Trailering a bike

[Dan]

Ok before anyone starts with the trailer queen comments, I am only trailering the bike to HERDstock because the wife refuses to drive the 9 or so hours it will take to get there. Also because I am leaving Thursday morning instead of friday I will be heading down alone.

Now that that is done, I plan on renting a U-haul motorcycle trailer and using 4 tie down points. This would be the first time I have done this and don't want to fug anything up! The question is where is the best 4 points to attatch the straps as not to break anything, do I leave it in gear, and how much should I compress the suspension?

Thanks in advance for any advise on this.

[Paladin]

I had to trailer my bike from Vegas last month because the route home still had snow and ice. I used ratchet straps on each side of the bars, close to the riser. I compressed the forks down about 2/3rds of the normal compression marks on the forks (if that makes sense). With the front compressed, the bike will barely move, but I put another strap across the seat just to keep the rear of the bike from bouncing. I made it the 500+ miles back to Idaho with no problems.

[Boss]

This is a good thread and point of information. I will be renting a trailer myself since I'm 17 hours away! Thanks Steve for the information!

[Dan]

I have 4 ratchet straps with the soft straps for tie downs. Could I put 2 in the front just above the lower triple tree and put a strap around each of the upper shock mounts on the rear and not do any damage?

[tibadoe]

Had to trailer my Sportster a few years back. Used my 4x8 trailer and tied it down like Steve said using 3 straps. Traveled 200 miles without any problems. I did stop after about 40-50 miles to snug down the straps.

[41bigdawg]

Steve and Joe, have it down!!! That is all you need. Compress the front with the soft straps close to the risers and throw one over the seat to keep her from bouncing, leave it in gear and you are good to go ;)

[Dan]

sounds good Thanks for the replies

[Ironhead]

Boss, I thought you were riding down and your wife was flying

[Boss]

17 hours is way to much and I want to enjoy the Saturday journey with everyone. Wife and G/F will be flying and I'll pick them you at the airport on Friday.

[Drum Dog]

Whatever you do, don't cover the bike. The flapping of the material against the paint will scratch the hell out of it.

[Dan]

Whatever you do, don't cover the bike. The flapping of the material against the paint will scratch the hell out of it.

Thanks for the reminder on that!

[Ironhead]

and BTW, the advice you got is right on the money. I have hauled 3 different bikes in the back of my truck. the fatboy I used 3 straps as mentioned, the 2 sporties, I just used 2 and never had any issues at all. both front ones around the barsright where they bend up., but I kept tightening them till they wouldn't go no more, pretty much had the front suspension burried

[Ironhead]

good point DD

[ruby4me]

Leave your kickstand down would be my only suggestion since the other points are covered!!

[vlade]

Leave it in gear? I never have, front wheel chock is a plus, strap it in to that, and I ussually tie off to the front shock tubes right above the lower trple tree and yank em down with a slight forward anchor point wide as I can find. Tie down the rear tire to keep it from bouncin around case you hit a big ass freak bump. After ten miles check your load make sure it is doing right and you got it lined out proper. Then every gas stop do a check and retighten anything loose. Get big ass rubber bands to coil and band any long strap ends as they will fly around and fugg s##t up or cotton tie bags you can stuff the extra strap in. Be keepin an eye in your rear view, Oh Make sure you got trailer lights often, specially with a U-haul lash up