best soft ties???
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 98
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From: Grafton MA
best soft ties???
I'm going to be trailering my bike for a distance I am looking to see what you guys are using for the best soft ties to wrap around Chrome or painted frame as to not chafe the chrome or paint thanks for any input
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Just want to point out that you do not try to secure your bike with the handlebars.
On all touring models since 1983, the bars are mounted on rubber bushings and will shift under stress, the bars may also rotate in the clamps.
so all of a sudden your "tight" straps are not, and the bike flops.
I have mount points in the front corners of my pickup.
I use a 2" ratcheting cargo strap ( from work) and run the strap up around the crashbar/frame attachment point, and wrap it once or twice.
a 4x4 piece of wood in front of the tire will keep the fender from hitting the front of the bed.
do not crank down too far - the seals in the forks can go, just an inch or so
I also run 4 x 1" straps- 2 for rear of bike to rear corners, 2 for mid point of bike to front corners
stop and check straps after a few miles, then a few miles more.
I've seen bikes fall over in trucks and on trailers-
( last one was a single axle trailer, right side tire went...trailer went sideways....road king fell 1/2 way over the rail...road glide fell on top of it. I wouldn't ever use a single axle trailer or one without trailer brakes
while a driver has control of acceleration and turns...panic stops are just that -unplanned for and uncontrolled- you don't want 1000 pounds shifting suddenly up high, or climbing into the front seat with you
mike
On all touring models since 1983, the bars are mounted on rubber bushings and will shift under stress, the bars may also rotate in the clamps.
so all of a sudden your "tight" straps are not, and the bike flops.
I have mount points in the front corners of my pickup.
I use a 2" ratcheting cargo strap ( from work) and run the strap up around the crashbar/frame attachment point, and wrap it once or twice.
a 4x4 piece of wood in front of the tire will keep the fender from hitting the front of the bed.
do not crank down too far - the seals in the forks can go, just an inch or so
I also run 4 x 1" straps- 2 for rear of bike to rear corners, 2 for mid point of bike to front corners
stop and check straps after a few miles, then a few miles more.
I've seen bikes fall over in trucks and on trailers-
( last one was a single axle trailer, right side tire went...trailer went sideways....road king fell 1/2 way over the rail...road glide fell on top of it. I wouldn't ever use a single axle trailer or one without trailer brakes
while a driver has control of acceleration and turns...panic stops are just that -unplanned for and uncontrolled- you don't want 1000 pounds shifting suddenly up high, or climbing into the front seat with you
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jun 5, 2014 at 02:24 AM. Reason: since 1983...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
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From: Southeast GA
Bought a set of these since they come highly recomended for the trip down to Daytona BikeWeek this year.
Worked like a charm. The sheepskin soft ties are great on and around chrome.
You can find them on E-bay a little cheaper with free shipping.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
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From: Glen Mills, PA
I admit I tie down using my bars. My RKC does not have a bushing so I am not concerned with that issue with the bars. I just use the kind that don't ratchet but good quality ones and tie them off after strapping it down. They key is I use a chock and that does most of the work and my straps just steady it. I try to avoid hauling at all costs but when I go to NC with the wife and 3 kids then I have to take turns driving.
I will likely break down and buy a set of these powertyes. Make sure you secure the rear so it does not hop side to side.
I will likely break down and buy a set of these powertyes. Make sure you secure the rear so it does not hop side to side.
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From: Michigan
Both H-D and Kuryakyn make chrome tie-down brackets that mount to the front forks (they look nice too) on most touring models that makes securing the bike a piece of cake.
H-D also has great tie down straps with safety snaps that keeps the hooks in place even if the strap(s) get loose.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/ti...er/part/KY-924
H-D also has great tie down straps with safety snaps that keeps the hooks in place even if the strap(s) get loose.
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/ti...er/part/KY-924
Last edited by 2AMGuy; Jun 4, 2014 at 11:36 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
unless you removed them...every touring bike since 1983 uses 4 x 56161-83A rubber bushings on the handlebars.
Mike
Mike