Using ramps.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 716
Likes: 10
From: Shreveport,La
Using ramps.
I use 9' long X 40" wide arched ramps to load my Ultra in the back of my truck when we take it and the camper out on some trips. Awhile back I was getting ready to unload the bike when some people camping near our site came down to watch. After I unloaded it one of the guys said I made it look too easy. He said he always had trouble with his big bike and didn't like to unload it without someone to help him.
I asked him what gave him a problem and he said the front tire would slide when he applied the brake and he couldn't control the speed.
Now with my ramps, Black Widow's, it is not that steep, but I explained to the guy how I unload my bike and in doing so I thought maybe someone else could benefit from my method so here it is.
Put the bike in 1ST gear, do not start the engine, and use the clutch as a brake. The weight of the bike moves to the rear of the bike as it goes down the ramp back-wards so the rear tire has a better bite than the front. Just as the front has a better bite when going forward.
Hope this helps others.
I asked him what gave him a problem and he said the front tire would slide when he applied the brake and he couldn't control the speed.
Now with my ramps, Black Widow's, it is not that steep, but I explained to the guy how I unload my bike and in doing so I thought maybe someone else could benefit from my method so here it is.
Put the bike in 1ST gear, do not start the engine, and use the clutch as a brake. The weight of the bike moves to the rear of the bike as it goes down the ramp back-wards so the rear tire has a better bite than the front. Just as the front has a better bite when going forward.
Hope this helps others.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 273
Likes: 7
From: East TN
good advice. I have not loaded an Ultra but have loaded and unloaded a fatboy and road king and find if you have a good ramp and apply the front soon enough you can eliminate most of that front wheel lock up.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
Put the bike in 1ST gear, do not start the engine, and use the clutch as a brake. The weight of the bike moves to the rear of the bike as it goes down the ramp back-wards so the rear tire has a better bite than the front. Just as the front has a better bite when going forward.
Hope this helps others.
Same thing here when we take the toy hauler camping and take the bikes. First time taking it off I tried the front brake only method and that 800 pounds wasn't going to stop so easy on that toy hauler ramp.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,649
Likes: 2
From: x
Excellent suggestion, thank you!
My main fun factor has sometimes been coming in "too hot" and bouncing off the back of the bed! Yeah baby!
My main fun factor has sometimes been coming in "too hot" and bouncing off the back of the bed! Yeah baby!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 2,858
From: Oklahoma
Using 1st as a parking brake is common knowledge, yet I would never have thought of this-excellent advice.
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