Hauling a voyager in a 6ft bed

[hwyman]

I am going to look at an 89 voyager tomorrow after and if I decide to buy it I have to get it 125 miles home. I have an 04 Ford F150 with a 6ft bed. Will the bike fit with the tailgate down and can I safely haul it home like that ? Lots of straps to use

[Me Again]

Yes and no
It will probably fit with the tailgate down but if you hit a big bump you may break the gate off.

[cranky]

.. any way you can have someone with you, drive the scoot home if ya buy it..???
Have them follow you....

[cranky]

.. NOT out of the question that maybe he will deliver? Happened before....

[Nails]

I'm sure it's possible.

Mine pretty much filled a full-size bed, and I was happy to have the tailgate up. Note that I had a stand to keep both wheels aligned and centered in the bed, so I could torque the bike forward (on the saddlebag/tip-over bars). I also had straps keeping it upright (handlebars and passenger grab bars). Heaven forbid the bike would start walking sideways on the drive home.

I assume you have a good plan for getting it in and out of the truck. Like sympathetic bike shops on each end with long, wide ramps. I bumped the exhaust manifolds loading it, but the ramp (partially pictured) was wide enough for a spotter on each side as I rode. Even though they didn't really assist, I needed having them there and a place to dab. You'll also want to have a lot of confidence in feathering a clutch.

[tunnelz]

I would put a 2 x 12 in the bed and strap her down tight on it. Pay attention to the density of the wood. There's a lot of junk lumber out there these days. I bent a tailgate once -- a long time ago. Best wishes, tunnelz

[cushman eagle]

Welcome,hwyman,to the AVA family,and the Voyager world You will find a lot of friendly ,and free advice on this forum.
What is the availability of using a lower,and longer trailer?
Lower would make it easier to load,and longer would make it safer,if the trailer was good,and had tie downs built in.

[ekap1200]

Sounds like too much work to get it in a pic-up. U-Haul rents a single bike trailer for a very modest price and it's low to the ground.

[SgtSlag]

I'm with Ekap: either rent a bike hauling trailer, or a cargo truck. If you can, ride it home.

I invested in a single bike trailer, with a tire channel down the middle, and a stow-n-go ramp, on the back. Got it used, for $600. Best $600 I've ever spent! I use it to haul the bike into the shop, when necessary, but we also use it to haul the bike cross country. Riding in our cage allows us to arrive fresh, and ready to ride, at our destination site. Took it to Colorado, a couple of years ago. Rented an air b-n-b, rode the bike during the week-long stay, loaded it back up, and rode home in relaxed comfort. It's a great way to ride.

Rode our '79 Honda CB750K from home, circling Lake Superior, then back home: 1,935 mile trip, two-up, on a 30-year-old, 750! Loved it, but we came home two days earlier than originally planned, due to being tired of riding! Being "trailer trash" may sound bad, but it really is quite nice. Around four years ago, we trailered our Voyager to Arkansas: fuel pump died 70 miles from our hotel! We had a tow driver haul us, and the bike, back to our hotel. We finished the trip in our truck, then we brought the bike home, and had it repaired. Love having a back-up vehicle... YMMV. Cheers!

[Nails]

Sounds like too much work to get it in a pic-up. U-Haul rents a single bike trailer for a very modest price and it's low to the ground.

Agreed. In my case, I had some peculiar issues with doing that. But it would've been a better option. I'll probably make a trailer like that, once this damn shop is finished.

While a short bed is possible, I sure wouldn't do it. These aren't dirt bikes, which are made to fly. These piggly beasts want to stay near the ground.

[Barry]

Years ago I picked up a VXII from a salvage yard. I have a 2005 Dodge with a short bed. I just measured it 6'4". I remember that the rear wheel was in the crack between the bed & tail gate. They loaded it with a fork lift. I removed it with a chain hoist in my shop. So did you get the VXII? What did you end up doing?

[GrandpaDenny]

In my case, I had some peculiar issues with doing that.

I can't resist... "why doesn't that surprise me?"

[Nails]

"why doesn't that surprise me?"

I represent that remark!

[hwyman]

Did not get to go look at it Monday the universe had other plans for me. The owner says it needs a battery and carbs cleaned. I sent a message asking if it would start if I bring a battery and I am waiting on a reply. If he says it should start what battery can I take with me to test it without buying a new battery

[cranky]

... battery cables from a non-running car...

[Barry]

The selling price of a non running motorcycle goes down considerably. It's very rare for a vxii to have serious internal engine problems. Some higher mileage ones have been known to have shifter fork problems in the transmission. This cannot be diagnosed very easily without riding it. Should you get that far, be also aware that the vxii is equipped with a positive neutral finder. That feature can cause a problem shifting from 1st to second when the motor is cold. Only way to shift to 2nd is to rev up to around 3,000 rpm and then shift. Once warm this problem goes away. If the seller is unwilling to get the bike running, then that is a negotiating tool. As long as it looks like it hasn't been wrecked, or full of corrosion/rust it could be a diamond in the rough. Lots of helpful people here can help you with just about any problem should you buy it. Good Luck !

[GrandpaDenny]

"why doesn't that surprise me?"

I represent that remark!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!