tieing down bikes

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Mar 26, 2006 | 09:58 PM

jerseyjeff62

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Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 1,697

Likes: 4

From: North Carolina

tieing down bikes

i'm going to be trailering both my bikes from n.j. to nc.it's 450 miles trip one way.i need to know the best points on a 04 heritage and 04 883c.and how far down on the suspension. i heard half travel then some say full travel.i DON'T want to get to nc.and see both bike on top one another!!!

Mar 26, 2006 | 10:00 PM

LRonHoover

Banned

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 6,982

Likes: 1

From: Polygamy Plains, Utah

RE: tieing down bikes

For the times I had to put the Train in the back of my beat up Chevy, I always tied down the front end about halfway and never had any problems. I tied down the rear end, but didn't put too much pressure on it, just didn't want it to shift side to side. Halfway down in the front, and you should be okay. At least it will keep your fork seals from blowing out.

Mar 26, 2006 | 10:05 PM

BlackOak

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 350

Likes: 0

From: Olive Branch, MS.

RE: tieing down bikes

You can never have to many straps - I use 7 ratchet style straps. 2 on the forks - 2 on the down tubes - 2 on the swingarm - 1 on the back wheel...but thats just me.

Mar 26, 2006 | 10:43 PM

liltrk

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 1,823

Likes: 4

From: London, Canada

RE: tieing down bikes

I like to tie below the suspension. Full fork travel, then the bike rides on its own as if it was on the road. Have gone from Ontario to Florida several times like that, but many guys won't do it. Just my.02

Mar 26, 2006 | 11:27 PM

cosmo glider

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 2,981

Likes: 696

From: N.C.

RE: tieing down bikes

I use high quality straps. Use 2 straps on EACH fork slider tube above the lower stem bracket and attach them to 2 different anchoring eye bolts on the trailer. Loop 4 (2 per fork) figure 8 small connecting straps on the tubes and hook the "S" connectors on the straps to the loops. This eliminates the possibility of the "S" hook scratching the forks or bracket. It's a good idea to place the front wheel in a channel, or tack down 2x2's on each side of the tire if the trailer has a wood froor. Cinch the bike down half way on the suspension with the bike straight upright. Use 2 straps for the rear, 1 per side to prevent it from moving side to side. After pulling the trailer for a few miles, stop and check the tightness of the straps and you are good to go. Have fun at the beach.