tie down handlebar points?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
just picked up a new trailer (aluma mc-10) and trying to see where guys tie down the front end. The obvious spot would be soft ties on the hand grips but that kinda tears up the grips some. Your thots?
I do tow mine a couple times a year for different reasons, take care paul
I do tow mine a couple times a year for different reasons, take care paul
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Plainview, NY
I have the Canyon Dancer straps that go over the grips and across the bars but I've never been 100 thrilled with them. My 14 is going to get the tie down points that go on the sides of the forks but I still may use the canyon dancer for a little extra. I'm usually trailering through NYC and I've busted straps on these horrible roads in the past.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 9,114
From: Snow Hill, NC
I also do this for double safety...it's solid...I put microfiber cloths in the space between the fender and downtube so no chance of scratching...
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 130
From: Now Western TN
I have hauled my Ultra and a SG like this 1000's of miles in a toy hauler (lots of bounce in the back of one of these) without any issues. And like SOOS says, no compression on the front suspension. With a good wheel chock and strapped like this the bike isn't going anywhere
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
On my forks I have the H-D mount bracket, then above the fender to fork mount, then around the top down tube/crash bar junction, then the passenger foot pegs. Soft ties around each place mentioned and then good ratchets straps with snap hooks on each end just incase. I then take a 4X4 and add a 2X4 on top screwed together and this is approx. 24 inches long. I slide the now 2X6 under the frame. I then tighten all the straps just enough to hold the bike. I do not compress the forks any more than half way. After first half hour I check the tension on the straps to see if any needs adjusting after settling in and every fuel stop afterwards. SOLID
With that many straps on the front some may say overkill but when something goes wrong and it will it's good to have a backup already in place.
With that many straps on the front some may say overkill but when something goes wrong and it will it's good to have a backup already in place.
Last edited by K Melancon; Mar 8, 2014 at 07:02 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
With apologies for a mild thread hijack ... for the rear straps, what about attaching to the front exposed portion of the saddlebag support bracket? Bad idea?
I have a Kendon trailer, which uses a wheels chock. On the front, I attach straps to the sliders above the fender brackets, so there's no suspension compression issues. I also lash the wheel tight into the chock. On the back, I attach straps to the front of he SB bracket, pulling forward. (I have a solo ride so no passenger foot pegs.) I've worried about the rear attachment method. Thoughts?
I use a Condor in the garage. Very nice. Also, OP, nice trailer.
I have a Kendon trailer, which uses a wheels chock. On the front, I attach straps to the sliders above the fender brackets, so there's no suspension compression issues. I also lash the wheel tight into the chock. On the back, I attach straps to the front of he SB bracket, pulling forward. (I have a solo ride so no passenger foot pegs.) I've worried about the rear attachment method. Thoughts?
I use a Condor in the garage. Very nice. Also, OP, nice trailer.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,198
Likes: 3,028
From: St.Louis Mo.
buy a biker bar and never have to tie it down or compress your forks again. this is the best trailering device you can spend money on.you could turn the trailer over and your bike would still be on it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
To the OP - you state that you do tow a couple times of year what have you been doing in the past?