Trailering Tie Downs
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Alden, NY
Trailering Tie Downs
I just bought an enclosed trailer to haul my Deluxe to Daytona and the Keys from Western NY in Feb. I installed front and rear pairs of D rings and a front wheel chock. Where on the bike do folks generally hook the tie downs to? I can hook the front straps to the cross piece between the frame down tubes near the bottom of the tank ( I think where the top of a crash bar would bolt). Of course when you tighten down the ratchets, you are compressing the front suspension. Where is a good/safe spot on the rear of the bike? Bottom of rear swing arm? I have to go 1500 miles and want to get it there and back without a scratch. I'd appreciate any info based on your experience
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
First, Kudos for admitting your trailering your bike to Daytona. Few would admit the faux pas with such honesty. 
For tie downs in my trailer I do the following:
Pingel chock for the front wheel. Ratchet tie downs on the handlebars. Use a couple of the tie down slings (pictured) on the bars and connect the ratcheting tie downs to them. Alternate tightening down each side until you have compressed the forks almost all the way. For the rear, definitely use something or the *** end of the bike will dance around inside your trailer. Use two racheting straps and loop through the tire from both sides and secure. The back does not have to be super tight, just snug enough that things won't come loose. You can try to find somepace on the swingarm to connect to but after trial and error I found there was no easy place to connect to without having parts get in the way (i.e. mufflers, brake, etc).
[IMG]local://upfiles/5927/52A0E66E0E724A459C917D46708A18FA.jpg[/IMG]
For tie downs in my trailer I do the following:
Pingel chock for the front wheel. Ratchet tie downs on the handlebars. Use a couple of the tie down slings (pictured) on the bars and connect the ratcheting tie downs to them. Alternate tightening down each side until you have compressed the forks almost all the way. For the rear, definitely use something or the *** end of the bike will dance around inside your trailer. Use two racheting straps and loop through the tire from both sides and secure. The back does not have to be super tight, just snug enough that things won't come loose. You can try to find somepace on the swingarm to connect to but after trial and error I found there was no easy place to connect to without having parts get in the way (i.e. mufflers, brake, etc).
[IMG]local://upfiles/5927/52A0E66E0E724A459C917D46708A18FA.jpg[/IMG]
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Alden, NY
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
Thanks. BTW, I live 20 miles east of Buffalo. In February and March we ride snowmobiles. Bikes don't do well in the salt, ice and slush. Lots of pressure on the bars. I worry about them bending?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 0
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
use Big Daddy power ties, that is the ONLY thing we use, ask Bryan TTM or some of the other, built in fur covered soft ties, and real rachet strap, we sell them for 45.00 bucks a pair, and they are worth every penny, dont use anything else, I have tried them all belive me.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
I do just as bensonjv said.Make sure the front straps are pulling the bike into the chock.I was able to use a D ring and a strap thru my pulley for a rear tie down.
Trending Topics
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
rsavage,
I live over in Greece so I know what you mean about salt, snow, and ice. Its not much fun on two wheels.
Maybe I'm a little wrong, but the only time I tied my bike down on a borrowed trailer I used the same kind of loops bensonjv posted. But I didn't like the idea of putting them anywhere on the handlebars. So I looped them around the fork leg just above the lower tripple tree. The fork tube and tree is more than strong enough to handleany loading you can manage to put on it with even the strongest ratchet strap.
I live over in Greece so I know what you mean about salt, snow, and ice. Its not much fun on two wheels.
Maybe I'm a little wrong, but the only time I tied my bike down on a borrowed trailer I used the same kind of loops bensonjv posted. But I didn't like the idea of putting them anywhere on the handlebars. So I looped them around the fork leg just above the lower tripple tree. The fork tube and tree is more than strong enough to handleany loading you can manage to put on it with even the strongest ratchet strap.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
Your bike, (Deluxe)has risers, Igo aroung the lower tree(around the fork tubes just below your headlight)with the straps, especially hauling it that distance. You could go to the handlebars, but 1 goodlarge bump and it could snap thebolts in the rises,Once in Daytona, you won't need the trailer.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
RE: Trailering Tie Downs
ORIGINAL: Mikey 1450
Your bike, (Deluxe)has risers, Igo aroung the lower tree(around the fork tubes just below your headlight)with the straps, especially hauling it that distance. You could go to the handlebars, but 1 goodlarge bump and it could snap thebolts in the rises,Once in Daytona, you won't need the trailer.
Your bike, (Deluxe)has risers, Igo aroung the lower tree(around the fork tubes just below your headlight)with the straps, especially hauling it that distance. You could go to the handlebars, but 1 goodlarge bump and it could snap thebolts in the rises,Once in Daytona, you won't need the trailer.