Can you lay a motorcycle sideways?

Question

Assuming you drain all fluids and take precautions to avoid scratching fairings, can you lay it down sideways in the back of a SUV to transport? I don't want to have to buy a truck and daily it just because I need to haul my bike around every couple of months.

I'm thinking about getting a suburban or sienna, something liveable on a daily basis with enough cargo room to haul a motorcycle(ninja 300/650) if needed.

Answer 1

not a good idea - as other have written you'll need a couple of guys to help you load & unload.plus you'll mark up the cases & fairings.

There are carriers that mount on the towbar to hold just the front wheel which work well; alternatively you can buy a carrier that fits on the back which carries the bike upright transversely across the back of the car. (or just buy a ute & a plank wide & long enough t oload it & tie it down in the tray.

Answer 2

Yes, had to do it a couple times picking up broke down cycle with car with big trunk or station wagon. some other people have done the same with small dirt bikes to large Harley's. Some damage to finish, some bits and pieces broken- but almost all that were transported got back on road later if they were roadable at time of pickup. If you're thinking of using a SUV as hauler, consider getting a trailer hitch receiver with 2 inch female insert and a Harbor freight 3 ball hitch with 1 7/8, 2 inch and 2 5/16 ball to pull most available trailers. Old 2 stroke dirt bike often were laid sideways after fuel drained, not much damage and very little clean up needed in back of low topped pickup beds or the vans.

Answer 3

Yes but not a wise move and it takes a fair amount of precautionary measures.



If your tow vehicle has a trailer hook-up there are rear mounted motorcycles carriers with ramps for loading, no trailer involved.

Answer 4

Could a motorcycle by laid sideways?

Why ask what I could do? Proper grammar, please. No, a motorcycle would require extensive preparations to include removal of any batteries past the fluid issue, plus any special cradles to prevent damage and movement. A small motorcycle trailer should be the goal.

Answer 5

Draining and refilling all the fluids and making sure you don't bend or break something would be a hassle. A $150.00 trailer from Harbor Freight or craigslist would be a better idea.

Answer 6

I loaned my mini van to a friend and it was big enough to fit a sport bike no problem but there is not a lot of room in your suv .. save your self a lot of money and find a used flat trailer and just strap it on

Answer 7

Could a motorcycle by laid sideways?

Why ask what I could do? Proper grammar, please. No, a motorcycle would require extensive preparations to include removal of any batteries past the fluid issue, plus any special cradles to prevent damage and movement. A small motorcycle trailer should be the goal.

Answer 8

Hire or borrow a trailer, it's a lot less stuffing around.

Answer 9

Get a little trailer. They even make small platforms that attach to your towing hitch receiver. You can load it on the back.

Answer 10

U-Haul rents motorcycle trailers for $19.95 per day.

You supply the straps.

Answer 11

it would get damaged on the side .. ive transported bikes with the wheels off before to fit them into a minivan which is low, but bikes are heavy, its not a single person job ...

Answer 12

Just buy a trailer. Cheaper in the long run.

Answer 13

You will sooner or later break something. And you can't drain ALL of the fluids.

Answer 14

What kinda battery?

Answer 15

you can but a trailer is cheap

Answer 16

wow that is really ahrd

Answer 17

No it will flood