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I have seen these type of straps bend and even break a set handle bars.
The WheelDock has a small ratchet strap that goes through the front wheel and secures to the mount. You can see the loops for it:
The WheelDock people don't recommend strapping the bike down tight. IIRC, they cross two straps over the seat and secure it that way. For the most part I've always just put enough tension on the straps to keep the bike from skidding around. Let the bike's suspension work, but don't let the rear tire dance around the floor. Most likely I will be using the front/rear 'crash bars' to run the straps to. Going to have to experiment some.
I am impressed with the WheelDock. Yeah, it's a bit pricey. And it's ordered depending on the size of your front tire. I got a Number 5. They do sell shims that will secure narrower tires if needed.
I'll try to snap pic of the EVO in the trailer as a reference to anyone thinking about what size trailer to get.
I don't like using the front highway bars to tie down the bike, at the end of the day just one bolt on each side of the frame holding the the entire show together.
Method I use for all bikes is running the strap around the lower leg right above the fender bolts, I also have a sheepskin sock to go over the strap at that point. Nice snug hold of the front end, BUT the suspension is free to move up and down. Two at the rear from the passenger floor boards for lateral stability and good to go. For the Wide Glide I use the swing arm because I can get to it, no go with a touring bike.
My buddy taught me this method after years of compressing my suspension and worrying about blowing seals etc. In my youth I also have bent handle bars and risers. I really think this is the best method for some serious strength without messing up the suspension. And it seems to work for just about everything except springers. My Flathead, she gets compressed but there is no fluids or seals, just some springs so no worries.
Note the truck mounted Condor to hold the bike, that with a 40" wide ramp makes loading the bike a one man job. I just ride her up into the truck, Condor holds her vertical and I can get off and tie the bike down. Works well even for my Roadie.
My Wide Glide strapped down going to Daytona earlier this year:
Last edited by Architect; Sep 28, 2015 at 07:42 AM.
I don't like using the front highway bars to tie down the bike, at the end of the day just one bolt on each side of the frame holding the the entire show together.
Method I use for all bikes is running the strap around the lower leg right above the fender bolts, I also have a sheepskin sock to go over the strap at that point. Nice snug hold of the front end, BUT the suspension is free to move up and down. Two at the rear from the passenger floor boards for lateral stability and good to go. For the Wide Glide I use the swing arm because I can get to it, no go with a touring bike.
My buddy taught me this method after years of compressing my suspension and worrying about blowing seals etc. In my youth I also have bent handle bars and risers. I really think this is the best method for some serious strength without messing up the suspension. And it seems to work for just about everything except springers. My Flathead, she gets compressed but there is no fluids or seals, just some springs so no worries.
My Wide Glide strapped down going to Daytona earlier this year:
Ya might look at using the passenger board mounts.
Didn't think of using them. Good idea.
Originally Posted by Architect
Method I use for all bikes is running the strap around the lower leg right above the fender bolts
Another good idea. Like I wrote, I'm going to do some experimenting. I don't like using the handlebars either. Only time they get used is when I have the bike on the lift:
My son's FLHT has the batwing fairing, so the forks seem like the best place on the front to attach straps.
BTW: Seeing all that snow, just sent a shiver through me....
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