Transporting Monster 620 in a Minivan

[jatleson]

I've found a potential bike for myself (Monster 620 dark).  Will it fit in my Honda Odyssey minivan for transporting (not a far trip, but the bike is not in rideable condition)? 

[Monster Dave]

I highly doubt it. I'd suggest just renting a trailer and strapping it down or asking a friend who may have a pickup.

[zenjim]

I've found a potential bike for myself (Monster 620 dark).  Will it fit in my Honda Odyssey minivan for transporting (not a far trip, but the bike is not in rideable condition)? 

The question is, should you be putting a motorcycle in a minivan? What's next, beef jerky in Mom's apple pie? Whatever cool cred you get via riding a motorcycle is instantly evaporated once you are spotted rolling it out of/ off of a minivan. Save yourself, my son, abandon the trappings of suburban disease! Free yourself! While there's still time!

[Spidey]

I have no idea why Monster Dave says that he doubts it.  FHE?

I've seen tons of bikes transported in Honda Odysseys.  I'm not sure about the monster specifically, but only because it probably has bars and not clip-ons, which may make it a bit taller and wider.  My bet is that it will fit.  You might need to tilt it sideways and turn the front wheel as you load it in order to clear the rear opening, but it should be ok once you get it inside.  Take off the mirrors.  One is reverse thread, so be careful. 

Sorry I don't have any more specific information.  

[Monster Dave]

I have no idea why Monster Dave says that he doubts it.  FHE?

I've seen tons of bikes transported in Honda Odysseys.  I'm not sure about the monster specifically, but only because it probably has bars and not clip-ons, which may make it a bit taller and wider.  My bet is that it will fit.  You might need to tilt it sideways and turn the front wheel as you load it in order to clear the rear opening, but it should be ok once you get it inside.  Take off the mirrors.  One is reverse thread, so be careful. 

Sorry I don't have any more specific information.  

The reason that I said so was because when I got mine I had it shipped down from Denver in a shipping container with Forward Air and was actually surprised at how much space it took up in the container.

Don't get me wrong, I could be incorrect - I don't own one or know the dimensions - it was just a guess.

Now let me ask you (Spidey), where do you live where it's common place to transport motorcycles in a Honda Odyssey??

[Spidey]

Now let me ask you (Spidey), where do you live where it's common place to transport motorcycles in a Honda Odyssey??

CA.  Lots of folks get their bikes to the track in a minivan.  Odysseys seem to be a popular choice.  

[zooom]

I know someone who uses his Chevy Astro van for transporting his bike....I guess the big thing is to measure the height of the opening of the van and the amount of clearance between the ramp and the door and if there is the ability on either side for a person to walk into the portal with the bike....


if any of these variables are in question, then answer to the orgional question is this - do not use the Honda Minivan!

[Monster Dave]

CA.  Lots of folks get their bikes to the track in a minivan.  Odysseys seem to be a popular choice.  

OK, WOW - I'm impressed!!!! I had NO idea that there was that much space in one!!!!


I stand corrected! 

[mstevens]

I was able to fit my 620 in a full-size Dodge van, but it just barely fit. The biggest clearance issue was the handlebars vs. the top of the rear door while going up or down the ramp.

I don't know about an Odyssey, but it most certainly wouldn't have fit in the Chrysler minivan I used to have.

[Spidey]

The biggest clearance issue was the handlebars vs. the top of the rear door while going up or down the ramp.

That was I was trying (poorly) to explain might be the issue.  Did you have to tilt the bike on its side and turn the front wheel?

[Drunken Monkey]

A Toyota Sienna will not fix a monster, even with clip ons but it's a close thing. I suspect it'll be quite close in a Honda as well.

Now if you're willing to strap down the front suspension (i.e. compress the forks fully with a tie down) I bet you it'll fit.

But I'd hate to find that out only once you're there. Far better to rent a van.

[Blue]

That was I was trying (poorly) to explain might be the issue.  Did you have to tilt the bike on its side and turn the front wheel?

I have transported a 1981 KZ750 in the back of a 1995 Oldsmobile Silhouette.  As some of you may know, the ol' KZ's are not small bikes.  The bike fit in the back of the van with all of the rear seats removed, but just barely.  
In order to do this, I had to do a bit of gymnastics.  Before the bike would fit in the back, I had to remove the handle bars, wheel the bike up the ramp and lean it wayyyyy over to one side to clear the top of the rear hatch and then wheel it forward and stand it up to set it on its side stand.  The front wheel was between the front seats.  
Now, would I do this again?  No, because I have a full sized pickup truck.  Was it better than walking the bike home; yes!!!
A couple of things to keep in mind:
It is very hard to move a bike around with out the handlebars.  
It is even harder to push it up a ramp.
It is hard not to drop your bike when it is up on a ramp when you are purposefully leaning the bike over to one side to clear the top of the hatch (especially without handlebars).
This required two adults and was completely successful.
Good Luck!

[ctrain]

Looks like you can fit a bike into a Civic... 

[DCXCV]

No personal experience, but I found this:

http://speedzilla.com/forums/ducati-superbikes/10428-what-minivan-can-transport-bike.html?pp=10

I used to transport my Suzuki Bandit 1200 streetfighter in the back of my wife's Pontiac Transport minivan as well as her current Honda Odyssey minivan, with no problems

[mitt]

OK, WOW - I'm impressed!!!! I had NO idea that there was that much space in one!!!!


I stand corrected! 

that is impressive


mitt