a pickup truck. Secure, clean, out of sight, and with a bulkhead put right in front of the motorcycle, you can have your garage area and passenger area seperate but accessible if a door is included.
JoeKing says
todd
You missed my sarcasm…I was alluding to Harley’s renouned reliability reputation..ie. Hondas don’t need to be “retrieved” like Harleys.
Also, Honda/Kaw/Suz/Yam riders..actually..ride their bikes places, as opposed to H-D “posers’ who transport their’s to events to ride locally so as to not “need” to be picked up (see above).
Russ says
My SV650 fits inside my Chevy Astro quite nicely. Handy for trackdays and trips to the twistys when I don’t want to flatspot my tire on the freeway getting there. I have been playing around with ideas to add a winch to help pull it in though. I wonder if volkswagon will sell the loader as an accessory or if it has to be ordered with a van.
Ken says
I wonder how safe it is to carry six gallons or so of gasoline INSIDE the passenger compartment of your vehicle. Clearly not safe in a crash, and the fumes may not do anything for your health either. And don’t light that cigarette!
Matt says
SHow’s he going to get that bike all the way in? He seems to have the bike up the ramp, what is he to do next? Hop up into the van while still holding the bike and keeping it from falling over? Seems like an awkward situation.