the best way

Whats the best way to strap down a motorcycle in a truck? Also I might be taking a trip to the Dragon tomorow if the temp. is cool, it was in the 50's today so I went for a ride. I live in Seymour TN which is right next o Sevierville and Gatlinburg. If anyone is in the area and is interested PM me.

There are tie-downs made for motorcycles... they go over the hand grips and then ratchet down from there.

Have fun at the Dragon. I've never made the trip, so I'm uber-jealous!

So two straps is all I need? I fugured I might need to secure the back of the bike also.

So two straps is all I need? I fugured I might need to secure the back of the bike also.
Ratchet straps on the rear pegs will work, too. Keep the ass from sliding out.

So total of 4 straps. 1 for each handle bar and 1 for each rear peg.

The best way (if you can) is to use something specially made for the handlebars. Something like this =http://www.ironpony.com/ironponydirect/product.asp/ImageName/BARHARNESSBLBIKE.jpg/Brand/CANYON%20DANCER/Class2/Transport/Class3/Tie%20Downs/Class1/STREET%20PRODUCTS will keep the hooks away from your bodywork and will provide a secure fit since it's designed for use with a motorcycle.

I've actually never had the special handlebar thing, but ratchet straps are tricky. You've got to be REALLY careful where you hook them in the front b/c fairings don't like undue stress... neither do the precision steering parts. I'm FAR from saying it's not do-able, but next time I put a bike on a trailer, I will have one of those handlebar thingies.

probably a bit late now but when i transport mine, i use a ratchet on each bar, compress the front shocks as much as possible and engage the front brake with the excess from the tie down. then just tie each corner of the trailer/ute tray to the back wheel. usually just one tie down anchored to the corner, around the wheel and to the other corner.

probably a bit late now but when i transport mine, i use a ratchet on each bar, compress the front shocks as much as possible and engage the front brake with the excess from the tie down. then just tie each corner of the trailer/ute tray to the back wheel. usually just one tie down anchored to the corner, around the wheel and to the other corner.

That is exactly how I strap my bike in minus the engaging of the front brake. Hasn't failed me yet.

Thanks for your responces, it was cold and it rained today so I ended up not going. I hope for warmer weather tomorrow. I can't expect much, it's December and I'm in the Smokey Mountains.

As far as compressing, they say you want the suspension in the middle of it's travel...this allows the suspension to still absorb some shock without transmitting it directly to the strap points, which depending on what you are strapped to can damage or bend them...

I go one strap over the upper triple clamp attached to the truck or trailer forward of the bike, cranked down as described, one over the seat with a blanket folded up between the seat and the strap, ratchet down to compress halfway. This is really all you need, but you can run a couple of small ties to either side of the frame or through the rear wheel to keep it centered if you are concerned about it, but don't go real tight... the two I described put the same amount of force downward as you do when riding it, think how hard it would be to scoot it sideways with you on it...with the suspension compressed it can't hop...

This gives a loading on the bike pretty close to what you put on it when riding, which is most natural for the bike. Bottoming out the forks and shocks is hard on seals. They take a pounding if there is no travel left...

As a truck driver, the best advice I can give you is no matter how you do it, re-check your strap job after 20 miles, you'd be amazed how something that seemed real solid can work loose as it bounces around and the straps relax...once you cinch it down a second time it should be good for the whole ride...



Since you guys are probably dealing with clip-on style, that a whole other world to me. I'd still try to go over the top clamp, but might not be an option with bodywork...I'm real good at strapping a cruiser, never done a sportbike.

I never felt comfortable putting a lot of pressure down on the clipons. Personally, I would wrap around the triple clamp.

No one would have any pictures of how i's done, would they?

I don't, sorry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRp3Roz6grk

This would be a good example of the wrong way though....;)

I don't, sorry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRp3Roz6grk

This would be a good example of the wrong way though....;)

NOOOOOOOO! Not a CRF450R!