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.

 

[andyelbac]

Honda SH Mode 125 for us (or was ) My partner confessed last year that she hated going on the back). So now it's gone. The only consolation was the trade off: I get to buy a Honda Forza 350 for myself! Yippee! Still sad losing the bike from the motorhome though. Loved carrying it. Fiamma rack in rear garage, semi air fitted on back and uprated from 3850 to 4000kg. Had to take mirrors off to fit and forced to carry some gear in big storage box strapped down in hab area,but still.....great whilst it lasted. Good luck!

 

[barryd]

So glad all you people are saying 125 scooter is good having just bought one ,made the rack but not yet ridden it (Suzuki vensis ...700 miles from new 2024...£1450 which I hope was a good price ?)

Sounds a very good price. Basically half of a new one I think. I had to google that one though. Never heard of it.

I have heard of the Suzuki Address 110 which I think is very similar to the Honda Vision.

I just find the super light little scoots a bit of a giggle. Very relaxing to ride, easy to park (anywhere) and a doddle to get on a rack.

 

[Gaston aires]

Are you close to your axle limits with that setup?

Ian

Close to, but not over. I’ve used this set up many times to many places both U.K. and Europe with no problems. The SYM weighs 130 kg. Our payload is 850 kgs. I had it all weighed up on a weighbridge fully loaded.
Phil

 

[oldiesontour]

Sounds a very good price. Basically half of a new one I think. I had to google that one though. Never heard of it.

I have heard of the Suzuki Address 110 which I think is very similar to the Honda Vision.

I just find the super light little scoots a bit of a giggle. Very relaxing to ride, easy to park (anywhere) and a doddle to get on a rack.

Good news on the price, apparently Suzuki have been selling the Avensis in Asia for a few years but not long in UK.The rack I built (spectacle type) has no ramps I can fairly easily lift one wheel at a time in/out ,having lowered the air assist if I'm feeling weak !

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[zen1th]

Scooter for us on a rear bike rack. View attachment 1021856View attachment 1021859

Is this a 3500 MH? Can it comfortably handle the weight of the scooter?

 

[zen1th]

If you’re looking for good garage or rear axle weight limits then you really need to be looking for a twin wheel, single rear axle, arrangement. These are predominantly on Iveco chassis.

In terms of bikes, you won’t get a better balance of power and weight than a CCM Spitfire (Maverick if you have a pillion). They're a 600cc single, 55bhp and 150Kg fully fuelled (140Kg dry).

View attachment 1021867

Ian

Lovely bike, but a bit expensive for what I’d use it for.

 

[InvictaMoto]

I don't like the idea of a rack on the back. I did see a short side loading trailer that was pretty much an extension to the back of the moho in France. No problems reversing as it wasn't jack-knife able. I didn't get the chance to discuss it as it looked perfect for the Vespa 300 the guy had mounted on it. I have PVC and need access to the rear doors.....

I also have two rather heavyweight bikes but it would be great to take the Kettle with me on trips! But in the end I'd probably get a scooter.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

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.

Fuel injected models better in that respect. We have a little Honda Wave.Does everything we ask of it but not in rip curling fashion. It fits in our underbed garage and never had a problem with venting. I fitted additional garage floor supports to give 250kg load in the garage and air bags to give a 4090kg total weight. C1 is required for this option though.PS, you can get fully folding wing mirrors that don't need removing to get the bike in. Our door is 110cm high
and an easy fit.
Mike.

 

[barryd]

Good news on the price, apparently Suzuki have been selling the Avensis in Asia for a few years but not long in UK.The rack I built (spectacle type) has no ramps I can fairly easily lift one wheel at a time in/out ,having lowered the air assist if I'm feeling weak !

Interesting. Whats a spectacle type rack? Is it one with holders for both wheels?

Good FB group here by the way for anyone interested. All sorts of weird and wonderful stuff in there.

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[oldiesontour]

Interesting. Whats a spectacle type rack? Is it one with holders for both wheels?

Good FB group here by the way for anyone interested. All sorts of weird and wonderful stuff in there.

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Yes basically ,not the best pic but it's awkward to get to atm

 

[oldiesontour]

All in the rack and scooter will add about 200kg to rear axle and take 50kg off front...L3 H2 pvc

 

[Mark1965]

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.

We carry a Vespa Primavera 125cc on the rear of our PVC. The Scooter weighs around 115kg so no issue on my rear axle. The rack i use is from Armatige Trailers in Ferrybridge. Google them up and they will advise you on your best options based on your vehicle.
I fitted the VB semi rear suspension which i think is a good system for the carrying of weight on/over the rear axle.
We had other scooters before evena 300cc which was on a Transverse Trailer but i prefer not to tow and also it restricts the vehicle speed etc.

 

[barryd]

Yes basically ,not the best pic but it's awkward to get to atm



View attachment 1022207

Ah yes. That is what I thought. Interesting. I was going to suggest a length of metal checker plate ramp like most of the Armitage racks have but it wont work with that I dont think. Looks like it will lower quite well though anyway.

 

[Mark1965]

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

Yes, Armatige.. these are the best in my opinion. Mine is the same as yours. This photo was taken in Venice last July. The scooter is off the rack but as you said nice and easy..

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[oldiesontour]

Ah yes. That is what I thought. Interesting. I was going to suggest a length of metal checker plate ramp like most of the Armitage racks have but it wont work with that I dont think. Looks like it will lower quite well though anyway.

Was going to make an aluminium checker plate ramp and bridge (between the wheel receptors) but decided just not needed At about 4 hrs work and £80 ISH( metal bought on line) I'm more than happy with it.

