rudebwoy
Expert Class
Posts: 136
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posted March 15, 2007 10:00 PM
question about p/up truck bed length and zx-14
Do any of you guys have a truck bed of 6-1/2 feet or so and does the zx-14 fit in it? I'm contemplating persuing the new Tundra with the standard bed and want to get an idea if the bike will fit in the bed.
Beside a few times with the bike I truly wont need the bed for often for anything sizable whatsoever. I think the long-bed version will make owning the truck a bit of a headache if it is to be my only vehicle and daily driver with me only utilizing the bed 4 maybe 5 times a year tops for my bikes. I live in the burbs and drive in the city quite often so it definitely will be a cumbersome brute at times.
I know the measurements, the truck bed is 78.7 inches and the ZX-14 is spec'd at 85.4 inches but will the tail hang over sufficiently enough so that actual loading, securing and transport of the bike be possible?
I figure I'm hoping you guys that have experience rather than assumptions will be the most help here.
Should i give it up, get a midsized SUV and a trailer instead if I cant go the longbed route.
ta'
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'05 Triumph Speed Triple
'06 Triumph Daytona 675
'07 Kawasaki ZX-14
  
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icetee
Expert Class
Posts: 132
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posted March 16, 2007 04:52 AM
I have one , I don't like going that high off the ground, I go to the strip sometimes, so my bike is lowered, I had problems clearing the tail gate, so I brought a one bike trailor, they aren't that much either....
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lietoome
Needs a job
Posts: 2033
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posted March 16, 2007 05:32 AM
get the truck and buy a trailer....in the long run, you'll be glad you did. You can find a relatively inexpensive trailer on craigslist or the local paper. I was contemplating the same thing---I just bought a ford ranger with a short bed, got a smokin' deal on the truck, so I'll have to buy a trailer now. I've had two back surgeries, so I don't want to be wrestling a big ass bike into the bed of a truck. thats my 2 cents.
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trikchop
Expert Class
Posts: 247
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posted March 16, 2007 05:39 AM
it will fit in the bed of the truck with the tailgate down, but damn its a bitch to load.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted March 16, 2007 05:59 AM
Buy a Van...If not then get the trailer!!!
my 
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
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MasterBlaster
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted March 16, 2007 06:50 AM
Get a trailer, You can pick up one at Harbor Freight for 3-4 hundred rated for 1800 pounds. It will fold up and doesnt take much space. Pickup loading is hairy and especailly unloading, the risk to bike and body is just not worth what a small trailer would cost. Plus its handy for other things too....TB
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rudebwoy
Expert Class
Posts: 136
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posted March 16, 2007 02:01 PM
thanks for the input, I will admit to some concern regarding the bed height on the 4x4. The trailer idea sounds like sensible utility, now I've gotta talk myself outta oogling this Tundra...weird..I dont even really like trucks! I'll get me figured out sometime..
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'05 Triumph Speed Triple
'06 Triumph Daytona 675
'07 Kawasaki ZX-14
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Xtremespeed
Expert Class
Posts: 415
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posted March 16, 2007 03:50 PM
I love the new Tundra, but damn it's big. Even with the short bed it seems huge. I don't like going anywhere and having to park it. It would be great for towing long distance, but in my opinion, not for everyday driving. Loading a bike in the bed would definately be a hassle with the height of the truck. I agree. Trailer.
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When in doubt, Flick it!
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Jim K
Expert Class
Posts: 141
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posted March 16, 2007 04:04 PM
Putting a "full sized" motorcycle in the back of a truck is a bitch!!!! You need lots of help!! The Tundra AND a small enclosed trailer would be the cats ass!
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Never did get the whole "Harley" thing!
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 20, 2007 07:00 AM
Ask around at the track usually someone ready to upgrade.
For you guys that think a tundra is big, park beside a F350 crew cab with long bed,
your tundra bumper to bumper fits between the wheels.
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worm~hole
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
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posted March 20, 2007 08:48 AM
 Edited By: worm~hole on 20 Mar 2007 09:49
...lissen to CR...show'em your rig, CR...badass and practical and secure fo sho'!...especially with a huge dog inside who likes your bike as much as you do... 
