Trailering Question
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 2,467
From: CYHZ
Trailering Question
So I did a search and couldn't find anything. I am moving next week and its going to take 8 days to get to the new place. When I put the bikes on the trailer and crank down the straps compressing the shocks, is it a good idea to let the pressure off each night or can they stay cranked down for the whole 8 day trip?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 36
From: Houston, TX
It's the constant up and down movement that changes the molecular structure of the metal in the springs and wears them out and makes them sag. You can leave them pressed down, BUT, the pressure you build up may not be good on your fork seals. Relieve the pressure and re-tighten the next day.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
When I trailer mine I dont compress the forks down all the way, I like to leave about 1" of bounce. To check it I sit on the bike, grap the bars and use my weight to push the front end down. I use one strap to lock the front wheel into the chock, the 2 straps I run from the tripple tree to the deck I put bungees on so if it recoils it wont disconnect the hooks on the ratchet straps. I also use 2 ratchet straps to secure the rear. My bike has been secured for a week or more on several occasions and I have never experienced any problems with blown seals or sag. I have had a couple of "Oh *****" after hitting some potholes but so far so good. Not too tight, not too loose
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
It is so simple to strap around the axle with soft ties and then ratchet strap to the tie downs. Avoids pressure of the seals and the bike stays strapped solid.
I have done this for many years.
I have done this for many years.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,302
Likes: 274
From: Milton, Delaware
When I trailer mine I dont compress the forks down all the way, I like to leave about 1" of bounce. To check it I sit on the bike, grap the bars and use my weight to push the front end down. I use one strap to lock the front wheel into the chock, the 2 straps I run from the tripple tree to the deck I put bungees on so if it recoils it wont disconnect the hooks on the ratchet straps. I also use 2 ratchet straps to secure the rear. My bike has been secured for a week or more on several occasions and I have never experienced any problems with blown seals or sag. I have had a couple of "Oh *****" after hitting some potholes but so far so good. Not too tight, not too loose
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,366
Likes: 1,926
I put a board under the frame and tighten to that so that my shocks are not compressed. I also use a chock.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,887
From: Newcastle, OK
, and I learned the hard way by having to replace fork seals and putting in new fork oil.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 245
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From: NE NC
I put microfiber towels around the axle, the run a strap on top of that and tie them down. Then I put soft straps around the crashbar/frame and compress slightly. Then one in the rear wheel to keep it from moving side to side. Did 2700 miles and it didn't move at all. Believe me I checked at every stop and was relieved to see it still standing. I also went down crappy I20 in Mississippi and Lousiana.