The wife and I are going to haul the bike from Ohio to somewhere warm in Feb. I have hauled it short distances (30-40 miles) with it tied to the handlebars in the front and the rear crash bar in front of the saddle bags. Where does everyone attach the tie straps when you haul? Do you compress the front shock? If so how much? I saw someone tie to the front axle at the forks.

 

Ah've always gone w/the triple trees....

 

This is how I do it. Ratchet straps only, no cam locks. All straps pulling forward into wheel chock and no strap higher than the passenger footboard bracket.

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Tell'em again, SOOS That is how I do mine and I can't shake it loose at 90mph on rough roads.

 

[:-][:-][:-] [sm=gears.gif]

 

 

+1 on only ratchet straps (four in the fornt; two at the back) but I like to have at least one set up up on the handlebars near the clamps or on the triple tree. Higher gives a better ang;e so that the bike has less arm (leverage) against the attachments. Also +1 on the front straps pulling forward and down into the chock/hoop.

The rears don't really hold the bike but do keep the back end from hopping around. The crash bars are OK and I also like to put one from left to right with one loop around the tire. The back straps should pull sideways and maybe a little but aft.

Check the straps after about 50 miles and then every time you get fuel. Usually never need attention but it puts my mind at ease.

 

Don't own a trailer so not sure.
But I would presume on the topside of the trailer would be a good start.

 

I disagree! With your set-up, you're ONLY using the front wheel chock to hold the bike upright. All of the ratchet straps are forcing the bike into the wheel chock. You need the ratchet straps to hold the bike upright and attach to the bike as high as possible. With your set-up, a loose wheel chock or bolt and you have a mess on your hands!

 

Scoot a pc of 4X4 under the frame a little front of midway, soft wraps on both down tubes, ratchet straps on those to either side of trailer. Short ratchet strap around front wheel to front rail of trailer. A stap on both sides of back tire. Ratchet away, can't collapse the front shocks but so far due to the 4X4. Bike is solid as a rock. Check tiedowns after a few miles & regularly thereafter.

VicW.