If you need to transport a motorcycle, you may be wondering if it will fit inside a cargo van.
Cargo vans are quite popular and convenient to use for not only regular cargo but for transporting furniture, bikes, lawnmowers, and many other items.
But before you decide to move a motorcycle with a cargo van, it’s important to measure ahead of time to make sure it will fit.
Planning ahead will not only save frustration but will prevent possible damages to the motorcycle if it doesn’t fit inside the van properly.
Will a motorcycle fit in a cargo van?
Yes, for the most part, a motorcycle will fit in a cargo van. But this is not always the case. There are several different types and sizes of cargo vans along with different types and sizes of motorcycles. So it’s best to be on the safe side and check the dimensions of both ahead of time to ensure a safe fit.
One of the biggest concerns with respect to placing a motorcycle in a cargo van will be the height measurement of both.
Certain motorbikes can measure up to 60 inches high with handlebars and accessories which is equal to 5 feet tall.
Some cargo vans are less than 60 inches in height within the cargo area meaning the motorbike will not fit standing straight up.
But this is not normal and would be an exception.
Cargo van dimensions
Many cargo vans will have dimensions of 83” – 143” (inches) in length, 48” – 55” (inches) wide, and 52” – 65” (inches) in height.
As each cargo van can vary in size, let’s look at a few different models along with their exact cargo dimensions which will help you decide if your motorcycle will fit.
Ford E Series
There are a few different models of Ford E Series cargo vans. The E-150, E-250, E-350.
Note:
* Length is measured from behind front seats to rear doors
* Width is measured in between the wheel wells
* Height is measured from the opening of rear doors
The E-150 (2012 extended model) has the following cargo dimensions:
- 142.4” length
- 52.5” width
- 49.5” height
The E-250 (2012 extended model) has the following cargo dimensions:
- 142.4” length
- 52.5” width
- 49.5” height
The Ford E-350 (2012 extended model) has the following dimensions:
- 142.4” length
- 52.5” width
- 49.5” height
As you can see, the cargo dimensions for all Ford E-Series vans are the same. The biggest difference between the vans is the amount of payload it can handle. There are other designs and powertrain features that are different but as far as cargo dimensions go, they are all the same.
Ford Transit Connect
The following dimensions are for the 2020 Ford Transit Connect medium roof LWB cargo van.
- 124.8” length
- 54.8” width
- 64.9” height
There are a few different models of Ford Transit cargo vans including the 150, 250, and 350. Before loading a motorcycle into one of these vans, make sure to check the cargo dimensions ahead of time.
Chevrolet Express
The following dimensions are for the 2020 Chevy Express cargo van. Different models include the 1500, 2500, 3500.
- 127.8” length
- 52.7” width
- 49.4” height
Certain vans like the 2015 Chev City Express cargo van, have much smaller sizes. The length of this model is only 82.8” measured behind the rear seats to the rear doors.
| Cargo van | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford E-Series | 142.4 inches | 52.5 inches | 49.5 inches |
| Ford Transit Connect | 124.8 inches | 54.8 inches | 64.9 inches |
| Chevrolet Express | 127.8 inches | 52.7 inches | 49.4 inches |
Measuring motorcycle dimensions
In order to determine if a motorcycle will fit in a cargo van, you need to know the motorcycle’s size and overall dimensions.
On average, a motorcycle will have dimensions of 70” – 100” (inches) in length, 25” – 45” (inches) wide, and 40” – 60” (inches) in height.
As mentioned above, in most cases a motorcycle will fit and can be transported in a cargo van.
But here are some examples of motorcycle dimensions for confirmation.
Yamaha YZ250F
The following dimensions are for the 2020 Yamaha YZ250F.
- 85.6” length
- 32.5” width
- 50.6” height
Honda Goldwing Tour
The following dimensions are for the 2021 Honda Goldwing Tour.
- 101.4” length
- 36.4” width
- 56.3” height
Harley Davidson Sportster S
The following dimensions are for the 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S.
- 89.2” length
- 33.2” width
- 42.9” height
Motorcycles like dirt bikes and scooters are much smaller and should fit in most cargo vans.
| Motorcycle | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YZ250F | 85.6 inches | 32.5 inches | 50.6 inches |
| Honda Goldwing Tour | 101.4 inches | 36.4 inches | 56.3 inches |
| Harley Sportster S | 89.2 inches | 33.2 inches | 42.9 inches |
Tips for transporting a motorcycle in a cargo van
Before loading a motorcycle into a cargo van, consider the following tips.
- Don’t attempt to do this alone. Ask someone for help.
- Use tie downs and straps to fully secure the motorcycle.
- Remove handlebars, mirrors, footpegs, and other accessories if necessary.
- Drain gasoline and other liquids from the bike prior to loading.
- Use a heavy duty ramp suitable for holding the weight of the bike and more.
- Leave the motorbike in gear once in the van to prevent rolling.
- Don’t place other objects next to the bike during transport that could cause damage.
Will a motorcycle fit in a minivan?
Whether or not a motorcycle will fit in a minivan will depend on the size of the bike itself and the minivan being used.
In some cases, it is possible if you have a smaller bike and the minivan is empty with seats removed.
You may need to remove the windshield, handlebars, footpegs, mirrors, and other accessories to have a chance of the bike fitting.
Larger motorbikes for the most part will not fit inside a minivan.
Will a motorcycle fit in a uhaul?
If a cargo van is not available for you to transport a motorcycle, you can consider using a Uhaul truck.
The smallest Uhaul truck is 10 feet long and is more than suitable. They even include a heavy-duty ramp for easy loading.
Uhaul also has cargo vans available for rent and depending on the size of the motorbike and type of van being rented, a Uhaul would be a great option to transport a motorcycle.
