Bike Hauling: Load it Right!
Daily Slideshow: Dropping a motorcycle off a truck or trailer ramp is costly and embarrassing. Given a bit of preparation, successful loading and unloading can be a straightforward process.
99 Problems
At some point, most bikes need to be transported on a trailer or by a truck. Be it a recent purchase, relocating across the country, mechanical break-down, or a prize barn-find, hauling a motorcycle will become an unavoidable necessity.
Second Nature
For some, loading and unloading a motorcycle is a routine procedure. For others, the whole operation of motorcycle transportation is a bit alien. There are some definite pointers to follow for successful bike loading and hauling. [Photo: sbstreetmachines]
Hauling on the Back of the Truck
Not everyone has access to a trailer, but almost everyone knows someone with a truck. Getting a prized ride up and onto a truck bed requires a few specific items and a bit of preparation. While loading a motorcycle can be a one-person job, it is always good to have a buddy lend a hand.
Truck Bed: Ramp it Up
Ramps come in all sorts of styles and sizes. Three arched, ten-foot, folding aluminum ramps are ideal. Two ramps will work, although they are a touch narrow for foot placement. One ramp is workable, but a couple of thick planks on either side makes all the difference. Regardless of the style or number of ramps, be sure to ratchet strap them together and to the truck bumper. [Photo: Discount Ramps]
Truck Bed: Smooth Physics
Riding up a ramp is the easiest loading method, but it can be a bit nerve-wracking the first time. Look where you want to go, and then ride up in a smooth and deliberate motion. Feather the clutch and brake gently to avoid diving the front end once on the truck bed. Also, check the load rating of the tailgate, or better yet, take it off.
Truck Bed: High Stepping
It should be no problem to push a light motorcycle up a ramp. Heavier machines are more of a liability because gravity will quickly take over if the bike starts to tip away or rolls backwards. If you have to push a non-running motorcycle up a ramp, a helper is vital to keep things balanced.
Truck Bed: Ratchet and Rings
Secure the motorcycle with ratchet straps from either the top triple tree or the fork stanchions. Fastening at the fork stanchions allows the suspension to absorb bumps along the way. Secure the rear of the bike in the same manner from ridge points on the frame. It is a bad idea to hook onto the thin metal of the bed rail. D-Rings, or similar, are required in the truck bed.
Truck Bed: Chocks Away
It is best to keep the bike upright and off the side-stand while hauling. If transporting a motorcycle is a routine occurrence, then a quality wheel chock is a worthwhile investment. A bolt-in or 'wedge-in' wheel chock will keep the bike standing straight and held in position. Make sure that the wheel chock fits the diameter of the front tire.
Truck Bed: Check List
A quick re-cap. For truck hauling one needs: four good-quality ratchet straps, D-Rings or tie-down points, a set of ramps, another couple ratchet straps to secure the ramps, and a helper. Note that long bikes can bottom-out on the front frame loops where the ramps meet the tailgate. [Photo: sbstreetmachines]
Truck Bed: Pro Tips
Here are some finer points to make truck loading even easier. Place the truck's rear wheels in a dip or at the end of a driveway to help smooth out the angle of attack. Make sure that you can flat-foot the bike. The distance to the ground increases with only the front wheel on the ramp. Bikes with security systems need to be put in 'transport' mode to stop battery drainage. Prepare your ratchet straps before you load.
Truck Bed: Loader's Little Helper
A small winch affixed to the front of a truck bed is the safe and controlled manner to load and unload a motorcycle from a truck or trailer. Considering that a Dyna weighs in at around 700lbs, and a loaded Ultra Limited tips the scale at 900lbs, a winch just seems like common sense.
Hauling Using a Trailer
Using a trailer is an ideal method to haul around one's prize chopper. The main drawback to trailering is that it requires a vehicle set-up for towing. Be warned, an improperly matched tow-hitch or lack of signal wiring can be disastrous, not to mention the potential for costly fines from local law-enforcement.
Trailer: Keep it Humming
A basic utility trailer will function perfectly well as a motorcycle trailer. Similar to a truck, the addition of a wheel chock will upgrade any standard trailer to a motorcycle specific rig. Loading and securing a motorcycle onto a trailer follows the same procedures as loading into the back of a truck, with a few other considerations.
Trailer: Bonus Points
Trailers have a few additional items to remember. It is imperative that the trailer is attached to the tow vehicle when loading and unloading. Engage the parking brake on the tow vehicle. Make sure the safety chains are connected, the ball hitch connector is locked with a spring pin, the signal lights are in working order, and the electric brake modulator is working — if so equipped.
A Helpful Conisideration...
While on the subject of moving motorcycles around by other means, the Condor Motorcycle Garage Dolly deserves a mention. When garage space is at a premium, the all-American-made Condor Dolly is a no-brainer. Move motorcycles in and out of storage with ease, while avoiding potential damage with this genius dolly system.
For help with service and maintenance of your Harley, check out the how to section of HDForums.com.
