X-Grip Transporter space saver wheel solves the problem of loading dirt bikes into smaller vans – Enduro21 finds out how it works.

Austrian company X-Grip are best known for their tyres, plus these days their enduro race team notably fielding the Brightmore brothers in Hard Enduro.

Outside the range of tyres and mousses, the parts catalogue has some gems including this Transporter or space saver wheel which, for us at least, is something of a game changer.

What is that problem?

It’s hard to say if we we’re excited like a kid with a new toy or nodding knowingly like a wise dad, appreciating the original solution to an old problem.

Enduro paddocks are full of bigger vans, motorhome, pick-ups and trailers – there are multiple ways of getting your bike to the track and we have pretty much had the full gambit ourselves in decades of riding and racing.

But if you’re a smaller van owner – there are many out there just about big enough to fit a dirt bike in –this jockey wheel is a very practical solution.

They say:

The Transporter by X-GRIP is your ultimate game-changer when it comes to loading your bike. Remove the front wheel, insert the Transporter, and your bike instantly becomes lower and more compact. Perfect for vans or tight transport spaces that wouldn’t otherwise accommodate your setup.

Dimensions are 25cm x 60cm(8-inch), it comes with two spacers for a universal fit to standard front axles. Compact. Smart. Ready for action with less height and more space.

We say:

Ordinarily our solution is to put a tie-down strap around the bottom of the fork leg and the triple clamps, or handlebar, and pull the forks down. It works but there’s always a niggling doubt about the extra pressure on the fork seals.

When you load your bike up and it sits in there strapped down for a day or two, the inner mechanical sympathy genie is shaking his head (the mechanical sympathy genie is a thing btw).

Simple concept

The X-Grip Transport wheel is a universal fit and sits in place, using your front axle and nut to sit tight and give you an 8-inch front wheel instead of a 21. That drops the handlebar height to just over a metre or 42 inches. It also reduces the overall length of the bike for an added bonus.

The reason why it feels like a game change is the two minutes spent swapping out the front wheel for the X-Grip Transporter means you can load up as normal.

The Transporter wheel is made from durable plastic and the fit to our YZ250 is perfect. The only thing to note is the brake caliper sits low to the ground so you have to watch it doesn’t catch on anything (a shorter bike ramp or a doorstep into a workshop in our case).

Cost: €49.90

More information: www.x-grip.at

Photo Credit: Enduro21