I had an F150 that I drilled holes in the bed and mounted some large eye bolts. This made it easy to tie down the bike and it seemed to move less. I think some trucks already have something like that already at the bottom of the bed.

 

That's what I'm sayin!

 

AMEN to that......or just leave her at home

 

Hello,

If you have the chance to get comfortable on the bike before the 4th of July, at least think about riding it. As long as the weather cooperates, you should have a great time. It might be a good opportunity to have your wife learn about packing light, too (although the other option is to ship some clothes to your destination beforehand).

If you do decide to put the bike in the bed of the truck, be very wary of where your back tire ends up, particularly with a six foot bed. If the back tire is on the tailgate, you may want to consider putting the bike on some plywood in the bed, otherwise you stand a pretty good chance of bending your tailgate from the pressure of the rear wheel. For the one or two occassions where I have had to put a bike in my truck, I built a platform by taking two pieces of 3/4 inch plywood, and bolting them together. I added some tie-down points to the plywood platform, as well as a wheel chock (about $25 from local shop). I then used the tie down points on the platform to tie the bike down, and to tie the platform into the bed of the truck. It was very secure, and saved the bed of the truck. The only down side is that it's heavy. I can muscle it into the bed alone, but it's a struggle.

As for getting the bike in the truck, I've used a small but steep hill next to my house. Back up to it, and it's easy to get the bike in.

Good luck,

Brien Crotty

 

4 months is quiet a bit of time to get comfortable on the scoot. I'd give it time, practice, then box up all her crap and UPS it your destination a week before you go then head out on the scoot... all her crap will be waitin for her when she gets there, you have a ready made backrest and you get to ride.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys,
I just got my bike today and the ride home was all highway. I feel good on the highway I just am nervous becuase I have to go through chicago and its always super busy, another I idea I had is to find an alt route around chicago and the Lake Michigan side. Might be more enjoyable and a little easier on the nerves.
GBH

 

You can get a ramp and load it up. The bike is very heavy so I would get some help the first time or two. You can also take the ramp with you and maybe ride some of the way. If you are not comfortable then load it up. The more you ride the easier it gets. The ol lady was worried about riding on her first big trip but after she got going found out it isnt a big deal. Maybe give it a try.

 

I respect the fact that you can and will admit that you think you are not ready to ride that distance with a passenger which is more tiring than solo. DO NOT let anyone cajole you into doing something that you are not comfortable with. The MSF course is a wise decision on your part as well. I grew up riding bikes but many of todays riders are VERY new to riding a street bike and people die needlessly when caution is thrown to the wind and an inexperienced rider meet! [sm=badidea.gif][sm=badidea.gif]

To load your bike I would use a loading ramp and or a loading dock/hill near your house. My driveway is steep so I can pull it off from home and I have found that within 5 miles of where anybody lives there will usually be a hill/store/dealer with a loading dock or suitable terrain to load and unload. Use ratcheting type tie down only and use the tie down buddies as opposed to putting the tie down hooks directly onto your bike! [sm=goodidea.gif][sm=goodidea.gif] I would use four tie downs on the front and two on the rear.
You can just about guarantee that the bike will shift during travel, expect to inspect it EVERYTIME you stop for gas and retighten accordingly. I would also like to mention that attempting to tie the bike down yourself can lead to a pretty shitty day. I remember loading my brand new dirtbike into my 3500 mile new truck and overtightenig one side and the second I leaned over to tighten the other side the ****ing tie down RIPPED apart pulling my bike down onto my trucks bed rails leaving a huge ****ing dent in my truck and my bikes tank, mirror and brake lever were ****ed as well. I was so pissed I nearly stroked out right there. I was with a few of my employees that day and they scattered like ****ing crabs when they saw my bright red face![sm=badidea.gif][sm=icon_flaming.gif][sm=icon_beat.gif][sm=oopssign.gif] As for the wheel chocks in the back of a truck bed I would pass. The sheets of plywood was also a good idea just make sure they fit snugly and wont slide around under your bike. you could actually build your own chocks out of wood on a sheet of plyood if you so desired. I would pass on the chocks myself however.

The best idea of all has been to have your OL drive the truck following you. She will at first bitch about driving all alone but after about two hours she will settle down and actually enjoy the peace and quite time to her self and you will really like it. I think that you will find that 550 miles goes by pretty quickly, you will be sore as hell when you arrive but you will secretly lust to leave and head home again just to be in the wind again. Enjoy your trip and the fun planning it involves.[sm=exactly.gif]

 

I, too, like the idea of having your wife drive, and you ride. That way, she can pack all she wants, and you can enjoy the ride without a passenger. Make sure your wife knows that you'll have to stop for gas more frequently than she will, otherwise she may space out and not get off the highway when you do.

Skirt Chicago to the South and avoid the traffic and hassle. If you jump on the Indiana Toll Road (80/90), the ride should be fairly smooth once you get past the traffic in Northwest Indiana (near Gary). Just be careful to get on 90, rather than 94, particularly if you're not wearing a helmet. 94 will take you up into Michigan, where you will get a ticket for not wearing a helmet (unless pending legislation passes and is signed by Michigan's governor before your trip).

If you do take the Indiana Toll Road, a good place to stop once you cross into Ohio is Hudson Leather, which is only about a mile or so off the highway at Exit 15 (I believe that's the correct exit). Generally some good people around, and plenty of biker gear to look at. Every once in a while, a few friends and I will ride out there from South Bend just to get out and ride more than anything.

If you have want to err on the side of caution, drop me an email directly, and I'll email you my phone number. That way, if you have any problems near South Bend, you can feel free to give me a call. Although I don't work as a mechanic, I know a bit about fixing things, and know some good mechanics.

Brien Crotty
brien.crotty@btlaw.com

 

what ever you decide, lots of luck and enjoy yourself. i think brien spells his name wrong did anyone tell him?? lol