Kick stand down when trailering
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Kick stand down when trailering
This has been on here in a couple of times in one form or another but I think it needs to be brought back up for new members. Three different times this last two weeks I have rode up on three different open trailers being towed by vehicles with a motorcycle that was resting on the kickstand and not tied down well. All three times the bikes were leaning on their kickstand and two of the bikes just had a strap going across the seat only. The other bike was tied down by its handle bars only. The stated hazards are that the kickstand will break or go through the floor of the trailer and the bike be severely damaged through ignorance. One tie down strap is not enough. Most recommendations call for multiple tie down straps to several points. It is still amazing to me at my age the common mistakes people make when doing the simplest things. Did not post this to see it get hijacked by the anti trailering --I will carry it on my back first vocal paranoids.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 890
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
Tie downs
I have trailed my bike for the last three years to Colorado.
I use six straps, four on the front forks, two forward and two backwards.
Then two on the rear. Never would I consider using the kickstand.
Also use a bungee cord on the tire downs just incase I hit a large bump.
I lost two straps once because it got enough slack and the hook came off.
I now have a WheelDock that I used last year, it was great !
I use six straps, four on the front forks, two forward and two backwards.
Then two on the rear. Never would I consider using the kickstand.
Also use a bungee cord on the tire downs just incase I hit a large bump.
I lost two straps once because it got enough slack and the hook came off.
I now have a WheelDock that I used last year, it was great !
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Canal Fulton, Ohio
Trailered one bike to Ky and two to Fla. Two tie downs on handle bars (close to risers) and two on front frame tubes keeping the front tire in a wheel chalk. Two more ties on the swing arms to keep the rear end from jumping around - all ties had soft ties where they touched the bike. Put some tension on the front forks - not all the way but enough that the bike wouldn't jump around to much on bumps.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I use the Condor wheel chock. Ride it in, strap it down. No need for the kickstand. I too have seen the questionable ways people attempt to tie down or not.
I bought my trailer from a huge motorcycle dealer. The salesman asked me to pull to the service doors so a tech could check the coupler, lights and such. I pulled around and the shop truck and trailer were parked there and an employee was about to load a large V-star bike. First, he attempts to push the bike up the ramp with no luck. Then he decides to ride the bike in. No problem except when he got the big bike on the ramp the front of the trailer shot up in the air. He had not locked down the coupler. He backs back off, fixes the coupler problem and starts again. Pulls the bike in and sets the kickstand. Grabs the first strap, goes to the rights side of the bike and promptly pulls the bike over on top of himself. I couldn't stand it any longer so after composing myself from the laughter I got him some help. The guy that came out to help him wasn't much better but they did get it strapped down to the point that I felt the bike would ride ok to it's destination. I bought my Condor the next day and replaced the "loop" type chock. I really don't want someone writing a forum about how I couldn't get out from under my bike...in a trailer!
I bought my trailer from a huge motorcycle dealer. The salesman asked me to pull to the service doors so a tech could check the coupler, lights and such. I pulled around and the shop truck and trailer were parked there and an employee was about to load a large V-star bike. First, he attempts to push the bike up the ramp with no luck. Then he decides to ride the bike in. No problem except when he got the big bike on the ramp the front of the trailer shot up in the air. He had not locked down the coupler. He backs back off, fixes the coupler problem and starts again. Pulls the bike in and sets the kickstand. Grabs the first strap, goes to the rights side of the bike and promptly pulls the bike over on top of himself. I couldn't stand it any longer so after composing myself from the laughter I got him some help. The guy that came out to help him wasn't much better but they did get it strapped down to the point that I felt the bike would ride ok to it's destination. I bought my Condor the next day and replaced the "loop" type chock. I really don't want someone writing a forum about how I couldn't get out from under my bike...in a trailer!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 2
From: Lafayette, LA.
One other thing I would like to add to this. When trailering, check your straps about every hundred miles to make sure they are still tight and there is no slack in them. They might be tight when you leave but dosn't take long to loosen up.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Desmoines, Iowa
i would never use the kickstand.i put four tie-downs on front and two on back.plus when i drive it on i leave in gear.thing's can happen when a person trailer's anybody should do the best to make sure nothing does happen.every time you stop check the tie-downs and i always use a choke.