How do you strap your bike?
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 887
Likes: 133
From: Upstate NY
How do you strap your bike?
There are various opinions on how to strap down a bike. I'd like to get some idea of how people securing their bikes if they ever trailer, and if and when they use a jack?
We have been strapping them from the front fork tube around where the fender attaches. This takes the force off the shocks.
When on my jack I have been using the crash bar. Not sure if this is a good place. I have a sears yellow jack.
Opinions please.
We have been strapping them from the front fork tube around where the fender attaches. This takes the force off the shocks.
When on my jack I have been using the crash bar. Not sure if this is a good place. I have a sears yellow jack.
Opinions please.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 67
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From: GA but a Texan by the grace of God
I trailered mine back from AL where I bought it.
Strapped the front tire tightly to the front rail of the trailer. Then strapped the left side handlebar (close to the fairing) using straps with loops in the end. Tightened the strap to where i thought it might be close to evenly distributed with the right side. used the same set up on the right side, drawing the bike 90 degrees vertical. I tightened the straps down compressing the shocks almost to the bottom. It was rock solid all the way to GA.
Strapped the front tire tightly to the front rail of the trailer. Then strapped the left side handlebar (close to the fairing) using straps with loops in the end. Tightened the strap to where i thought it might be close to evenly distributed with the right side. used the same set up on the right side, drawing the bike 90 degrees vertical. I tightened the straps down compressing the shocks almost to the bottom. It was rock solid all the way to GA.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 760
Likes: 6
From: Central Wisconsin
5 way tiedown
Try this method on the trailer. Works for me.
A 6"x6" under the frame will take the movement out of the suspension.
I have a J&S jack...no need to tie the bike to it.
A 6"x6" under the frame will take the movement out of the suspension.
I have a J&S jack...no need to tie the bike to it.
Last edited by FXSTS-88; Oct 25, 2010 at 02:03 PM. Reason: added content
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 815
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From: GA
I have chocks mounted to my trailer so I can pull into it and step off. Use the Harley straps on the same spot as you just above the fender mounts with rachet straps hooked to that. I mounted several tie down hooks on the trailer so I could tie down one or two scoots as needed. From the rear I have been using the passenger mount arms.
Everything rides real nice and stable.
I have the Harbor Frieght version of the Sears jack and have rarely tied it down, maybe twice, jack is quite solid, no rocking.
Everything rides real nice and stable.
I have the Harbor Frieght version of the Sears jack and have rarely tied it down, maybe twice, jack is quite solid, no rocking.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 353
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From: Land of the black buggy
My trailer has in-floor tie down points, I tie to the fork lowers just above the fender mount (as you do) pulling outward and forward, and to both sides of the swing arm pulling outward and rearward, on the kickstand (leave the bike leaning) with a coaster under the stand so it doesn't dig into the trailer floor.
I plan to install a wheel chock and eliminate the front straps (and kick stand) though.
I plan to install a wheel chock and eliminate the front straps (and kick stand) though.
Last edited by Earl IV; Oct 25, 2010 at 03:11 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 887
Likes: 133
From: Upstate NY
Thanks guys. I have heard different opinions about compressing the shocks which could blow the fork seals. That's when we started strapping them at the fender mount.
A friend of mine knows a guy that strapped at his handlebars. They snapped off. The bike bounced around all the way from NY to Daytona. Was a screaming eagle bike too. Had to be put back together at Rossmeyers. Good thing he had insurance.
A friend of mine knows a guy that strapped at his handlebars. They snapped off. The bike bounced around all the way from NY to Daytona. Was a screaming eagle bike too. Had to be put back together at Rossmeyers. Good thing he had insurance.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,948
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From: The Burgh
Never strapped my bike on a jack. When I trailer, I have 2 Kuryakyn teardrop tie down brackets mounted on the sides of my front forks. That's where I hook up the 2 front ratchet straps and it works great. I also use 2 rear ratchet straps attached to the passenger floorboards brackets.
Never had a problem. Oh and if you have a bike with security, don't forget to switch the system to transport mode otherwise your turn signals will blink from time to time while the bike's trailered. Don't ask me how I know . <g>
Never had a problem. Oh and if you have a bike with security, don't forget to switch the system to transport mode otherwise your turn signals will blink from time to time while the bike's trailered. Don't ask me how I know . <g>
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