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1bigkaw
Novice Class
Posts: 59
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posted March 20, 2007 03:58 PM
Go with trailer, but remember "you get what you pay for". And always carry a spare tire for the trailer. Then you don't have to be one of the guys leaving you trailer on the side of the road and taking one wheel off driving around on a Sunday looking for a tire shop to fix your flat! The bigger the tire/wheel on the trailer the better. I bought a trailer that has it's own drop down ramp that works awesome for loading things. Good luck.
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ninja14
Pro
Posts: 1136
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posted March 20, 2007 04:01 PM
I had to go w/ a midsize (Dakota R/T) to fit into my underground parking........so will be getting a trailer.....someday.....
Putting a streetbike in a truck sucks.......
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 20, 2007 06:00 PM
Trailors are great for local one man operation. 1bigkaw offered some good advise.
If you are going long distant or have help , a truck is much quicker and more economical .
You would be suprised at the difference in fuel pulling a trailor at 70 mph. IMO
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 20, 2007 06:11 PM
opps i just re-read your original post.
4-5 times a year get a trailor and put a hitch on whatever you have.
I have a hitch on my altima for quick local runs.
How far are you traveling to race?
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 20, 2007 06:25 PM
has anyone measured out the lengths required? My ZX14 fits great in the back of a friends Dodge truck. And he has no prob running it up the ramp and him stepping up onto a big cooler and following the bike right in.
Catch is- its an 8 foot bed and between that and the big cab parking it sux. I'm wondering how long the bed HAS to be in order to shut the gate?
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted March 21, 2007 06:52 AM
Why do you need to shut the gate? Strap the bike and ride.
If you need to retain other stuff buy a cheap tailgate net and leave the gate down.
Just saying it's not worth the hassel of a 8' bed for 4-5 times a year.
We have run with the tailgate down for hundreds of miles.
There are lots of s10's and other mini trucks with bikes in the bed around here.
Cars with open trailers on back will get the job done.
It don't take much to move a bike around especially if you are local.
Harbor freight has a nice folding trailer, that I've seen used to make a 300 mile trip even with the small tires, towed by a maxima. All depends on How many bikes and how far you're going.
A full size diesel with a 25-30' toy hauler with beds, air and stove makes for a nice setup.
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 21, 2007 08:50 AM
4-5 times a year?
and the back of the truck is loaded with other stuff besides bikes, so the tailgate closed is a plus. And when we go to the race track on weekends we also carry a trailer with bikes and stuff
thanks for the response though 
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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wrongway
Pro
Posts: 1078
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posted March 21, 2007 05:18 PM
i have an F250 with a short box. the bike fits in there with the tail gate closed , maybe 3" to spare. But the fender will rub the front of the box, so i have a 4x4 laying across the front to keep the fender off. gate still closes.
Roy
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 21, 2007 06:41 PM
quote:
i have an F250 with a short box. the bike fits in there with the tail gate closed , maybe 3" to spare. But the fender will rub the front of the box, so i have a 4x4 laying across the front to keep the fender off. gate still closes.
Roy
Roy, thank you very much
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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blueford
Needs a job
Posts: 2984
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posted March 22, 2007 10:22 AM
Edited By: blueford on 22 Mar 2007 11:33
Get a good ramp, it's no problem, besides when pulling a trailer, you can't exceed 55mph! Big advantage if your time is money and you live in CA and you're going to some world class road 200 miles from where you live.
You have to store a trailer someplace too.
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 22, 2007 02:52 PM
blue thats great looking ramps man.
Although I can't go under 55 MPH towing though, wtf are you talking about?
Or is that another Cali liberal socialist law?
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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blueford
Needs a job
Posts: 2984
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posted March 22, 2007 03:18 PM
Edited By: blueford on 22 Mar 2007 16:20
Yep, towing a trailer in California, you may not go faster than 55 mph or you get pulled over, in my case, the nice officer asks: " Have you ever been arrested for anything?" Do you mind if I search your truck?"
So the law of unattended consequences takes over and as I contemplate my life choices some time later back in the slammer with my cellmate Big Bubba "Why the fuck did I buy that trailer, Bubba"?
Bubba says: Shut the fuck up white boy and roll over on your tummy"
So there's a moral of the story someplace!
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 22, 2007 05:00 PM
lmao!
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted March 22, 2007 05:31 PM
blueford the hooters girls are cute in that truck. they Daytona hooters girls look good on my 14 bike too
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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