How do I transport my 03 fxdl on a flat bed trailer?

 

There are quite a few YouTube videos on how to do this but at a minimum you'll need four tie down straps. Attach two of the straps around the inner part of the handle bars and evenly compress the front suspension 50-75%...basically the minimum needed to hold it steady and secure but not too much to blow out the seals/you'll want some travel for bumps. The other two straps go to the lower rear rails and tighten those enough to keep the back from bouncing around. I use a wheel chock on the front tire for extra peace of mind.

 

My suggestion would be to do first things first and google lock-n-load motorcycle wheel chocks. If you tie straps around your handle bars and compress the forks to secure the bike you may have forks seals to replace when you get to your destination. I found this out the hard way.

 

x 2 wheel chock Buy a good 1 don't cheep out

 

Never tie the bike down from the handle bars. Not only might you have issues with fprk seals, you are going to ruin your handle bar riser bushings.

Go around the inside of the fork lower leg. Gives you great lateral support without compressing your front suspension. Rear straps depend on the bike and what can you attach to, I don't know your model bike well enough to offer advise but rear peg mounts seem to work on a lot of models.

A Pingel wheel chock is also a good and cheap investment. Something like a Condor is even better, but more money.

 

Pull it off the trailer and ride it. Just an option.

 

A wheel chock is mandatory. One strap around each side of the lower tree pulling out and forward. Another strap to go around the front wheel and suck it into the wheel chock. For the back tie down I use the rear peg mounts. Compress the forks about 50-60% and use bungies on the front straps to keep them from coming loose if you hit a bump. As already mentioned DO NOT USE HANDLEBARS FOR SECURING BIKE!