Getting bike from Algonquin area to TO - Best Option

J_C_K

J_C_K

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I feel like I've seen a bunch of threads pop up here that are related to transporting a bike, but with no clear consensus on the best way to self-transport.

Context: A few weeks go, I had a (thankfully) low speed low side when my front brake seized up mid corner. Apart from knowing that it overheated, I'm still unsure what caused it (had a day of spirited off-road riding including some water crossings just before this happened, but was predominantly using the rear brake/engine braking).
Ended up leaving the bike behind in Barry's Bay vs attempting the voyage back home, since I rather like living.

I've purchased some parts that should...hopefully.... alleviate the issue: brake fluid, new pads, new seals. However, I don't think I trust the bike enough to ride it back without really knowing what happened, and maybe getting it looked at by a mechanic.

I've done some digging on the forums re: transport.

Seems like the most economical thing would be to rent a trailer from uHaul - only issue is I don't own a vehicle with a hitch, and I don't think the conventional rental companies offer these (correct me if I'm wrong?)

Other options:

- Home Depot: rent either a Van or a pickup truck? I'm not sure which one would fit my DR650 and what the tie down/anchor point situation is like (on that note, could anyone recommend a set of decent ties? Probably something from Canadian Tire?)

- Uhaul Vehicle - likely insanely expensive given the ~650 km round trip distance.

- Get a buddy to drive me up, attempt the repair myself, and try to ride it down

Unsure if anyone else has any suggestions, but advice would be appreciated!
 
I’d bring a caliper, pads and brake fluid if you’re doing a quick fix, seals are a bunch of shop work that’s not easy on the road.

Or, rent a pickup. 1786133518424.png
 
I rode a ZX-11 from North Carolina back to Toronto without using the front brake at all after it developed a wicked vibration. That said, I GUESS older and wiser me wouldn't recommend it.

Have you gotten any quotes for a flatbed tow? Won't be cheap, but maybe still feasible

No friends or family have a vehicle with a hitch? Where do you need to transport the bike to?
 
Rent a van and throw it in the back. The bike seems small and light enough to do so.
Home Depot would be my first choice since they don't charge for mileage like uHaul does.
What mike posts looks good to.

Good luck!
 
With a van or truck, you will need ramps if you can't bench press your bike.

If the front is locked up, you will need to take the caliper off as well so hope you know what socket/hex it is.

CAA is an option. Good Samaritans start to appear the closer to urban civilization you get so if you have a buddy with motorcycle CAA... 200km gets you to Peterborough. I think there's a grace period between membership and first use.
 
Woody's cycles in Perth is 170 km from Barry’s Bay right on Highway 7. CAA would get the bike there probably but there may also be a few other places I don’t know about that are between you and Barry's Bay. Woody's is pretty convenient on the highway though for both getting to and from back to the GTA.
 
sburns said:
Rent a van and throw it in the back. The bike seems small and light enough to do so.
Home Depot would be my first choice since they don't charge for mileage like uHaul does.
What mike posts looks good to.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
This. You and a bud can easily stuff it into the van. Pick up 4 adequate tie downs to secure it. If that don`t work, got any heavy movers blankets or similar? Big cushions too, the van rental place may help you out . Gently lay it down and cushion it all around with said blankets, seen it done with a dirt bike before, works fine. Go home and fix it at your leisure.
 
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You can't beat the Uhaul price for renting the motorcycle trailer but you need the tow vehicle.
I used to work at Home Depot in tool rentals.
Depending on location the have 3 heights of vans.
They also rent ramps and may have the 2 inch cargo straps (included in rental) that fit the side rails in the Ford vans.
The Chevy vans had rings in the floor for tie downs.
They use your vehicle insurance (must be over 21)
Check to make sure drivers license is not expired.
There is $500.00 deposit (credit card only)
Must be returned to original location.
If you rent 3 hours before closing you have until 9:00 am next day for 4 hour rental. (unless policy changed since I left)
No milage charge but need to replace gas used.
Reservations are not locked in until 4 hours before rental time.
If you get a reservation cancelation notice by email it may because the van has not been returned yet.
If this happens call Home Depot to check what options you may have.
Go to your local Home Depot to check what options they have.
Don't trust the pimply face moron that may be on the phone to know what they are talking about!
Times are tough in retail so they go for the cheap labour.
 
I have an aluminum ramp from princess auto that was pretty cheap. I checked with budget and enterprise van rentals with unlimited mileage and brought back a kawi zephyr 550 some time ago. It was reasonable cheap.


I happen to have a vehicle with a hitch and can rent a motorcycle trailer from U-Haul for under $20. Even know the local place and can call ahead and make sure it’s available as sometimes the online reservations don’t show the available equipment for rent.


I’d call around if looking for a van to make sure they have a tall cargo version.

Tie downs and wheel chock and good to go. I’ve even gone without the wheel chock as the floor ribs and tie downs were enough.

As other mentioned, I’ve ridden and used the rear brake for some distance and kept my distance to avoid any heavy stops.

Just take your time.
 
I rode a bike with very warped front rotors for full season - just used engine braking and the rear brake. If the issue is just the front brakes, I can ride it back for you.
Otherwise CAA will do a 320km tow I think.
 
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shanekingsley said:
I rode a bike with very warped front rotors for full season - just used engine braking and the rear brake. If the issue is just the front brakes, I can ride it back for you.
Otherwise CAA will doe a 320km tow I think.
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They will tow up to 200 km on the CAA Plus (which includes motorcycles)...I just confirmed this with them today as I'm thinking of downgrading to their basic plan (which only covers 10 km tows).
 
ifiddles said:
They will tow up to 200 km on the CAA Plus (which includes motorcycles)...I just confirmed this with them today as I'm thinking of downgrading to their basic plan (which only covers 10 km tows).
Click to expand...
Their premier membership will do up to 320km for one tow. I've had this membership for years and used it a few times!
www.caasco.com

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