Getting the bike in a truck bed
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Cruiser
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Getting the bike in a truck bed
I was wondering how hard it is to get a sportster into the back of a full sized truck. Any suggestions or ramp ideas would be helpful. Also how hard is it to get the bike tied down safely?
Road Warrior
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RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
ORIGINAL: ziggiegreen
I was wondering how hard it is to get a sportster into the back of a full sized truck. Any suggestions or ramp ideas would be helpful. Also how hard is it to get the bike tied down safely?
I was wondering how hard it is to get a sportster into the back of a full sized truck. Any suggestions or ramp ideas would be helpful. Also how hard is it to get the bike tied down safely?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 147
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From: Eagan, MN
RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
Not that hard. Just hauled a ironhead my buddy picked up for his daughter a month or so back. Get 2 long/wide planks. One for you to walk on, one for the bike. When tieing it down, compress the front fork as you tighten it up. I used2 straps up front, 2 straps for the back. Just don't use bungies, and keep the kick stand up. It never moved.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: NC
RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
a sportster?, sheeet just throw it on up there!!!...bike + truck = ramp...you never know how much you need it until you have one...i'd aslo suggest cutting a piece of plywood for a subfloor for at least over the gap between the bed and tailgate
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: canada
RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
I brought my wife's Sporty home in my F-150. I like using "bar buddies" (strap thingies that thread over the grips you attach your tie-downs to), but you have to watch they don't pull the grips off. I believe the alternative is called a "Canyon Dancer" - same thing, but joined in the middle with a strap to prevent accidental grip removal.
I keep the bike in gear, with her front tire pressed against my bed. The sidestand is up, and I tighten it down sitting on the bike. If done correctly, two straps is all you need. However, I prefer to use at least 4 - the back two I'll either wrap through the wheel, frame or swingarm. Not super-tight; just enough to keep the rear end in place.
I've always maintained that if I have 4 straps, I'll use 4 straps. Nothing like that hideous "thud" from behind you while driving down the highway.
Cannon
I keep the bike in gear, with her front tire pressed against my bed. The sidestand is up, and I tighten it down sitting on the bike. If done correctly, two straps is all you need. However, I prefer to use at least 4 - the back two I'll either wrap through the wheel, frame or swingarm. Not super-tight; just enough to keep the rear end in place.
I've always maintained that if I have 4 straps, I'll use 4 straps. Nothing like that hideous "thud" from behind you while driving down the highway.
Cannon
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: canada
RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
D-man: exactly; I should have mentioned that. I've never loaded a bike myself into the truck. I prefer to have person #2 on the other side in case the bike gets away from me. I've only loaded a bike myself when I used to have a trailer with a ramp-door.
Cannon
Cannon
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Cruiser
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RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
Thanks for the help. I thought about the throwing it in there method, but I got a felling it wouldn't work out to well for me. I seen all the expensive ramps you can buy, but I figured so wide boards would work. If I was driving down the highway and heard the "thud" I'd just go ahead and end all right there.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: Getting the bike in a truck bed
I have been known (in the past) to find a ramp from a rented U-Haul truck, that someone carelessly mislaid. Then I take the ramp put it on the tail gate....and ride the bitch right up. It helps if like someone said you find a place that will allow the tailgate to be as low as possable....I like the loading dock of the factory down the street. If I pull the truck in parallel to the dock just right, and can get it where the t-gate is just about level with the ground, then put the ramp up and ride on. I also use the tie down extensions so those hooks dont mess up my bars. While sitting on the bike I lean all the way to my right side, and hook that side to the tie down.....then lean as far as I can to the left and hook that side.
Just make 110% sure you are using high quality tie downs, like Ancra ratcheting type.....just stay away from the el cheepo china made crap and you will be fine. I also throw a tie or two at the rear of the bike.....but make very sure the loose ends of each tie down is also secured, and not flapping in the wind. The last time I did that one of the tie down ends fell between the bed and cab, and got wrapped around the drive shaft.....pulled that strap so tight it snapped and when it did....it dented the tank of the bike, and shattered the rear window of the pick up.
Just make 110% sure you are using high quality tie downs, like Ancra ratcheting type.....just stay away from the el cheepo china made crap and you will be fine. I also throw a tie or two at the rear of the bike.....but make very sure the loose ends of each tie down is also secured, and not flapping in the wind. The last time I did that one of the tie down ends fell between the bed and cab, and got wrapped around the drive shaft.....pulled that strap so tight it snapped and when it did....it dented the tank of the bike, and shattered the rear window of the pick up.
