Motorcycle tie down
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 402
From: Australia
If you only strap the bike with two straps, you are prepared only for the best case scenario.
If the truck and trailer are involved in a minor mishap, like taking an slight excursion off the road, that bike could be gone.
Don`t be complacent like the guy in the video, put some effort into it.
At least two in front, two in rear. Don`t expect the chock screwed to the plywood floor to keep the bike from shooting forward during an unexpected heavy deceleration, use two straps at the rear, pulling rearward, hooked to a beefy hold down point in the trailer.
And leave the Home Depot/Wal mart straps in the store...
If the truck and trailer are involved in a minor mishap, like taking an slight excursion off the road, that bike could be gone.
Don`t be complacent like the guy in the video, put some effort into it.
At least two in front, two in rear. Don`t expect the chock screwed to the plywood floor to keep the bike from shooting forward during an unexpected heavy deceleration, use two straps at the rear, pulling rearward, hooked to a beefy hold down point in the trailer.
And leave the Home Depot/Wal mart straps in the store...
The video link was to show how to properly use ties in the front.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,144
Likes: 12,709
From: South Carolina
The idea that the suspension being compressed during transport is going to damage the suspension is absurd.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
It`s amazing how many big bikes you see on trailers, leaning on the side stand, with el cheapo (wal-mart / Home Depot) tie down straps.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
It`s amazing how many big bikes you see on trailers, leaning on the side stand, with el cheapo (wal-mart / Home Depot) tie down straps.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Dec 12, 2019 at 07:23 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 333
From: Upper Providence Pa
The idea that the suspension being compressed during transport is going to damage the suspension is absurd.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
It`s amazing how many big bikes you see on trailers, leaning on the side stand, with el cheapo (wal-mart / Home Depot) tie down straps.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
It`s amazing how many big bikes you see on trailers, leaning on the side stand, with el cheapo (wal-mart / Home Depot) tie down straps.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: London
when i do have to trailer the bike, i load it on the trailer in a wheel chock and use soft loops around the handlebars and strap it down and compress suspension a little bit. I will also put two straps around a frame piece and pull it backwards. Also normally run a strap through the back wheel and wrap it around it twice and strap it down that way, the back end wont bounce up. I have never had a problem doing it this way.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 443
Likes: 52
From: Beaumont Tx
when i do have to trailer the bike, i load it on the trailer in a wheel chock and use soft loops around the handlebars and strap it down and compress suspension a little bit. I will also put two straps around a frame piece and pull it backwards. Also normally run a strap through the back wheel and wrap it around it twice and strap it down that way, the back end wont bounce up. I have never had a problem doing it this way.
exactly how i strap mine
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The idea that the suspension being compressed during transport is going to damage the suspension is absurd.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
When you are riding the bike the suspension is compressed...
Putting blocks under the frame is unnecessary, the bike does not need to be rigidly secured, it just needs to be secured properly.
Ive never used blocks, but I have seen several bikes move around when the suspension wasnt completely compressed. If a good chock isnt used, the bike better be rigid, whether the suspension is compressed are not.
I tow a lot of different bikes and Harleys are easier than most with a lot of exposed frame for strapping. The best all-around way to secure most any bike on a trailer is a good wheel chock that will hold the bike up before straps are added.
Beary
