Trailer Tie-Down Method

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Jul 1, 2013 | 11:44 AM

Midlife79

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From: Clawson, Michigan

Trailer Tie-Down Method

I did a search on the forums and didn't find too much...

I'm going to be hauling my bike in an enclosed trailer on Wednesday and I'm not positive on how to tie it down. I'm borrowing the trailer, and I know it has a wheel chock and all the tie down straps.

I looked online and there are a few differing opinions on how to tie the bike down. Should I fasten the straps to the handlebars or to the trees? Not sure which way to go.

Thanks in advance.

Jul 1, 2013 | 11:57 AM

MXerwithaBob

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From: Oregon

I tied mine down just above the lower tree, around the fork tube. Worked great. Remember, don't pull the straps down too tight, it will blow out your fork seals.

Jul 1, 2013 | 12:28 PM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by MXerwithaBob

I tied mine down just above the lower tree, around the fork tube. Worked great. Remember, don't pull the straps down too tight, it will blow out your fork seals.

+1 - tie it off at the trees not the handlebars. Tying off to the bars is a good way to bend them if you were to hit a good bump or pothole.

Jul 1, 2013 | 12:44 PM

Midlife79

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From: Clawson, Michigan

cHarley - what are you securing to on the back of your sportster? Through rear wheel? I have spoked wheels, any concerns there?

Jul 1, 2013 | 01:47 PM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midlife79

cHarley - what are you securing to on the back of your sportster? Through rear wheel? I have spoked wheels, any concerns there?

I tie off the rear by looping around the bottom of the shocks. The rear straps don't really do much other than keep it from bouncing if you hit a bump.

I also use 4 straps up front, 2 on each side for insurance. With only 2 straps up front, a single strap failure would likely result in the bike going down.

Jul 1, 2013 | 01:48 PM

Steady Eddy

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From: Ohio

Around the forks above the lower trees is good, You CAN'T 'blow out" your fork seals by tying it down. Make sure you compress the forks using the straps about 2 inches. Tying thru the rear wheel to hold it down and prevent bounce is ok. Use 2 straps on the back, one on each side....nice and snug but not too tight. I haul bikes for the local HD shop where I work (when I'm not washing them).