I am a member of a college research group who are looking into products that would make driving a truck more enjoyable. We were wondering how many people who drive trucks would be interested in having the option to take their motorcycle or scooter on the road with them. Please also feel free to let us know about any problems you may see with this idea (like added weight). thanks for the time.

 

ummm ... I love the idea someone is trying to find a way to make life better for truck drivers ... and enjoy our job more. But a bike of that size and value would be a big - thief - item because it would have to be on the outside of the tractor somewhere. So consider ... weight, maintenance, how to secure the item so it's less likely to be stolen, how to pick it up in order to put it in a secure area of the truck- there would have to be a ramp made for this. When most trucks part in a TS ... there's not much space between the rigs ... just enough to get your door open and stretch your legs .. so how much space would it take for a ramp?
:wink:

 

Weight is certainly a consideration with a motorcycle. I saw an interesting setup in Dallas at the truck show. An expediter van had a compartment just for his motorcycle. I can see it would be a real challenge to get the bike in and out. I also recall seeing a bed bugger (moving van) who managed to carry his Harley with him in his trailer. It is easier for a moving van to carry a motorcycle because they usually not heavy. Space can be a problem with a motorcycle. I have seen them on the front of a truck and right behind the sleeper, but there is risk involved in taking something of such value into some of the area's where we must deliver freight. I think it is a good idea, if the logistics could be worked out. However, most of us don't sit long enough to take a bike ride.

 

I think more drivers would benefit if they could fit a bicycle on the truck. A lot less weight and some health benefits to boot.

 

I have seen motorcycles carried behind the sleeper on a very few trucks. One guy with a Harley did have a ramp that would fit on one side to take the bike off, and on the other side to load it back up. He'd pull forward to load and unload. He'd pull his truck forward in the lot to clear other trucks with the ramps. He also pulled a flatbed with the kingpin "set forward".

With vans and reefers, the problem with trying to mount a motorcycle behind the sleeper would be turning corners. The corner of the trailer takes up the room on the catwalk. The handlebars might have to be "folded up" or on corners, you could do serious damage to the bike.

I've seen one truck that had 2 bicycles hanging from the back of the sleeper. But the peddles worked some serious holes in the back of the sleeper.

 

who needs a ramp? more like Beam me outside Scotty! lol =D

 

I still ride a unicycle...half the weight..twice the fun/exercise.. 8)

I know, I know not practical.