Trailering Question
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I always use three sets of straps. All set to pull into the wheel chock. The front and rear are around the front forks and rear shock and do not depress the suspension. The middle set is around the frame and since they are mostly a sideways pull do little to depress the suspension. The bike then can absorb some of the force from the trailer hitting bumps which helps the trailer suspension as it is handling less weight. I could flip the trailer and the bike would still be in place. But, I haven's done that so far.
Never hook to the handlebars. Many have went into their trailer and found the bars collapsed. They just are not that strong.
Never hook to the handlebars. Many have went into their trailer and found the bars collapsed. They just are not that strong.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
From: Silverdale, WA
The guy that trailers bikes between dealers at the local Harley shop hooks the straps to the frame that holds the driving lights on the touring bikes, said he has never had one tip over, and only ties down the rear if it is a long trailer and the back bikes rear tire hops around on rough roads.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
Never say never. While handlebars are not my first choice,many bikes with windshields or fork tins you have no choice. As long as you hook close to the riser you will be OK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
1st get some Soft Ties. and a wheel dock.
The wheel dock will hold the bike in place while strapping the bike down.
Place these ties around the lower bend of the handlebars. Be sure to look so that you are not pinching any cables or wires where the Soft Tie attaches.
Use a good ratchet strap and tighten down about 6" on one side then the other side. Manually shake the bike and note if it is secure.
When I secure the back of my Ultra, I again use Soft Ties and loop them around the the passenger floorboard bracket. Keep in mind that the rear fastening does not need to be tensioned as much as the front.
Keep the bike in gear and place the FOB near the bike or the security lights will flash for the duration.
Good luck and have a safe trip
This has always worked for me
The wheel dock will hold the bike in place while strapping the bike down.
Place these ties around the lower bend of the handlebars. Be sure to look so that you are not pinching any cables or wires where the Soft Tie attaches.
Use a good ratchet strap and tighten down about 6" on one side then the other side. Manually shake the bike and note if it is secure.
When I secure the back of my Ultra, I again use Soft Ties and loop them around the the passenger floorboard bracket. Keep in mind that the rear fastening does not need to be tensioned as much as the front.
Keep the bike in gear and place the FOB near the bike or the security lights will flash for the duration.
Good luck and have a safe trip
This has always worked for me
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
I have compressed the front end on mine and several other bikes for many years with no damage. People that say it damaged theirs...either did something stupid or it was just time for that seal to be replaced from normal wear. Yes they are compressed in the factory crate...I have several of the factory tie-downs I got from a friend that works at a dealer...they work great for strapping the bike to a jack. Just make sure you use a chock and quality ratchet tie downs and you will be fine. Due to customizations...handlebars etc..every bike is a little different and you have to find the correct way for that bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,322
From: Georgia
I always tie down to the fender mounting bosses on the lower legs.I use a soft cotton strap under the straps.This lets the bike's suspension work as it should. You can feel the difference in the way the trailer tows.You also have less chance of the straps breaking due to shock.I've towed like this for years with no damage to chrome on the Trains lowers. How many cars do you see being towed are tied down with the suspension collapsed?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,927
Likes: 5
From: Midwest
I'm another one who avoids the handlebars. You can often connect to the forks or triple tree and get the same compression. If you do tie off to the bars, do it as close to the clamps as possible.
I've also seen bikes tied town at the front only, but I've never had success with that. I either use tiedowns on the rear, nail 2x4's to the trailer floor pushed up against each rear tire sidewall, or both.
And always put the kickstand up.
I've also seen bikes tied town at the front only, but I've never had success with that. I either use tiedowns on the rear, nail 2x4's to the trailer floor pushed up against each rear tire sidewall, or both.
And always put the kickstand up.
Last edited by Sharknose; Jun 6, 2011 at 10:48 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Fl.
I use 2 sets of soft ties, around the frame just above where the top of crash bars run. 2 ties and 2 straps on each side of front, pulling the bike into the ez wheel chock. Bike stays in place until I can get the rachet straps in place. It works well to load and unload by myself. I compress the frame about 2 inches, no more. (I just don't trust attaching to the handlebar method mentioned above)
2 soft ties on the rear, 1 on each side to keep the bike from jumping side to side. Bike always left in gear.
2 soft ties on the rear, 1 on each side to keep the bike from jumping side to side. Bike always left in gear.
Last edited by Araba Shriner; Jun 8, 2011 at 07:44 AM.