Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

Thread Approved

i think the Matador production was stopped some centuries ago

You can of course pick up a Force Traveller and modify it inside out, to securely carry your bike and all other bike related stuff. Only thing, most of these vehicles come with a commercial registration.

Van for Motorcycle Transport

Hey Guys:

If you've been following the Superbikes and Imports discussion thread, you'd know that I've booked a Ducati 959 Panigale and its due to arrive sometime mid next month.

I needed your help on deciding on a Van that would help me lug the motorcycle from here to the track. I live in Bangalore and the closest tracks would be Chennai and Coimbatore so that's a good 5-6 hour journey.

I've been considering the F307 Matador (the original school van). If done up well it could be a great option for taking the motorcycle with you wherever you go. Other nations have so many van options to pick from for lugging their motorcycles to the track. The choices here seem limited.

Please do let me know your views and options.

Re: Van for Motorcycle Transport

Approved!

Does GBD seem the right section? Members may suggest please.

Thanks.

Re: Van for Motorcycle Transport

Tata winger, I have seen the TVS racing guys use this to transport their bikes to MMSC.

Re: Van for Motorcycle Transport

You will be better off with a pickup truck like Tata Xenon RX or the Mahindra Bolero Pickup. Matadors are dead and gone.

Re: Van for Motorcycle Transport

The problem with the two vehicles you have mentioned is that they are pickups. The rear is open and so will the bike. Which will just attract more unwanted attention. These vehicles are fine if you are going to be carting your bike within city limits/ short distances.

But over a larger distance a closed van is better. Away from prying eyes and with a few modifications very easy to secure the bike within. And it will still have ample space for spares, tools etc. One can practically build a mobile garage within. As such it is perfect for long distance driving. I know a couple of motocross guys who use such a setup.

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

I know. But the Matador seems like the perfect tour vehicle cause it reminds me of the VW Van [emoji51] True. That's another concern. If all these vehicles come only with a commercial registration then I'd need a commercial driving license as well and I don't think it's worth that hassle.


Didn't know where else to put this Sharan. Besides, with track days becoming more and more frequent it'll be good to see what the options out there are like


Will a Winger be available on white board registration?

I'd love to pick up these two. But like mentioned by The Monk, these are open at the back and you can imagine my worry in moving with a Ducati open on the back for 6 hours through Indian roads [emoji85]

Closed Van is definitely better, I agree Monk. Matador and Winger seem to be the only ones available.

Just a question here, what vehicle is that van used by banks to transport money? That looks like a good option as well.

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

Tata Xenon & you can build a Canvas overtop for the rear if require.

Though Metador will be more than perfect but in today's time you'll be spending more time in getting spares & parts for the Metador than your superbike.

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

Whatever you buy to transport your SBK, kindly understand that your life is more important than anything else. So please avoid crappily built cars that resemble the Omni in any shape or form. BLR-CHN highways is full of fast moving death traps 24x7!

Also, how do you justify such an investment for just a few track days every year? Would you see even 30 track days in a calendar year?

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

Agreed 100%!

Absolutely Sharan. If not for my own life, to protect the Ducati I need a sturdy vehicle [emoji51]

Your second question is what's in my mind as well. I will take a serious call on this only post receiving the bike and figuring out how many track days I genuinely can do with my work schedule. I agree with you, I highly doubt I'd be able to justify the investment. Which is why my first option was a matador. If I could buy one for about 45-60 grand and spend another 75-1lakh on fixing it and cleaning it up, then I wouldn't feel too guilty.

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

This is exactly what I was referring to - your priorities are wrong!
Ducati is NOT more important, you are. Are you married? Or, are you about to get married? Or do your parents live with you?

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

What is the budget you have carved out for a van?

The way i see is you can get a good condition modern generation, pre-owned van with good enough engine capacity and cabin space (private registration preferred)

Make space and provision for TWO bikes to be carried (future new bike or you may find a riding buddy!).
Make room for certain tools and essential equipment as well as wardrobe.
Make a small collapsible table top at exterior sides that can serve as a work bench or a Dining area with shade when you need one.
(This i saw on TV) You can put a concealed inverted 20lts bottle on one of the sides that can serve as a portable shower/handwash.
And on the top they had a railing where you can put up chairs and just enjoy the scenic view, or go fishing if you find a suitable spot!

A van is an awesome project to be turned into a camper/surival van!

Re: Van for Motorcycle Transport

Rather than a whole van ... you can get a hitch and a trailer. Its needs some practice to drive a trailer ... but until then you can drive in a straight line. Trailers can be be a hard shell composite or soft shell as per your need. Trailer and contents can be insured separately and will not require a commercial license or permit. Just an addendum to your current licence. You can keep using your current car if it has enough torque ... though FWD cars are a little tricky with a trailer. SUVs are better ... especially with 4WD or AWD.

And congratulations on the Ducati and living your dream....

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Rather than a whole van ... you can get a hitch and a trailer. Its needs some practice to drive a trailer ... but until then you can drive in a straight line. Trailers can be be a hard shell composite or soft shell as per your need. Trailer and contents can be insured separately and will not require a commercial license or permit. Just an addendum to your current licence. You can keep using your current car if it has enough torque ... though FWD cars are a little tricky with a trailer. SUVs are better ... especially with 4WD or AWD.

And congratulations on the Ducati and living your dream....

Re: Matador for the Bike: Options and Alternatives

Priorities are intrinsic to individuals. Your priorities are your own and mine are for my self. Priorities can never be right or wrong. They can be mine or yours

And I don't understand the basis for your logic. I've asked for a motorcycle van to help me transport my motorcycle from the city to the track. You could suggest options that would keep me safe and could inform me of vehicles that I should avoid. I've noted your suggestion on avoiding the Omni. If there is a better alternative to my matador option please do suggest it.


Having said that, I don't think this is such a ludicrous idea by any stretch of imagination. Motorcycle vans are an integral part of the biker culture across the world and trying to build it in this country is an amazing opportunity. Not just for track days, but you could up the van with you Supersports and take it to the valleys and the hills for canyon rides and corner craving. You can load it up and take it to roads such as the Jaisalmer highway where otherwise riding to from Bangalore would be near impossible on a Panigale. It provides a multitude of options and endless possibilities. Please be open to it