Topic: Transporting a '72 CB500 [Boston]

[kjean]

Hello,

I'm pretty new to cycling. I own a '72 CB500 and I wasn't able to repair a extensive oil leak and now the bike won't start. I still can't find the source of the leak and want to have a professional look it over. Anyone have any tips on getting the bike to a shop?

I imagine I need to rent a Uhaul (Unfortunately, I don't have a friend who owns pickup) and place a towel/Mat down to keep any leftover oil from spilling unto the van.

Anyone have a more affordable method for getting a bike to a shop? Seems like the only alternative is having someone from the shop pick up the bike, but I'm finding that no shop in the Boston area is willing to do that.

I'm reeling to get the bike on the road before the end of the summer and any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks everyone

[ChuckG750f1]

I think you can rent a U-Haul trailer with a ramp for about 25 bucks a day (round trip), one-way is more.  4 ratchet straps to compress the suspension and you can do it by yourself.

[andy750]

I think you can rent a U-Haul trailer with a ramp for about 25 bucks a day (round trip), one-way is more.  4 ratchet straps to compress the suspension and you can do it by yourself.

+1 did this myself. I rented a UHaul cargo van for a CB750 and used an old door as a ramp. If I was to do it again Id rent a pickup truck and use tie-down straps. Which shop are you taking it to in Boston?

Adam in Quincy could probably help you with this. He often advertises on CL.

Good luck
Andy

[knowsnothing]

If you do tie it down, make sure it is on its wheels and NOT on the center stand.  Center stand will break/bend stuff you don't want broken or bent (ie frame)

Also interested in which shop you are going to. 

[ChuckG750f1]

If you do tie it down, make sure it is on its wheels and NOT on the center stand.  Center stand will break/bend stuff you don't want broken or bent (ie frame)

Also interested in which shop you are going to.

Correct!!!  And don't do it in the snow

[kjean]

Thanks for all the info guys, that was really helpful. I was thinking of taking it to Adam in Quincy. I spoke with him on the phone and of all the old bike mechanics in Boston(their aren't many), he was the most receptive and least condescending.

That said, I used a pickup truck to pickup the bike and it required at least two people with a makeshift ramp. When taking it down, it required three people. I would love to do this on my own, maybe one more person, but I was going to go for the cargo van with the small ramp. Andy750, what were the downsides of the cargo van?

Thanks again for the reply everyone and I'll aim to get this guy to the shop this weekend.

[andy750]

The cargo van route is not recommended - I did it on my own to transport the bike from Boston to New Jersey for shipping to the UK. Loaded the bike into the van ok with help of an old door and tied it down. However the bike did shift a little on heavy braking and seeing the headlight get close to my head while driving wasnt a fun experience - the van supports may not be the strongest for holding a 500 lb bike.

Anyway got the bike to NJ and was met by the very petite secretary of the shipping company. So..it was me and her to unload the bike down an old rickety door. I unstrapped it and pushed it to the entrance heading down the ramp/door. The bike lurched to one side (gulp!) and the secretary girl held it tenuously while heart in my mouth I jumped down and somehow wrestled the bike down the ramp...not a fun experience

Maybe easier with 3 burly friends to help 

cheers
Andy

[Duke McDukiedook]

I think you can rent a U-Haul trailer with a ramp for about 25 bucks a day (round trip), one-way is more.  4 ratchet straps to compress the suspension and you can do it by yourself.

+1 did this myself. I rented a UHaul cargo van for a CB750 and used an old door as a ramp. If I was to do it again Id rent a pickup truck and use tie-down straps. Which shop are you taking it to in Boston?

Adam in Quincy could probably help you with this. He often advertises on CL.

Good luck
Andy

+1. rent a truck and get tie down straps.

[CoachDoc]

I just rented a U-haul motorcycle trailer for $15/day. Worked great with 4 ratcheting tie downs. Trailer has a built in ramp and v shaped front wheel chock. Great deal-much cheaper than a van, and EZ-PZ.

[bollingball]

I just rented a U-haul motorcycle trailer for $15/day. Worked great with 4 ratcheting tie downs. Trailer has a built in ramp and v shaped front wheel chock. Great deal-much cheaper than a van, and EZ-PZ.

#1That would be my first choice #2 pickup truck and back it up to a ditch.
I'm glad I bought my trailer a few years ago. I have hauled more friends bikes than my own But I get free Jim Beam
Ken

[dave500]

some shops have a free pickup/breakdown service,being an old bike though most wont touch it,yeah these arent like tossing a dirt bike onto a trailer or pickup.

[kjean]

Again, thanks for the heads up guys. I was looking for Adam's number on CL, but could not find it. I've placed a posting looking for a CB mechanic and was recommended Smooth Automotive in Medford. I'm going to rent a truck and trailer from Uhaul and swing the bike through the shop.

That said, anyone have Adam's number? I imagine he took down the number because he is swamped, but I would like to check in. Anyone have any additional suggestions?

Thanks again everyone, and you've all been a huge help

[andy750]

Pm`d you Adams number (I only have one Adam in my phone and pretty sure its him).