Trailering Tie-down question
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 601
Likes: 12
From: Texas
Trailering Tie-down question
I've never done this before, so I would like some advice.
I have a chock for the front wheel to go in and four anchor points on the floor. What are the best locations to put the straps on my Ultra? I was guessing the lower engine guard bar in the front, but I'm not sure and I have no clue the best spot on the rear.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I have a chock for the front wheel to go in and four anchor points on the floor. What are the best locations to put the straps on my Ultra? I was guessing the lower engine guard bar in the front, but I'm not sure and I have no clue the best spot on the rear.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 33
From: Lewisberry PA
I tie down to the fork lowers above the fender, I do not compress the suspension. I run 1 ratchet strap from each side. I use a second strap thru the front wheel. All 3 of these straps pull forward into the chock. I also use another ratchet strap on the thru the rear tire to keep the bike from moving left to right. If I had spokes, i would tie down the rear somewhere else.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 385
Likes: 4
From: Ontario Canada
I tie down to the fork lowers above the fender, I do not compress the suspension. I run 1 ratchet strap from each side. I use a second strap thru the front wheel. All 3 of these straps pull forward into the chock. I also use another ratchet strap on the thru the rear tire to keep the bike from moving left to right. If I had spokes, i would tie down the rear somewhere else.
chance of damage.
As far as the rear goes, you can always tie down from
the saddlebag crash bars too.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,759
From: Atlanta, GA
Just a thought. My dealer, like most I'm guessing, offer pick up & delivery. Once they picked up my bike. Same guy does all the trailering for them; very knowledgable. At the time of pick up, he gave me some really good tips on tying down a bike. Unfortunately I forgot them since I don't yet have a trailer.
My point is, maybe ride over to your dealer and find their "delivery guy" and pick his brain. He can show you exactly how to do it and where (and where NOT to) tie down the beast.
My point is, maybe ride over to your dealer and find their "delivery guy" and pick his brain. He can show you exactly how to do it and where (and where NOT to) tie down the beast.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
Just trailered my bike almost 500 miles today. Loaded her on a utility trailer. Soft ties on lower tree around fork. Two straps one on each side and no wheel chock. I think done people really panic and go overboard with tieing down.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
We had a flat on the Street Glide last year in a pretty remote area.
Had no choice but to call for help. Dealer brought their trailer 65 miles to pick us up.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: 85205
When you figure out how to get a family of 5 and your glide safely on a cross-country road trip...let me know. Otherwise they and all their gear get thrown in truck/trailer for the ride.
B.O.T. I tied 2 to the chock tie downs in addition to the 2 to the trailer from the lower tree. Then 2 from the passenger foot board mounts for the rear. Some swear this will get you blown fork seals...meh! None yet for me using this method.
Last edited by slimvela; Jul 29, 2013 at 05:37 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 2
From: scurry, TX
I compress the front some. I don;t want the bike to have full suspension travel on a bump, snap back up and break a strap. The rear I use the footboards.
I did not compress one time and the straps unhooked themselves on a bump and my bike fell over on the trailer causing $1,800 worth of damage. I compress again and use the HD straps WITH THE CLIP! If I don;t have HD straps on my then I tape up the eyelet.
I did not compress one time and the straps unhooked themselves on a bump and my bike fell over on the trailer causing $1,800 worth of damage. I compress again and use the HD straps WITH THE CLIP! If I don;t have HD straps on my then I tape up the eyelet.