[Guest]

what is the proper way to trailer a bike? it will most likely be on a uhaul open trailer. pics are appreciated.

thanks
Mike B

 

[Guest]

anyone?

 

[ragincajun40]

When I tie down on a non-motorcycle trailer, I try to wrap on strap on each side of the triple tree and pull the bike into the front rail. I then take two more straps and wrap around the frame between the side cover and rear tire and tie those off on the rear corner of the trailer.

I think that's an ok way to do it.... Sorry I don't have any pics.

 

[Bonecarver]

Well, don't hold me to this cause I sure there is more then one way to get this done. I have always trailered my dirt bikes and now have had need to trailer our 2 X's from time to time.

Ratchet straps I think work the best, but any of the tie down straps made for this stuff would work. (Though I would stay far away from the cheap ones like they sell at the dollar store)

I pull the bike up to a stop ( front of the trailer or a block attached to the floor)something the bike is not going to get over easily, and then place a strap from each side of the handle bars. I make sure not to suck the front shocks down any more then needed ( 1/2 way ? perhaps). Don't want to blow out the fork seals.I make sure the straps are not going to rub on anything. Then I do the same thing on the back of the bike. But I tighten the back of the bike down tighter then the front. I guess if I were were going from NY to FL. I would add 2 more straps from the front of the bike, backwards toward the rear of the bike, just for safety sake.

I know there are all kind of systems and straps now that do not require collapsing the front forks and that would be the better route to go. But I have always just strapped them down.

Do not cover the bike with a plastic tarp as they will rub and beat the paint off for sure. I toss a coin on using the bike cover when trailering and most times go it with out a cover cause I just hate to take a chance on wearing off the paint and gamble on the stone chips....

 

[X-Cessor]

what is the proper way to trailer a bike? it will most likely be on a uhaul open trailer. pics are appreciated.

thanks
Mike B

here are a few pics of my trailer with the bike tied down.

There are nice strap set ups that allow looping the handle bars.

Tie the bars down and tie off the rear from the rear pegs.

Do not over tighten or compress the forks.. it is not necessary.

Before buying my flat trailer, I used U-Haul cycle trailer, but because of the retro and longer fender, the tailgate had to ride semi-opened.

They work fine if you need to rent one. I have also used kendon trailers, but they are very dangerous when guiding the tires on those thin rails.. they can grab the tire tread and cause the bike to angle and throw the bike off the ramp while loading, so I don't personally recommend those trailers.

As you can see with my trailer, I have the Condor Wheel Chock (I sell them) to a quick attached trailer plate. I remove it when I return home and the trailer chock becomes a verticle bike stand in my garage saving me space. I just ride the bike into the chock and it holds the bike upright till the next ride.

Back to Trailering..

I have a super wide rear wheel guide on the trailer only to prevent excessive sideways sliding while trailering. I really haven't seen it move after being tied down.

I purchased 3 ramps so I could ride the bike up and lock it down without anyones help.

When I ride it up, the wheel chock hold the bike perfectly. I can tie down one side at a time and the bike remains in place. The same thing when disconnecting it. I can completely release one side and the bike will not lundge the opposite way.

Then I can back down the bike by my self.

The two outside ramps are for my foot placement only, and the center ramp holds tha bike.

Hope this helps you.


Kenny

 

[floptop 454]

The only thing I can add is buy some tie down straps with a loop in both ends to tie to rather than have the metal hook in contact with your bike. I forgot them and used plastic rope tied to the bike in a loop. No problems

 

[BigPro]

what is the proper way to trailer a bike?

thanks
Mike B

make sure it behind you :lol: :lol:

 

[smokey2255]

X-Cessor
Kenny that is one sweet ride. Love the beattle bags and that seat. Where did you get that seat. I assume its all custom. I know that these questions are gonna cost me some money but I love the looks of it. Is it as comfortable as it looks. Man I got a new wish list going on now.

 

[Gary in Indiana]

Car, truck, tractor or bike you secure them essentially the same way. Use four separate tie down points at the four corners and secure those forward and out from the front and rearward and down from the rear. Pick places on the load that are solid like frames, axles, etc., and check your load after a few miles and tighten everyhting again.

Good luck!

 

[Guest]

When I ride it up, the wheel chock hold the bike perfectly. I can tie down one side at a time and the bike remains in place. The same thing when disconnecting it. I can completely release one side and the bike will not lundge the opposite way.

Then I can back down the bike by my self.

The two outside ramps are for my me placement only, and the center ramp holds tha bike.

Hope this helps you.


Kenny

I have a 12' trailer with a attached rear gate/ramp, but the angle seems a lot steeper than your ramps. I haven't put my bike on it yet, and I was wondering if I should ride it up, or walk it up (with the engine running and using 1st gear to help pull it up.) Frankly, the angle of the gate/ramp seems to be more than I want to ride up, and I don't want to drag bottom with me on the bike.

Do I understand you correctly that you ride up your ramp?

 

[black hills]

I ride it up the ramp, just seesm easier to me? I do try to use the terrain to make the angle as small as possible.

 

[mr rich]

kenzx, back up your trailer to a curb, and then lower your tail gate. this will change angle of the tail gate to make it more level.
rich

 

[Bull117]

I'd get some soft ties from Wally World, cinch down the forks to 3 fingers (do this with someone rocking the bike).

Bull

 

[X-Cessor]

X-Cessor
Kenny that is one sweet ride. Love the beattle bags and that seat. Where did you get that seat. I assume its all custom. I know that these questions are gonna cost me some money but I love the looks of it. Is it as comfortable as it looks. Man I got a new wish list going on now.

The seat is also made by Corbin.

The solo seat is "Young guns" and the seat with the 2 backrests is Corbins "Dual Tour". The seats are not soft, but they are comfortable "to me".

They are a firmer riding seat but a very well made seat.

My but is not hurting after a 600 mile ride. I know guys who like the soft "Ultimate seats" and sware by them as well. But I like the Corbin seats myself.


PS, sorry for the late reply, I was in Hollister for the 60th anniversary and did not get home till late last night, and I had no internet access at all.

 

[X-Cessor]

When I ride it up, the wheel chock hold the bike perfectly. I can tie down one side at a time and the bike remains in place. The same thing when disconnecting it. I can completely release one side and the bike will not lundge the opposite way.

Then I can back down the bike by my self.

The two outside ramps are for my me placement only, and the center ramp holds tha bike.

Hope this helps you.


Kenny

I have a 12' trailer with a attached rear gate/ramp, but the angle seems a lot steeper than your ramps. I haven't put my bike on it yet, and I was wondering if I should ride it up, or walk it up (with the engine running and using 1st gear to help pull it up.) Frankly, the angle of the gate/ramp seems to be more than I want to ride up, and I don't want to drag bottom with me on the bike.

Do I understand you correctly that you ride up your ramp?

I ride up my ramp. The center ramp is the bike ramp and the 2 outside ramps are for my fett to ballance the bike.

The ramps are rated for the bike and my weight.

I could walk it up but I fell more comfortable riding it up slowly (I have more control over it's placement and the balance of the bike itself.

I can also unload the bike the same way just backing it down slowly (Did it last night when I returned from Hollister. It is a breeze.

I think a steeper angle might be a bit shocking the first time. So I would suggest another person with you for bike balance if you are walking the bike up with a running motor and clutching. Then you will know how the bike reacts weight wise etc.