Modern Vespa

I found a great device (park-n-move) that will turn around and or move a heavy bike in a garage. This item rests under your center stand and allows you to pivot your bike from there. Has anyone tried this unit with an mp3 yet?

I have one hell of a hill outside my garage, and pushing it in backwards is out of the question! Or perhaps is there another viable solution?

Here's a link to a BMW discussion about the Park-n-Move.

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32236

Dave

Thanks for the thread! I know that this product works, but I am concerned if it will work with my mp3 since the center stand is at the back wheels.

Have you looked at Tail Swinger?

http://www.cyoma.com/seevideo.htm

I got 2 emails that bounced back, and their 800 number no longer works. One forum I came across said they are gone

The look for an alternative is still on!

This is from the Cycoma order page:


Want a TailSwinger ?

We would like to sell you one, but here's the deal... TailSwinger is a great product that can go far, but marketing and sales isn't our cup of tea, and sales weren't enough to keep us in business. That could make an opportunity for you. If you have the knowledge, drive, experience and resources to take this to the next level, we want to hear from you! Send an email to keith@cyoma.com and let's talk.


Dave

OK sorry about the false alarm there. I'll take them off my link list. Great idea though. maybe they should sell it to the park and move guys.

The email for Keith was good, but he told me it is no longer being made, and that all stock has been sold a long time ago. Why are these good ideas and solutions no longer around?

Very interesting "swiveling" device. Can't be much in the way of materials making this roller derby turn about. Kinda pricey...then S/H too! What type of casters do you think were used....non-scratching....nylon....hard type plastic rollerballs? Kinda like our old computer mouses had? Someone SHOULD bring this unit back into production with more flare...you know, eye catching to the cyclist....and get that price down. You mod guys/gals out there....what cha think? I wonder too IF this tail swinger would work on the MP3. Great idea though.

I just heard back from the people who make a similar product to the park-n-move. The unit called the "saddle" seemed to have worked for them at the dealer yesterday. These guys actually went down to a dealership and tried their product there! They even took a picture, and will send more later today. Now that's customer service!



http://www.turnabike.com/

Those with bikes which are quite evenly balanced on the centre-stand (X9s etc) can make a very effective 'lazy susan' from a couple of bits of melamine covered chipboard on top of each other with a nail through the middle. Get the centre-stand on the middle of the 'lazy susan' and swivel the bike around!

Wouldn't work on the GP800, I find it very hard to lift the front off the ground manually, likewise the Fuoco.

Just received the Park-N-Move for my MP400. Was very excited to get as garage space a real problem.
My excitment didn't las very long, the Park-N-Move does not work with my 400. Location of the stand in relation to the rear wheel as well as the width of the unit just not compatible. Placed a call to the manufacturer to discuss problem, hoping to get a return call.
First time I saw this sytem was at the Chicago Motorcyle Show last Feb, was told there that it would work with the MP3's

The people from park-n-move have already informed me that their product would not work with the mp3. The SADDLE seems to be a bit wider and may make the difference. I am still waiting to hear back from them. If I can figure out how to post a picture here I will send out the shots they send me.
Even though these guys want $245, I would rather pay the extra for a unit that works! You have to admit they have fast and awesome customer service too!

This thread got me thinking - and searching.

http://www.cyclespinner.com/

http://www.gadgetjq.com/motorcycle_turntable.htm

http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo/ (About 2/3 down the page)

http://www.instructables.com/id/Motorcycle-Faux-Turntable/

I hope I can explain this concisely: Link # 1 shows a very high tech/high price unit - probably out of most peoples reach.

Links #2 + 3 show a simple home made center stand turntable but due to the placement of the MP3 stand, it would be very difficult to get the front wheels off the ground

Link #4 shows a simple device to reduce the friction using large 'fridge sliders.

My idea, whether it could be implemented easily or not, is to use a center stand turn table in tandem with the fridge slider friction reducer as shown in link #4 under the front wheels. I would suggest using a piece of thin plywood/plexiglass etc rather than the heavy plastic sheeting as show in the instructables article.

I hope this helps with the thought process, and perhaps a real usable may come of it.

Dave

OK if we are going down the furniture path, here is a link:

http://www.ezmoves.com/products/prodMain.html

I'm sure there are others as well, just need to do more googling.

What I might try is to use the SADDLE, and then use those furniture pads under the front wheels to make them slide. If I remember (from my mp3 and me going down) is that the front end raised along with me trying to lift the front end.

Basically I want a safe solution that won't cause more harm then good in the long run.

I just heard back from turnabike.com, and they got it to work

Mike,

Thanks for the Forum Link

I have attached additional photos that show the process of snaking the SADDLE in at an angle against the rear tire and behind the near peg, then rotate around to clear the opposite side peg back to center. Then push down on the lever and raise the rear of the MP3. Note, we found this is easier if the wheels are left unlocked, although that is optional.

I do not think you will need furniture moving strips as once the rear tire is off the ground you can push/ steer following the track of the front wheels but having full freedom to swing the rear of the scooter, including pivoting around the front tires.

The front load on the MP3 is quite heavy - in excess of 200 pounds, and certainly more than I wish to lift.

Other points that may be of interest, the casters are medical grade, non marking tread and are fully locking for stability and security since the parking brake on the MP3 works on the rear wheel, when it is elevated it is no longer effective.

The aluminum construction keeps the unit light, approximately 13 pounds so it is easy to move and store.

Best regards,

Chuck