Want to take your small dual-sport bike with you when you fly? Check out the MotoPOD carrier for the Vans RV-10 plane.
If you like flying and motorcycling but can’t figure out how to combine the two,
MotoPOD LLC might have the answer for you. The Winnetka, Ill. company is manufacturing a patent-pending cargo pod for small, private planes. Of course, you have to be the proud owner of a Vans RV-10 aircraft, the only model which the MotoPOD currently fits. Other planes will soon be compatible according to website claims, including the Cirrus SR-22 and Cessna 182.
Measuring 110 x 36 inches, the fiberglass composite pod with carbon fiber reinforcements adds 50 pounds, but is capable of holding 250 lbs. A set of four hard-points are used to distribute the weight of the pod evenly across the airframe and are claimed to withstand over 8Gs. Built-in rollers allow it to move into position or away from the plane with minimal effort. A winch system uses four cables to lift the pod and is activated by a driveshaft which extends out the side. A speed bar is included or use a cordless drill. Four pins secure the load against the RV-10’s belly. Once the mounting hardware is in place, everyday use of the pod is said to be around three minutes for installation. A small hatch is located on the side for loading of smaller cargo, but large items like bicycles, surfboards or motorcycle can be stowed by removing the entire pod.
The adapted Yamaha XT225 has been designed to fit inside the tight confnes.
Finding a motorcycle that fits inside the available 25 cubic feet of storage might be a problem, which is why MotoPOD offers a modified Yamaha XT225 which the unit seems to be designed around. The bike is claimed to weigh 220 lbs dry and modifications include folding handlebars and pegs, no-spill plumbing and 16-inch wheels. The modded 223cc Yamaha dirt bike doesn’t have a front fender and the traditional kickstand is replaced with a front-mounted version that extends from below the forward engine cases.
The pod sells for $7995 and the bike is $9995 with a helmet included. Purchasing the entire package (pod, bike, extra helmet, hard-point kit, cradle) saves $500 but rings in at a steep $18,375.
Just for fun, here are a few current dual-sport bikes that are available from
Yamaha motorcycles. They all exceed the MotoPOD weight limit, but they are also much less expensive. Shaving weight is only a matter of time and money, and we think a savvy owner/mechanic could make their own bike for much less than $10K.
2009 Yamaha XT250 - $4690, 289 lbs
2009 Yamaha WR250R - $6090, 295 lbs
2009 Yamaha TW200 - $3990, 279 lbs
We’d like to see a contraption that can haul a wider variety of motorcycles, but the idea of having efficient transportation only minutes from landing is pretty attractive regardless. For now the MotoPOD has a very limited scope and a huge pricetag, but if you own the right plane this could be your ticket to exploring all the places you’ve wanted to visit. What’s the point of a small airstrip if getting around after landing is impossible? Problem solved.
Here’s the Price Guide provided by MotoPOD:
Check out the video courtesy of MotoPOD.
- Pods $7,995 - Pre-built and painted. Follow the included instructions to trim and fit your pod.
- Folding Motorcycles $9,995 - Street-legal and ready to run. Includes our folding handlebars and pegs, removable front wheel, 16" wheels, no-spill plumbing and more. We'll also send you a free helmet.
- Hard-Point Kits $495 - Prefabricated reinforcements, hardware and instructions to install hard-points beneath your passenger seats and spar carry-through.
- Cradles $295 - These fiberglass cradles are designed to secure our folding motorcycles during flight. They are ready to install inside your pod with the included thumb-screws.
- Helmets $95 - DOT certified helmets with MotoPOD graphics. Pick a color and size: small, medium, large, x-large, silver or white.
- Complete Package: $18,375
For more information, visit
www.motorcyclepilot.com.
