Trailering, How do you tie down your bagger?

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Feb 28, 2012 | 06:33 AM

#21

madjimmax

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 3,566

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From: Glen Burnie, MD

I put a strap on each handlebar at the bottom bend pretty much straight down to my tie down and then I bring one from each side of the bottom of the frame straight back to my rear tie downs. If you look under your bike at the tranny area there is a crossmember with 2 holes in it thats where I hook the rear straps. I just bought a front wheel chock last year but before that I didn't use one and I've trailered my bike from Maryland to Daytona and back well over a dozen times and it rides sweet. This is the way the dealer strapped my bike when I bought it and took it home, the guy that strapped my bike was the guy that does all of their deliveries and thats the way they strap all bikes. Walmart sell heavy straps with a loop in them that is designed for strapping bikes. I used them soft ties one time and when I got to Daytona and went to unstrap my bike one of the ties was almost cut all the way through, so needless to say I wont never use them again.

Feb 28, 2012 | 07:09 AM

#22

Rickr01

Supporter

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 4,419

Likes: 90

From: Vermont

Quote:

Originally Posted by Talldog

I use these, they look great, are strong, and as an added benefit, act as a small Air-Deflector.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...3&default=none

Do these work ok with stock turn signals?

Feb 28, 2012 | 08:12 AM

#23

Dana Lee

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Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 60

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From: CAPE CORAL, FL

2 soft straps on upper frame, wheel chock, 4 rachet straps on front, dont compress the shocks too much. I use 2 on each side, probably overkill but if one loosens the other handles the situation. 1 on each side of the rear hooked to the passenger floor board brackets to keep it from moving side to side just in case the trailer bounces.

Feb 28, 2012 | 09:48 AM

#24

bkelly1956

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 483

Likes: 5

From: Palm Bay, FL

wheel chock; ratchet-straps with soft-ties around front fork lowers where fender bolts on; in rear, ratchet straps with soft-ties around passenger floorboard mounts. trailered thousands of miles with this set-up without issue.

Feb 28, 2012 | 10:37 AM

#25

risuperglidecustomman

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,077

Likes: 2

From: Rhode Island

I have a Condor wheel chock in my enclosed trailer which holds the bike up by itself, I then just use two ratchet straps with soft straps from the steel supports underneath my floor boards! If I am going far, one more strap through the rear wheel to the rear tie downs! Very easy & very secure!

Feb 28, 2012 | 11:15 AM

#26

drumster

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 134

Likes: 1

From: Montreal, Qc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowcountry Joe

You should never tie you bike to the handlebars. Never. Do it and you will see why. Stick with the engine guard for the front two tie downs, then use the bag guards for the two rear tie downs. I never trust just a wheel chock and two tie straps. That's too much risk in my book. I guess you could say I don't trust the straps enough to put an expensive bike at risk if one breaks. Keep the bike in gear, it wont hurt anything and will prevent excess stress on the straps.

Just curious why you wouldn't tie to handle bars?

I have a condor, use soft straps on the lowest bend on the bars, that go down past the fairing, then use ratchet to tie forward (sets the bike low and compresses forks so no jumping around when bumpy). Straps on each side from passenger pegs/frame to corner of trailer. On long trips (been to Daytona from Mtl many times) I also use 2 more to stop the back wheel from jumping.

Feb 28, 2012 | 11:58 AM

#27

Bleachey

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 354

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From: Indianapolis, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by drumster

Agreed. Absolutely no issues with the handlebars, especially with the loop straps. The only potential issue is you have to make sure the tie downs allow the straps to not interfere with any turn signals or rub on anything. I use an enclosed tralier so don't have to worry about wind whipping straps or anything.