Fat Boy tie down
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
No matter where or how you attach the tie downs you need to make sure that it can't get any slack in the straps.
So if you tie it down to anything that moves, handlebars, sissy bar or whatever make sure that the frame is secure by putting something like a block of wood under the frame. That way if the truck or trailer hits a bump the bikes suspension can't compress and put slack in the straps.
Any slack at all gives the mass of the bike a running start at trying to snap the straps, or let the bike move sideways while its 'loose'.
You also need to remember that if you do use a block under it that your dealing with a Softail and you have to make allowances for the shocks by cutting out extra room in the middle to clear them. Failure to do so will mean that the entire weight of the bike plus the straps pulling, and any bumps, are going to be putting a side load on them they were never designed to handle.
Good Luck and ride safe
So if you tie it down to anything that moves, handlebars, sissy bar or whatever make sure that the frame is secure by putting something like a block of wood under the frame. That way if the truck or trailer hits a bump the bikes suspension can't compress and put slack in the straps.
Any slack at all gives the mass of the bike a running start at trying to snap the straps, or let the bike move sideways while its 'loose'.
You also need to remember that if you do use a block under it that your dealing with a Softail and you have to make allowances for the shocks by cutting out extra room in the middle to clear them. Failure to do so will mean that the entire weight of the bike plus the straps pulling, and any bumps, are going to be putting a side load on them they were never designed to handle.
Good Luck and ride safe
Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Jan 26, 2010 at 07:31 AM.
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