electra glide tie down points
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
Because the bar tubing is a very thin wall tubing and easily bent. I've done it, strap to the bars that is, and gotten away with it, but I can also bend my bars easily with my bare hands. I can't bend the frame with my bare hands!!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Portsmouth, OH
Why you don't use the handlebars as tie-down points
I learned the hard way. I had just bought my FLHT and was going to haul it back to southern Ohio from Michigan. I loaded it on the trailer and started ratcheting down on the straps and the handlebars made a loud pop. The bars came completely loose and were moving up and down. Apparently to much torque for the clamp. Luckily it was under warranty and a tech unloaded the bike and fixed the bars.
I'm not too sure I understand the negative on the handlebars comment either. I do know, from experience, I never want to see my bike bouncing around on it's own suspension again. That won't happen if the suspension is compressed.
For my part, if I'm hauling my bike, I tie it down with at least six straps. I know that seems to be overkill. But the one time I didn't use the bars, the bike bounced out of the wheel chock. Were it not for the four rear straps, two pulling forward and two pulling back, I would have lost the bike.
For my part, if I'm hauling my bike, I tie it down with at least six straps. I know that seems to be overkill. But the one time I didn't use the bars, the bike bounced out of the wheel chock. Were it not for the four rear straps, two pulling forward and two pulling back, I would have lost the bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
These are really nice and make a great location to tie down.
Easy install, solid as a rock and no too expensive.
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Product-Gall...Name=929-1.jpg
Easy install, solid as a rock and no too expensive.
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Product-Gall...Name=929-1.jpg
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Midwest
I put the Harley-Davidson Chrome tie-downs on the upper sides of the front forks, looks great, heavy duty, and works perfectly for the front, tying it down. and on the rear, I ran a pair of HD, soft ties, criscrossed threw the back wheel, (not where the valve stem is), with my ratchet tie downs, to the rear left & right tie down points in my trailer, keeps the rear of the bike centered/in place, w/o bouncing & moving left and right, during transport/long hauls.....More recenty, (Because the above was a little difficult, sometimes), I now use the soft ties threw the front of the rear chrome bag protector bars, on each side, close to where its mounted to the frame, with great success/not problems. This is a little easier & faster to do. Good luck!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I guess I'm just lucky??? One pull strap on each side to the bars in the back of my short bed truck? Been hauling bikes like that since I quit using 1/4" nylon rope about 30 years ago?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 310
From: coastal sc
I use that method for dirtbikes just not on my heavier stuff
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 755
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
+1 on this one... People get impatient here sometimes... I have been guilty of asking why on things here too (just ride it) but I have to always remember that not everyone has the same experiences or knowledge level and the whole reason for this forum is to educate ourselves and learn everything we can the best we can? Right?
Last edited by bill_1202; Nov 13, 2015 at 11:06 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 541
Likes: 3
From: Sherwood Park AB Canada
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I learned the hard way. I had just bought my FLHT and was going to haul it back to southern Ohio from Michigan. I loaded it on the trailer and started ratcheting down on the straps and the handlebars made a loud pop. The bars came completely loose and were moving up and down. Apparently to much torque for the clamp. Luckily it was under warranty and a tech unloaded the bike and fixed the bars.
I use six straps. The are all soft tie ratchets. Either side of the fork just above the fender mounts. two more around the crash bar frame and then two more on the saddle bag guards on either side. I only compress the suspension slightly. Never had the bike move on 700 mile days.
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