How do I secure my bike in the back of a van?

OK, with my first track day looming, I've decided to get a van and at least have somewhere to keep all my stuff safe while I'm out on track. Plus if the weather is rubbish I'll have somewhere to hide too

Anyway, just wanted to ask about securing the bike in the back of the van. At the moments my thoughts run along the lines of:

Ratchet strap round the front somewhere (Over the headstock? Bars??)
On side stand and in gear.
Another ratchet strap over the seat.

Am I missing something, or is there a better way of doing it?

Ta

ask any rommanian in london, they're pretty quick at it

If it is a hire van then you might be limited on tie-down points.

Do you have a ‘bobbin’ type paddock stand???

a friend of mine just uses a paddock stand in the back. but there are bench seat either side and a table behind to stop it moving about. ratchet straps be the best option.

Originally Posted by Blue_SV650S

If it is a hire van then you might be limited on tie-down points.

Do you have a ‘bobbin’ type paddock stand???

Yes I do. Do you suggest I put the bike on the stand and ratchet it down? (I also have an Abba stand if that would be any better)

Does anyone else bungee the front brake on or is that overkill?

Originally Posted by rigor

Yes I do. Do you suggest I put the bike on the stand and ratchet it down? (I also have an Abba stand if that would be any better)

Yes, if you strap the bike down on the stand (so it can't jump out) it gives good stability, then it’s a fairly easy job to secure the bike such that it doesn’t topple off the stand.

Basically run the bike right up to the front of the van so the front wheel is up against the cabin wall bit, put the bike on its paddock stand, strap it to the stand then a couple of sideways straps at the rear to stop it swaying about and a couple round each fork top/clipon to ensure the front can’t move about .. job done!!! …

Admittedly with all the junk I have in my van there isn’t much room for much to move about anyway but that is the method I have used for years on my bikes

Originally Posted by Sosha

Does anyone else bungee the front brake on or is that overkill?

I have tied the front brake and it helps, especially under heavy braking and when your straps are not as spread as you would like them. I was also in a plymouth grand voyager...they are crap, but by removing both rows of seats I was able to strap down to the bars the seats clasp to.

Cool, thanks for the advice. hopefully it will stop me putting a post up here on sunday night titled " Help, my bikes fallen over and wedged itself in the back of a van"

How are you getting the bike in the van? good idea though means you can take tools and junk and stuff