> I have a Honda XR400 that I would like to transport
inside my vanagon. If I remove the rear seat, can I
get it inside?
Anyone ever do this??

Brian,

I once placed a Kawasaki KLR650 (a dual sport similar to your XR, only bigger and heavier) into a Vanagon without removing the rear seat.  However, I did remove the front passenger seat and stick it in the back of the van.

I chose to remove the front seat because I was selling the vanagon to a guy that lived out of state and I needed the vanagon to be complete when I sold it.  We were meeting at a halfway point, and me being the frugal guy I am decided the cheapest and quickest route for me was take my motorcycle, so I could ride it back after selling the van.

I need to point out that it was not a Westy, and it didn't have a middle seat in it.  The removal of the front seat may not be required with an XR400, since it is a lot narrower than the KLR.  The best way to get the bike to fit, (I was by myself) was to put the front end in first and stick the front tire between the front seats and then picking up the rear of the bike and sliding it in.  I ended up using seat belts as attachment points for the tie downs.  It was a tight fit, but it did fit.  I certainly wouldn't have wanted to have a wreck with it in there, but it got the job done.

I think I have some pictures I took (as proof I did it) before I left home.  If I can find them this evening, I'll send them to you.

If it is something that you are going to do often, especially if carrying a passenger, removing the rear seat is the best thing you could probably do.  I've considered doing this in my Westy until I make (some day) a rear combined bumper/mounting system to carry my bike on the back, creating the ultimate adventure machine.

Later,

David Wilhite
84' Westy Subaruvanagon