i'm going to be trailering both my bikes from n.j. to nc.it's 450 miles trip one way.i need to know the best points on a 04 heritage and 04 883c.and how far down on the suspension. i heard half travel then some say full travel.i DON'T want to get to nc.and see both bike on top one another!!!

 

For the times I had to put the Train in the back of my beat up Chevy, I always tied down the front end about halfway and never had any problems. I tied down the rear end, but didn't put too much pressure on it, just didn't want it to shift side to side. Halfway down in the front, and you should be okay. At least it will keep your fork seals from blowing out.

 

You can never have to many straps - I use 7 ratchet style straps. 2 on the forks - 2 on the down tubes - 2 on the swingarm - 1 on the back wheel...but thats just me.

 

I like to tie below the suspension. Full fork travel, then the bike rides on its own as if it was on the road. Have gone from Ontario to Florida several times like that, but many guys won't do it. Just my.02

 

I use high quality straps. Use 2 straps on EACH fork slider tube above the lower stem bracket and attach them to 2 different anchoring eye bolts on the trailer. Loop 4 (2 per fork) figure 8 small connecting straps on the tubes and hook the "S" connectors on the straps to the loops. This eliminates the possibility of the "S" hook scratching the forks or bracket. It's a good idea to place the front wheel in a channel, or tack down 2x2's on each side of the tire if the trailer has a wood froor. Cinch the bike down half way on the suspension with the bike straight upright. Use 2 straps for the rear, 1 per side to prevent it from moving side to side. After pulling the trailer for a few miles, stop and check the tightness of the straps and you are good to go. Have fun at the beach.

 

Forget the trailer.......ride the Heritage down.......leave the Sporty at home. 450 miles is a piece of cake.

 

What he said

 

YEP, forget what I wrote, I'm wrong. RIDE IT TO THE BEACH!!!!

 

Always better safe than sorry. You can't go wrong by over tieing it down.

 

I was gonna ask why you would tie a bike down, is it gonna float away? Did you put helium in the tires?