Track Bike Transport

Well, been thinking about this. Was going to buy a trailer big enough for 2 bikes, figuring the Bronco 5.8L could haul a boat, 2 bikes and gear and passengers would be 'light duty'. Since my Bronco's engine siezed and no longer have a utility type beater vehicle in my fleet, I have currently lost my ability to move things around. I also am involved in home improvement projects and don't like renting Home Depot trucks or having to pay hiked up delivery rates. Having recently read the Road Racing World trackday issue got my juices flowing on this one.

So, driving on a local highway the other day, noticed the Ford Trans Connect and the bulb in my head lights up. Not only can I load the bike in the back with all the track day crap, it can be used as a camper or a material transporter. With a 1600 pound hauling capacity, a trailer can be hitched for extra cargo carrying needs, and it's a 4-cyl that gets about 22 mpg, not bad at all!

I started comparing vehicles. Looked into the VW Eurovan, always liked it, but they are hard to find with low miles and they still command a high used market price. The Dodge/Mercedes truck is just too damn big and I dont want to pay registration and tax on a commercial grade vehicle. A regular Ford/Chevy/Dodge van would do but the gas guzzling features turned me off as well as the child molester stigma attached to them. Overall, the Transconnect could be the mutli-use vehicle that I need (not want). I think a diesel engine option, if it were available, would be the cats meow.

Im thinking back to my younger days when my dad used to take us all over in his '76 VW bus, it was ugly - red with white top, primer spots all over, and had an Alfa Romeo triangle on the front in lieu of the VW badge - but it went the distance, and even further when he transplanted a Porsche 914 motor into it. Many miles and many memories, but couldnt get anything bigger than a bicycle in there, although he did squeeze a dirtbike in it but the sliding door had to be kept open. A power receptacle, generator, and some basic camper necessities could enable me to re-live those childhood moments with my family.

Link for specifications
Ford Transit Connect Commercial Fleet Van | Official Site of the Ford Transit Connect | FordVehicles.com

Link to a blog where a motorcyclist uses it for you know what
2010 Ford Transit Connect – Feature Test - Car and Driver Blog

Thought I'd share the idea, it's definitely not original but...toss in your 2 cents, especially if you use one.

 

THink a VFR would be a tight fit with the wheel between the front seats. But I like the idea!

 

Why not buy an older, used truck? Just a thought! My 99 Silverado has a the tow package, extended cab, short bed, 5.3L Vortec, and my VFR just squeaks in the bed of the truck. I can also tow quite a bit with it. Did I mention, I'm at 225k miles and it's still driving on the road! Just an off-base idea

 

That is neat, Remind me of Europe. They use a lot of those type for transport all over the city or beyond

 

Who would you put a 5th gen in a Silverado anyhow?

 

As ugly as the damn thing is, I hear an Element will hold a bike....................

MDRiders.com - Cruising Weekend, OC