 

[VXman]

Scooter for us on a rear bike rack. View attachment 1021856View attachment 1021859

If you’re looking for good garage or rear axle weight limits then you really need to be looking for a twin wheel, single rear axle, arrangement. These are predominantly on Iveco chassis.

In terms of bikes, you won’t get a better balance of power and weight than a CCM Spitfire (Maverick if you have a pillion). They're a 600cc single, 55bhp and 150Kg fully fuelled (140Kg dry).

View attachment 1021867

Ian

Not particulary knowledgable on weights of bikes vs Scooters but just by looking at them I would tend to think Scooters are generally heavier (like for like on engine size) as they have more 'bodywork' and accessories. The CCM clearly looks quite lean in this regard.

 

[bigtwin]

Not particulary knowledgable on weights of bikes vs Scooters but just by looking at them I would tend to think Scooters are generally heavier (like for like on engine size) as they have more 'bodywork' and accessories. The CCM clearly looks quite lean in this regard.

You might be right. Just did a search for the popular Honda SH300 and that comes in at 170Kg wet.

I have no doubt that there are probably lighter scooters around but then you’re not really comparing like for like.

As I said earlier, I thought that the CCM was the best blend of power and weight - 600cc, 55hp and 160 Kg (wet). By comparison the KTM Duke is 400cc, 45bhp and 170Kg wet.

Ian

 

[Gaston aires]

Is this a 3500 MH? Can it comfortably handle the weight of the scooter?

It’s a Weinsberg Cara compact. Fiat 2.3 Ducato.
The payload is near 850kgs. It drives superb when the bike is on the rack and you don’t really know it’s there. I had a weighbridge test fully loaded and everything was in limits.
Phil

 

[Two Rivers]

For several years we towed an Armitage trailer which worked well towing anything from a 750cc Moto Guzzi to several classic motorcycles, We found the best model we had for general motorhome work was a 200cc Sym scooter, we used it a couple of years ago to visit the Mille Miglia, we stayed about 20km from Brecia and travelled in, the scooter was fast enough to keep with the travel and allowed us to park near the start and on the pavement too, (no bother from the police).
So in conclusion I would recommend a scooter of no less than 200cc

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[barryd]

Yes, Armatige.. these are the best in my opinion. Mine is the same as yours. This photo was taken in Venice last July. The scooter is off the rack but as you said nice and easy..



View attachment 1022373

Nice bike. Yes the same rack. The only thing I had to do with mine though was if you look at my pic again I had to chop the pole down. There were two reasons for this. When I ratcheted the seat clamp down the pole would move very close to the rear lounge window. The old one never did that. Plus I found it easier with a shorter pole to just put the clamp in the footwell when revving the bike up the ramp and then just drop it over the shorter pole. On the old van and the original 2008 Armitage Rack I had rear ladders so just leaned the bike against that before attaching the clamp. Some things have improved over the old design but I dont like the narrower pole and narrower seat clamp. Works really well still though.

 

[barryd]

Was going to make an aluminium checker plate ramp and bridge (between the wheel receptors) but decided just not needed At about 4 hrs work and £80 ISH( metal bought on line) I'm more than happy with it.

Brilliant! I daren't tell you what I paid for mine. Not to mention an overnight and 8 hours sat in a hut at Armitage Trailers which is how long they take to fit.

 

[Mark1965]

Nice bike. Yes the same rack. The only thing I had to do with mine though was if you look at my pic again I had to chop the pole down. There were two reasons for this. When I ratcheted the seat clamp down the pole would move very close to the rear lounge window. The old one never did that. Plus I found it easier with a shorter pole to just put the clamp in the footwell when revving the bike up the ramp and then just drop it over the shorter pole. On the old van and the original 2008 Armitage Rack I had rear ladders so just leaned the bike against that before attaching the clamp. Some things have improved over the old design but I dont like the narrower pole and narrower seat clamp. Works really well still though.

View attachment 1022496

Yes, i have considered also cutting it down a bit, it is quite close to the rear windows on the van but it doesnt touch.

 

[oldiesontour]

Just taxed the new scooter ( Suzuki Avensis 125) With us both on it(30st) wasn't expecting much but amazed at acceleration and pull on hills...

 

[Stevejsy]

I have a Honda 110 vision on the back of an easylift trailer so the weight isn't to much of an issue. The scooter was okay but I did find it lacked a little power last year down in Spain, obviously had to avoid the motorways etc which as a result google maps took me down a dirt track. It is slow but with a large top box it has decent storage, which is great for shopping and the beech etc.

I am debating wether to change it for a larger scooter, 3/400cc or take my Honda CBX500 as there isn't much in the weight difference.

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[Richard n Ann]

We use a KTM Duke 390, 149kg dry. Had the Honda vision for years and am well rid of it now, far too slow 2 up bordering on dangerous.
The Duke is great and was only £3099 new in 2017
The van has a short overhang and is still well under weight.

 

[PORKSTER]

For me it's a scooter a 300 Piaggio Beverly I was lucky enuff to buy if a funster like new. Carried on a Hydratrail bought for good price of another funster.

Total game changer in our trips. Great for shopping with top box under seat storage. Get any where and everywhere. Even been off road. Wouldn't be without it. I even used it to commute to work until I decided work was a mugs game.

I could caused my motorbike but no storage. And didn't want to dress like a power ranger in hot country

 

[barryd]

Honda Vision 110 is plenty fast enough. You just have to know how to ride it!

 

[jongood]

Has anyone got a 400cc Burgman? Wondering about quality, comfort.
The 300cc Aprilia has been great but after 11 years we could do with a more comfortable seat. I know its heavy but no big deal with 5600kgs rear axle weight.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Honda Vision 110 is plenty fast enough. You just have to know how to ride it!

Down hill... a steep hill

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[jongood]

Down hill... a steep hill

Pizza anyone?