Dogs and Harleys
There are quite a few ways to take your dog on your bike with you, depending on the dog, the bike, and the rider. Here is some information on getting your dog to go for a ride on your Harley-Davidson.
1. Before You Ride
We all love to have our four-legged friends along with us but being on a bike is a bit out of the norm. So if you'd like to have Fido accompany you on a trip there are a few things you have to know. This will shine some light on biker dogs and what you need to let your best buddy have the same amazing riding experience as you.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
2. Start Slow
Before building a giant crate on your Harley for your dog, ask yourself how well behaved your dog is. Dogs are animals, and animals can be quite unpredictable. So if you have a wild dog that can't sit in one spot for more than two seconds, maybe you should take it for a ride in the car instead. If you've taken your dog on a car ride before, you understand a few of their mannerisms. If your has ever tried to jump out of the car window, maybe it doesn't know what's best for it and a motorcycle ride is a bad idea. Most dogs are smart enough to know they need to stay aboard the moving vehicle. If you really want the challenge of teaching your dog to ride without a carrier, good luck and the only advice is to try giving them a ride in the basket of a bicycle first before you start revving your engine. If you think your dog is ready for a motorcycle ride, read on to learn what you need to do.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
3. Dog Carrier
Fortunately, we live in a world where dogs are liked just as much as humans, if not more. There are tons of manufacturers that sell dog carriers for your Harley-Davidson. The popular carriers fit on the rear of the motorcycle, which replaces the rear luggage. Depending on your taste, your dog's size, and how behaved your best-friend is, there are different types that vary from a hard sided cage to a seat with a doggy seat belt on it. Again, if you know your dog's manners, you should know which one your dog will feel most comfortable and safe on. Be sure to secure your dog with a harness and not just a leash attached to a collar to prevent stress on their neck, or worse.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
4. Homemade Carrier
When you think about it, the dog carrier you could spend hundreds of dollars on can be created right from the comfort of your own home. Whether you use a re-purposed tail pack with added screen panels, air holes strapped to the rear fender, or you build a crate from scratch; as long as it is strapped tightly, it will serve the same purpose. Depending on the size of your dog, saddlebags could work as a home for your friend when you're riding, too, just be sure to modify it so it works safely and comfortably.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
5. Backpack
Perhaps an easier way to carry your dog, especially if it is small to medium sized, is a dedicated dog carrier backpack. The best thing about training your dog to ride in a pack is that you can easily start out with the dog on your back. Walking around your neighborhood, move onto a bicycle, and then eventually move up to the motorcycle to see how it takes the gradual changes. Another advantage of the backpack style carrier is that they are usually very inexpensive.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
6. Doggie Safety
It all comes down to protecting your little buddy. So before you put your furry friend on your Harley-Davidson, it's critical that you make sure the carrier is strapped tightly. Drive around with it on with something that weighs the same as your dog in it to make sure it doesn't shift with turns and acceleration. When you strap the dog in, make sure you secure him from around the body, and never from the neck. Over-strapped is better than under-strapped, so use a few extra bungee cords. There are dedicated dog helmets and goggles out there to protect your pooch in the case of an accident occurring. Most importantly, ride safely as if you have a child with you on the bike. The more you ride with your dog, the more you and the dog will get used to it.
>>Join the conversation about Doggie Safety While on a Bike right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
For help with service on your bike, check out the how to section of HDForums.com
