Hey all,
Goin to pick up my bike next weekend and wondering if there is anything I need to know about tying it down. I use to tie down my yz250 all the time. Is this gonna be any different? Just want to cover all the bases. Tying down a 94 heritage calssic. THX

 

Just be sure your straps are good quality.

Be sure the bike is in neutral. Other than that, make sure the shocks are compressed as much as possible. Enjoy the ride...

Steve[sm=icon_rock.gif]

 

I've never done anything special. Compress the front fork and tie her down. I add a tie down or two from the back just to be sure.

 

also tye her down around the tripple tree just to be safe. and you should be to go.

 

I have heard people say not to completely compress the front shocks for fear of blowing the seals out. Some say to completely compress them. Someone set the record straight and why or why not.

Thanks

 

That's my concern too. Also,how do I stop the wheel chock from compressing into the front tire?

 

release tension on the proper side when undoing it ( meaning the foot brake side so it doesnt tip . I was freaking when I trilerted mine 150 miles after getting it . Should do just fine ENJOY!!

 

I always use two straps on each side in front...that way I can load it myself and don't have to worry about losing it(tippin' over) if I loosen a strap too much. I just let er out a little at a time, one strap at a time. You don't have to compress the shocks all the way if you use continious straps or straps with locks to keep the s-hooks from poppin out of the soft ties and/or trailer bed hooks. Otherwisw if you don't..... first hard bump. she bottoms out, out pop the s-hooks and over she goes. I always put the kickstand up also so it don't wear a hole in the bottom of the trailer.....just make sure she's down before you loosen the tie-downs.

 

All here is great advice!

My humble advice is......

RIDE HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats!!!

 

Compress the forks enough to hold the bike tight and keep it from bouncing and rebounding against the straps. Don't use ratchet straps on the front, as it may be easy to compress the forks completely. The seals were not designed to have full hydraulic pressure applied for prolonged period of time.

Also, the redundant use of tie down straps is good -- i.e., secure the straps at the top of the triple trees and use those to tie forward of the fork -- and down to the sides at about a 45 degree angle. Use a second set of straps from the crash bars or frame by the oil filter, and tie these to a point straight out to the side. Then what I do for final securing is run a ratchet strap at the back of the bike/trailer through the rear wheel as my last tie down to secure and tighten up any slack that may be in the front tie downs -- described above.

The front tire, if properly inflated, will not "compress" into the wheel chock.

Make sure that the straps are not flapping or chaffing against the bike anywhere. And after about 50 miles, pull over and check the straps -- and again at each stop along the way to confirm they haven't loosened.

Hope that helps!