Are Spyders allowed on the Amtrak Auto Train?

[aracrash]

Looking to go one way between Florida and VA. Has any one had any success with there Spyder on the Auto Train?

 

[Lin]

I just looked at the Auto Train web site.
https://www.amtrak.com/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements.html
"Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes and Polaris Slingshots will not be accepted."

There are other shipping options.

 

[aracrash]

I saw that too. But that was a year ago. i was hoping they have figured it out.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I saw that too. But that was a year ago. i was hoping they have figured it out.

Actually they have it figured out …………. the DEMAND just isn't there to make it worthwhile for them ……. :dontknow:...…. Mike hyea:

 

[Bfromla]

Think they stopped in 2016 sux, but just another reason to ryde

 

[asp125]

That's too bad. I was hoping someone at Amtrak recognized the untapped potential of the motorcycling community. Yes we are an independent lot, preferring to ride instead of trailering. But lots of us have limited vacation time and being able to cross country travel with our bikes on the train would let riders experience roads farther afield. It took us 3 days to get from Denver to the Dragon years ago. By train it's 25hrs to Nashville; that gives us 4 additional days of riding time - 2 out and 2 back.

Same could be said for Sturgis, or California etc.

.. lack of vision at Amtrak.

 

[Bob Denman]

As I recall the back story to this: it really comes down to the types of ramps that they use, and the changes to them, that would be necessary.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

As I recall the back story to this: it really comes down to the types of ramps that they use, and the changes to them, that would be necessary.

The car to car ramps are right and left only in line with automobile wheel tracks. Since there's no center ramp there is no way to load a Spyder directly into the auto car. Motorcycles are loaded onto flat cars, or wagons, with a wheel track that fits the ramps. The flat cars are equipped with front wheel chocks that are too narrow for the Spyder rear wheel. The Spyder would have to be loaded backwards and even then the fender, mud flap, and hitch if it's there, would interfere with the wheel chocks. Amtrak could do it, but like Mike said the demand probably isn't there. They also won't take Slingshots, and even though it isn't specified, I'm sure they say no to Vanderhalls, Morgans, etc. They will take conventional trikes like H-Ds.

The auto train only operates between Lorton, VA and Sanford, Florida. Obviously they don't see enough demand for the service elsewhere to offer it cross country.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The car to car ramps are right and left only in line with automobile wheel tracks. Since there's no center ramp there is no way to load a Spyder directly into the auto car. Motorcycles are loaded onto flat cars, or wagons, with a wheel track that fits the ramps. The flat cars are equipped with front wheel chocks that are too narrow for the Spyder rear wheel. The Spyder would have to be loaded backwards and even then the fender, mud flap, and hitch if it's there, would interfere with the wheel chocks. Amtrak could do it, but like Mike said the demand probably isn't there. They also won't take Slingshots, and even though it isn't specified, I'm sure they say no to Vanderhalls, Morgans, etc. They will take conventional trikes like H-Ds.

The auto train only operates between Lorton, VA and Sanford, Florida. Obviously they don't see enough demand for the service elsewhere to offer it cross country.

I'm curious as to HOW a HD trike can work ( 3 wheels ) but not any other 3-wheel veh's ?????? ………….Back to 2 wheel MTC's - these flat cars / wagons …. If they are using them for MTC's why do think they couldn't be used for our Spyder's ????? …….I know the Slingshot has Twice the footprint as a Spyder so a flat car for them would have to be very large & heavy ………… your thoughts …………… Thanks …. Mike hyea: