Topic: Moving Soon - Transporting bike in Pods like container

[MarshallCS]

Hello All.


I just got a job in Hartford, CT, and I'll be moving in the next couple of weeks. We got a pod type system to move our stuff, which has the standard tie down mounting points. They did say that it was fine to move the bike in the container, as long as I remove the gas from the tank (gonna drain the carbs as well.)


I figured that I might just take the tank completely off and pack it separately, but does anyone have any suggestions for tying it down appropriately? We are going to hire Packers to get our stuff in tightly, but I don't know if they will take care of the bike too.


Thanks everyone
Marshall

[chewbacca5000]

We'll you know how we feel about PODs.  Jokes aside make sure the bike is in gear and use 2 tie downs on handlebars and one in back should be ok like that.  PODS have places for tie downs either on side walls or on floor.  It is probably a good idea to take the tank off to avoid dents and dings.

[calj737]

There are motorcycle specific tie downs made for the handlebars. It's a one piece design that stretches between the bends, then strap from either end to the floor clamps. This locks the steering straight and prevents the bike from tilting. Add one or two rear tie downs, and you're good.

I just shipped a modern bike cross country with a specialized shipper, and every bike was secured this way, and they all had their tanks on, FWIW.

I think you risk just as much damage moving the tank separately as in the bike unless you take it off, wrap it and pack it in a "fragile" box.

[754]

Safest place for a tank is on bke, wrap it with blankets if you are worried..

[MarshallCS]

Thanks all. That makes me feel much better. I'll find the motorcycle specific handlebar tie downs for the handlebars, and just wrap up the tank and leave it on the bike. You guys make it sound pretty simple, si I feel much more comfortable with this! Thanks!

[dave500]

if the bikes in the pod with tables and chairs and boxes all over I think removing the tank is a good idea?find a box at the grocery store that the tank will fit snug in and pack it like your posting it,then take it in your car?

[MarshallCS]

if the bikes in the pod with tables and chairs and boxes all over I think removing the tank is a good idea?find a box at the grocery store that the tank will fit snug in and pack it like your posting it,then take it in your car?

That was my exact thinking... It's not a perfect tank, but it has the original paint in good condition and no dents.

[dave500]

yeah wont take much effort,the shippers might be happier no fuel or vapours aswell?

[ekpent]

I would pack the tank separately also. Might be tempted to do the same with the fragile side covers also if they are nice.

[greenjeans]

As much as it may seem like overkill, I use 4 rachet straps (2 in the front and 2 in the back) each strap having their own anchoring point.

I've seen brand new straps fail, but never 4 at the same time.    You could also throw a piece of 3/4" plywood down and anchor/screw a wheel

chock for the front wheel for an added measure of stability.    They make soft straps or loops specifically for motorcycles etc to keep them from

scratching.    I'd probably keep the tank on there as well.   

[chrislib]

I did it on a move from Long Island to Texas this past winter

The big box under the blue tarp is my work toolbox, I started by securing it via for corner tiedowns using 8k ratchet straps and two more 13,000lb straps crisscrossing over and then secured the bike to the box via a large 10,00lb ratchet strap. I took the tank and sidecovers off (in the green tote to the right), drained ALL the gas, washed the tank with alcohol and left it to air out for a couple of weeks before any of it got boxed. Everything made it 1800 miles without a scratch. I used Packrat instead of PODs if it matters any

[754]

Depends realy what else gous in with the bike, surroundd by clothes, bedding etc..no worries...if you get to pack it, you can get it right.

[flybox1]

got matresses?
sandwich the bike between a couple, and secure it to a sidewall in the POD. 
top it off with blankets and such.  protective and keeps it upright.
tank gets drained, wrapped in bubble wrap w your side covers, and into a box filled w foam bits, and packed into the POD or car by you.  dont let someone else do it.  pack it as if someone is guaranteed to drop it.

[ekpent]

I basically have 'hauled' stuff all my life from my truck driving  days to bikes to the family antique business and will say you can never be too careful because there are things out on the road beyond your control sometimes. Hopefully you are packing your pod and if so do it smart and do not allow the contents to shift or move no matter what the ouside circumstances may dictate. Straps and ropes are a must.

[dave500]

then get heaps and heaps of those cans of expanding foam and let em loose inside the closed pod!

[flybox1]

then get heaps and heaps of those cans of expanding foam and let em loose inside the closed pod!