As a passing comment yesterday, a relative suggested that to transport a motorbike in the back of a van to France it needs to have had all petrol drained from the tank. And also Jerry cans with fuel in are not allowed? I ask because we're relocating back to France in a few weeks time and rather than have movers charge me a rediculous sum of money to also take my bikes, I was just going to to put them in the back of my van and take them over with us. Has anyone done this before?
Just drain the fuel. Then there’s no problem whether you can or cannot. I believe that petrol is available in France when you get there.
I've just answered one of my own questsions: https://help.eurotunnel.com/hc/en-gb/articles/208586245-Can-I-carry-spare-fuel- Can I carry spare fuel? Additional fuel may be carried up to the following limits: Plastic containers: 3 x 10 litres Metal containers: 1 x 20 litres (A maximum total of 30 litres)
It was more the fact that it made no sense to me. What difference would it make if a fueled motorbike is in a van or outside of it on a ferry? The comment could easily have been complete BS.
When I went to the IOM tt the ferry operators wouldn't let bikes on the ferry with extra fuel cans, I know because some Germans were having to give it away. Steve Can't see a problem with fuel in a bike in the back of a van though.
I've taken my 748 to the Croix en Ternois near track near St Pol several times in a van. I never even considered draining the tank.
Never really been worried about transporting bikes in a van with a small amount of fuel in. whether that's around the UK or across into Europe. If your ever asked to unload and start them, then a gallon or 2 would come in handy. Just use your common sense.
I took 3 bikes in a van through eurotunnel last year with fuel in the tanks and there was no issue. I don’t think they asked when you were booking. May want to call and ask if you are really concerned about it
It is the rules but the chances of anyone checking is very low. I almost always have a full fuel tank to save me some time later and have never had issues. Same with euro trips as well, although I only use a maximum of about a half full tank on track.
Has anybody actually read the replies to the question? The OP has explained TWICE that there actually is no problem to begin with. It was a bad suggestion by a misinformed relative.
I have heard it before by small and mostly one man bands taking other peoples bikes say, can you make sure the fuel is all out. Beyond that most don't have any issues or problems
20 yeard of moving my bokes back and forward across and under the channel. Never ever drained tanks. Also never been asked who the bikes belong to, even though I always have the paperwork, no one is interested!
I can't be bothered googling it now but I seem to remember the ferries' T&Cs say you can't have your vehicle's tank full either. I've been ignoring that one for thirty years.
Reassuringly my mate on his 996 got pulled over by UK customs on the way out last summer when we were using Eurotunnel and grilled about the ownership of his bike.
