102AW3 wheelchair platform size

[DaveG]

I see that MCI has a couple of 102AW3s on there website. In my neverending search for a way to transport motorcycles inside the coach, I was wondering if the platform size of the wheelchair lift would accomodate a motorcycle...anyone know?

Thanks for all your help, and no...I don't want to hang them on the rear bumper!

[buswarrior]

Fire a communication off to MCI for the dimensions of the lift platform?

An 800 number?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[John316]

MCI tech support....1-800-241-2947...

God bless,

John

[DaveG]

Yeah, thanks guys...that's what I was gonna do the next day. Just thought someone here may have tried doing the same thing. Thanks for the quick responses. Isn't it time to go home yet?

[Lonnie time to go]

Width will be ok but you might have to add a folding extension to catch the back wheel of your motorcycle.

http://busesandmore.com/buses/1986-MCI-102A3-Wheelchair.shtml

http://www.mcicoach.com/parts-service-support/serviceWheelchairRetro.htm

Lonnie

[buswarrior]

The 102AW3 has the lift inside the coach, and inside one of the bag bays like an elevator.

Right from the factory.

the lift is the floor at coach height, so if the motorcycle is longer than the platform, it won't make it up through the floor.

In my opinion, for a busnut who needs a wheelchair lift, these are the ones I would want.

The lift is discrete, and you are under cover while on the lift.

the loss of baggage space is the drawback for the motorcoach industry, so this design was abandoned.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[DaveG]

Thanks BW, I was just gonna make that point about the difference.

[BG6]

I see that MCI has a couple of 102AW3s on there website. In my neverending search for a way to transport motorcycles inside the coach, I was wondering if the platform size of the wheelchair lift would accomodate a motorcycle...anyone know?

That would depend on the size of the motorcycle, but probably not.  You also have a weight issue.

If you haven't bought a coach yet, you might want to look at Prevost, Eagle or some other coach that doesn't have a monocoque design.  If you can cut a big hole in the side for a slide, you can cut a big hole in the side for an exterior lift (think liftgate but on the side instead of the back).

[boogiethecat]

FWIW and not that it's anywhere near the same as the MCI lift, BUT I got a wheelchair lift with the Bluebird I bought, and it's able to lift 1200 pounds or so.  I bought a second identical one from a bus scrapyard, took it and the original apart and welded the two back together as one wide one, and ended up with a nifty 5' wide lift that serves me very well as a side-mounted liftgate.  Of course with a Bluebird there aren't any structural issues.. you just cut the already-there door hole a lot bigger and make a new door. But it's really cool and yes it works wonders. Mine'd pick up a bike easily.

[RJ]

The 102AW3 has the lift inside the coach, and inside one of the bag bays like an elevator.

Hey BW -

Do you remember the couple at Jack's Party in Arcadia a few years ago, when it was still at the old Horizon Coach facility, that had a 102AW3?  IIRC, they were parked a couple coaches over from George Myers Gillig. . .

Anyway, she used a wheelchair, and this model coach worked perfectly for her.  I remember taking a "tour" w/ hubby, between the two of them they had really intelligently designed the interior for her situation.


BG6 -

I'm pretty sure a 102AW3's lift would be too small for a motorcycle, unless it was a Honda 90 or Vespa scooter. 

With that original style lift, the rectangular platform is only as long as the baggage bin is wide.

Time To Go posted a link to an MCI model at "busesandmore" who's lift type would probably be more suited for what you are interested in.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[buswarrior]

Yup, RJ, after seeing that coach, I was sold!

The design of those 102AW3 lifts were way better for the person in the mobility device than the hang-out-in-the-air lifts used everywhere now...

Unfortunately, the economic needs of the market trump good accessibility design.

I've been out of the loop locally, that couple joined one of the clubs, wonder how they are?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[JackConrad]

Perry & Jean attended one of our Bussin' rallies several years ago.  They have been going to Texas for the winter the last few winters.  Jack

[buswarrior]

Thank you Jack!!!

The collective memory is strong!

The individual memories...well, um.... what was I going to type...?

happy coaching!
buswarrior