Fork Compression when Strapping it Down.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 334
Likes: 10
From: Southern IL
Fork Compression when Strapping it Down.
Loaded bike in back of truck tonight. Taking it on vacation while pulling camper. Wondering how much one should compress the forks on a HD Lowrider? Seemed to ride fine for the short distance I tested it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
A couple of inches usually works. Use a rear strap just to keep the back end from walking around. When you strap the front down, give the bike a bounce and see if it's stable side to side; if not tighten the straps a bit more. Compress just enough, too much and you can blow seals.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
When I used to transport my Vulcan 750 in my pickup. I just compressed the forks about 3-4 inches, and never had a problem.
Last year my bike wouldn't start, so I called the AMA road service. They sent a guy with a nice rig that pulled the bike up. Then he put some cups on the handlebar ends and started ratcheting . And ratcheting . And ratcheting. And I kept thinking WTF is he doing. But he had just been bragging about how they towed for Harley dealers, and I felt stupid calling him out.
He tows me a half mile to go my Indy, and lets the bike down and my Handlebars are bent down about 6 inches. I complained to the AMA, and the tow company paid for the $135 repair. Next time I will speak my mind.
Last year my bike wouldn't start, so I called the AMA road service. They sent a guy with a nice rig that pulled the bike up. Then he put some cups on the handlebar ends and started ratcheting . And ratcheting . And ratcheting. And I kept thinking WTF is he doing. But he had just been bragging about how they towed for Harley dealers, and I felt stupid calling him out.
He tows me a half mile to go my Indy, and lets the bike down and my Handlebars are bent down about 6 inches. I complained to the AMA, and the tow company paid for the $135 repair. Next time I will speak my mind.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 51
From: Ft. Worth
Make sure that the front wheel can't move side to side and, the straps won't come loose from the bars. A couple inches should be enough.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 75
From: CA
If you find yourself doing this a lot consider a wheel chock. It helps eliminate all doubt.
Esp from these guys--Condor
Esp from these guys--Condor
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: SoCal
I've hauled bikes thousands upon thousands of miles tied down in the back of a pickup since 75. Cranked 'em down so they won't fall over and have never, repeat NEVER, blown a fork seal. To those that think tying a bike down with the forks compressed more than 2" will blow a seal, I guess bottoming out on a ride would blow the seals then, huh?