tiedowns

[ninja79]

I just bought bike tiedowns. The kit came with 2 cords. How the hell are you supposed to secure the bike with just 2 cords? Methinks you need at least 3.

[Mr_Salad]

The best way that I know how is to hook each tie around each side of your front fork. Then affix to your transportation vehicle of choice. When you do this you should then compress your front fork alot, by tightening the straps. When you are done, you should be able to push on the bike and have the truck suspension move, not the bike.

Hope this helps.

[guitar guru]

You can, if it helps, lean the bike on its kickstand too, as extra support. Plus, this allows you to get it into tighter spots (like a closed truckbed) where you wouldn't be able to fit it if it were upright and straight.

But yeah... one tie-down around each handlebar should do it. If it's tight enough, the friction of the tires on the surface should keep them from slipping out and your should be able to flip your trailor/truck without the motorcycle coming undone.

[Meanie]

First, you should use ratchet strap tiedowns only.
Second, you do not just put the straps anywhere on the bars. Bars can bend and I know a few who have done so. Put them as close to the risers as you can.
Put the bike on the kickstand.
Apply the right side strap and start ratcheting the tension. When it starts moving off the kickstand, start the other side and do the same.
Compress the forks NO MORE than HALF WAY. Any further can result in blowing your seals and damaging the shock springs. The bike still needs to bounce while being trailered. The half way will provide enough bounce and maintain tension.
Leave the kickstand UP.
Stable the rear of the bike. No need to compress the shocks. Just keep it from bouncing side to side.
You're good to go.
Check straps at every stop

[9000white]

use 4 straps 2 in front 2 in back.

[ninja79]

First, what's ratchet strap tiedowns?

Obviously securing the handlebars will keep the bike from moving side-to-side, but that still doesn't explain how that will prevent the bike from moving back-and-forth. The only thing I can think of is a third tiedown holding the back wheel, kinda like this:

\ /
*
*
|

(The two ** represent the bike, /, \, and | are the tiedowns).

[jonnythan]

First, what's ratchet strap tiedowns?

Obviously securing the handlebars will keep the bike from moving side-to-side, but that still doesn't explain how that will prevent the bike from moving back-and-forth. The only thing I can think of is a third tiedown holding the back wheel, kinda like this:

\ /
*
*
|

(The two ** represent the bike, /, \, and | are the tiedowns).

http://www.cargogear.com/catimages/11705CAT.jpg

When I trailered my bike home, I used one cam strap on each handlebar (little different, same idea: http://www.diverite.com/Products/images/BC/BC2034.jpg ) and one strap over the rear end under the seat.

The front tire was pressed against the front of the trailer, with the front forks compressed a good bit by the straps.

[mgdavis]

Kinda Like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/ ... CN1260.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/ ... CN1253.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v445/ ... CN1255.jpg

Make sure to use straps rated for at least what your bike weighs.

[Randy]

jebus, you guys are heck on the forks. Did anyone mention a fork saver? Otherwise, I agree with Meanie. I usually use two tie downs and fork savers. Check the load whenever you stop (a-la Meanie).

[ninja79]

I count 4 tiedowns on these pictures. I still don't see how you can use only 2.