Page 1 of 1

Bike trailer/ tie down tips?

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 3:13 pm
by FlyerPhil
I'm picking up my new (used) 86 vt700 shadow tomorrow. Since it isn't registered or insured yet, I'll be bringing it back with a uhaul motorcycle trailer.

I've got two sets of 8' 500/1500 pound rachet tie downs.

Any tips on how to tie down the bike?

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 3:14 pm
by ZooTech

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 3:52 pm
by Gadjet
use one set to tie the front of the bike down to the front corners of the trailer - do not use the handlebars as a tie down point - use the lower triple clamps for the front. tie the front down securely enough that it compresses the suspension a bit, but not so tight as to bottom out the forks. You want the suspension to be able to take the shock of any bumps that you might drive over without loosening the straps.

use your other set to tie the rear of the frame to the rear corners of the trailer - this will keep the back end from bouncing around.

when you tie the bike down, make sure that it is vertical and the sidestand is up when the straps are secure - you don't want the bike to be bouncing around on the sidestand - it could damage it.

When untying it at your destination, put the sidestand down, then loosen the straps on the opposite side, allowing the bike to lean over onto the sidestand. remove all straps and roll the bike off the trailer.

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 6:37 pm
by ofblong
why do you think you need to uhaul it? As long as you have the title signed by you and the seller on that day (or within a couple days) an officer will let you go.

well that and as long as you have your endorsement hehe.

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 7:02 pm
by FlyerPhil
ofblong wrote:why do you think you need to uhaul it? As long as you have the title signed by you and the seller on that day (or within a couple days) an officer will let you go.

well that and as long as you have your endorsement hehe.
I've got a license.

I've also got enough sense to know that the Jersey Turnpike is a bad place to take your first ride on your first bike.

Posted: Mon May 01, 2006 10:59 pm
by ofblong
FlyerPhil wrote:
ofblong wrote:why do you think you need to uhaul it? As long as you have the title signed by you and the seller on that day (or within a couple days) an officer will let you go.

well that and as long as you have your endorsement hehe.
I've got a license.

I've also got enough sense to know that the Jersey Turnpike is a bad place to take your first ride on your first bike.
oh im sorry I didnt read this was your first bike lol. my bad :D.