Buzz
Securing a motorcycle properly during transport is essential for its safety. To ensure your bike remains in place during transit, start by affixing a wheel chock to your trailer or truck bed. Place the front tire into the chock and secure straps to the front suspension tubes. Additionally, wrap a strap around the rear tire. Finally, tighten all straps using a ratchet strap to complete the process.
Key Information
- Install a wheel chock onto the trailer bed and utilize a ramp to load the motorcycle onto the trailer.
- Ensure the motorcycle is upright and secure it with tie-down straps; loop the straps around each front suspension tube and fasten them to a ratchet strap.
- Attach a strap parallel to the rear tire and wrap it around the tire, connecting it to a ratchet strap on the opposite side of the trailer; also secure any loose strap ends.
Procedure
Preparing the Motorcycle for Loading
Secure a wheel chock to the rear of the trailer bed. A wheel chock stabilizes the front tire, ensuring it remains straight during transport. Install the chock at the back of the bed, ensuring it is centered, and securely bolt it in place.
- You can purchase wheel chocks from automotive stores or online retailers.
- Some trailers come with pre-drilled holes for attaching wheel chocks. Look for these holes to simplify installation.
- If you prefer not to use screws and bolts, temporary wheel chocks can be secured with ratchet straps. Position the chock similarly and tighten the straps to keep it in place.
Load the motorcycle onto the trailer using a ramp. Utilize a specialized motorcycle ramp capable of supporting the bike's weight. Attach the ramp to the trailer bed and carefully roll the motorcycle onto the bed. Ensure continuous support throughout the loading process to prevent tipping.
- Having two individuals for loading facilitates the process, with one person on each side.
- Some utility trailers feature built-in ramps or have low heights that eliminate the need for a separate ramp.
- Avoid using wooden planks for loading as they may not withstand the motorcycle's weight.
- If loading into a pickup truck, consider removing the tailgate to prevent potential damage due to weight stress.
Align the front wheel with the wheel chock. Maneuver the bike towards the back of the trailer and place the front wheel securely within the chock. Many chocks emit a clicking sound upon proper engagement of the front wheel, indicating correct positioning.
- Temporarily lower the kickstand for convenience but ensure to retract it before securing the bike.
Securing the Front Wheel in Place
Maintain the motorcycle's upright position. If you have assistance, this task becomes simpler. Ensure the bike remains straight without leaning to either side. A helpful method is for the other person to straddle the bike, mimicking a riding position, and stabilize it with both feet.
- If you're alone, utilize the kickstand temporarily while positioning everything, but retract it before securing the bike.
Secure one end of the strap to the trailer aligned with the front tire. Utilize standard tie-down straps obtainable from hardware stores. Stand level with the front tire and affix one end of the strap to the trailer body. Verify the knot's security by pulling on it.
- Some trailers and trucks feature designated tie-down spots indicated by hooks or loops. If absent, secure the strap to a side bar on the trailer.
- Avoid using plain rope as it cannot be tightened adequately with a ratchet.
Loop a strap around a front suspension tube. Begin with the suspension tube on the same side where the strap was secured. Loop the strap above the rubber components of the shock absorber.
- Certain motorcycles have a cross brace designed for tethering. Check if your motorcycle features this attachment.
- Avoid wrapping the straps around the shock absorbers or rubber components of the suspension.
Fasten the opposite end of the strap to a ratchet strap and tighten it. Attach a rope with a ratchet strap to the trailer in front of the front tire. Thread the first strap through the ratchet strap and tighten it using the ratchet until taut.
- If you have assistance, have them sit on the bike to prevent over-pulling the strap.
Repeat the procedure on the opposing side of the front wheel. After securing one side, balance the bike with another strap. Employ the same method on the opposite side of the front wheel. Attach the strap to one side, loop it around the suspension tube, and tighten it with a ratchet strap. Equal tension will ensure the bike remains upright.
- Test the straps' tension by rocking the bike back and forth.
- Once the front wheel is secured, assistance with holding or sitting on the bike is unnecessary.
Securing the Rear Tire
Secure a strap parallel to the rear tire. Once the front tire is secured, proceed to secure the rear tire. Align the strap with the rear tire on either side and fasten it to the trailer at this point.
- If the trailer features hooks or other tie-down attachments, utilize them to secure the strap.
Encircle the rear tire with the strap. Pull the strap towards the tire and thread it through. Wrap the tire with one complete revolution, then draw the strap towards the opposite side of the trailer.
- Ensure the strap is wrapped solely around the tire, avoiding contact with any spokes.
Connect the strap to a ratchet strap on the opposing side of the trailer. Secure the ratchet strap to the opposite side of the trailer. Thread the strap through the ratchet and tighten it by cranking until taut.
Safeguard the loose ends of the strap to prevent flapping. Flapping straps pose a risk of damaging both your vehicle and motorcycle, especially at high speeds. Finalize the process by securing all loose ends, either by tethering them to the trailer or looping them around the tightened portion of the strap and knotting them.
- Continuously monitor the straps while driving. Periodically check your rearview mirror to detect any loosening and pull over to re-secure them if necessary.
Essential Equipment
- Trailer or truck bed
- Wheel chock
- Bolts for chock attachment
- Tie-down straps
- Ratchet straps
Helpful Tips
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Regularly inspect the straps. During long journeys, periodically exit your vehicle and examine the motorcycle's positioning. Make adjustments if necessary due to any shifting.
Important Notices
- Avoid over-tightening your ratchet straps to prevent damaging motorcycle components.
