motorbike on stage

[burcyluton]

Hi Folks,

 

I have been trying to find the 'what to do with', prep wise for using a real motorbike onstage as a prop. Obviously no fuel and remove the battery and spark plug, anything else we need to do?

 

I've never had to prep one before so hence the question.

 

Thanks folks.

 

 

 

[timsabre]

I have been trying to find the 'what to do with', prep wise for using a real motorbike onstage as a prop. Obviously no fuel and remove the battery and spark plug, anything else we need to do?

I've never had to prep one before so hence the question.

 

This thread discussed the matter at great length - the short answer is that making a real bike safe to use onstage is harder than you might think:

 

http://www.blue-room...showtopic=62407

[Jivemaster]

Who owns the said bike? you don't mess with someone's pride and joy unless you are a manufacturer trained specialist, which as you ask then you are not. Biggest issue it that it's likely to fall over if unstable and bikes are usually heavy.

[paulears]

Since we did this topic I've had a real car on stage (well, if a smart car is a real car), and the conversation between the local authority and the car supplier was quite relaxed. Just enough fuel in the tank the warning light extinguishes, and the emphasis on start - run - stop as short as possible because of the carbon monoxide output - not the petrol.

[GridGirl]

I've had 2 Model T Fords on stage (and running) for a production of A Little Night Music and a motorbike (again, running) for Little Shop of Horrors. Minimum fuel and short run times (as Paulears said) was really all that we had to do. It did help that with the bike, one of the crew was a keen rider himself so he took responsibility for it. Oh and we had to make sure the stage could take the weight of the two Model Ts.

[psychosoundman]

I have had a Harley Davidson ridden onto stage a few years ago with no problems, however, we are a bit more relaxed here in OZ for things like that. It was ridden in onto stage, did one lap around the backline setup and then parked up and stopped centre stage as a prop for the lead singer. It remained there for the entire show and then was wheeled out at the end.

 

There was no need for any paperwork other than common sense with a Safety Officer present and a fire extinguisher and a carpet under the motorbike to soak any leaking oil.

 

Not sure what your requirements would be in the UK though.