newbie getting ready to get a GS500f

[squirrel_master]

hey everyone. i'm gonna purchase a GS500 in the next couple of weeks(black to match my truck ) and was wondering about truck ramps. to those of you who have lifted trucks wat kinda ramps do you use and how much do these run? here is a pic of my truck so you get an idea and it doesn't have the shell on the back anymore either:

[rangerbrown]

yor going to have some problems, i would find a good deep ditch to back into, like i do (ranger with 31's) and then use ramps and drive on.

[MGH-PA]

Haha it's a small world. I've seen you on TTORA, I'm in the same boat, looking for a GS and have a lifted Tacoma.


I second the suggestion on finding a bank and backing into it. As you can see I have plenty at my house...I would try that...if I remember correctly you had like a 6" lift, and spacers or coilovers on top? 35x12.50s? That's going to be a pain getting something up there unless the ramps are really long and a gradual slope or you use a bank or ledge of some sort to load the bike.

[KYGS500E]

yeah... backing into a ledge is how i did it... you could pull hte tank (to save weight) and get a couple of people to help you lift it (i've done this too) but its tough

[squirrel_master]

hey! it is a small world!  yeah i was thinking about building one outta a couple of side-by-side 2X8's and put bracing under them and some self adhesive non slit. 

[manofthefield]

I use a 7.5 foot folding aluminum arched ramp with my stock '98 TRD, plus a board to walk up next to the bike.  I usually take the handlebars and have someone behind the bike pushing.  Still makes me nervous sometimes, but it works.  I do try to take advantage of a ditch or whatever when I can, it makes things easier when you don't have to push so hard. 

You may also want to consider a small cheap trailer if you will be transporting often, or even renting a motorcycle trailer from uhaul for $15 I think

[Egaeus]

I bought my ramps from http://www.allramps.com/.  I got 2 of the aluminum ones (they come as a set) so that I could walk beside it and also load things like lawnmowers.  If I had it to do over, I'd get the slightly more expensive ones from Sears.  They're much better quality. 

I let my bike's engine load itself.  It's too heavy to push-load alone IMO.  It's hard to push and balance at the same time.  2 people can push-load it fairly easily though. 

Be careful if you use the engine to load the bike.  Use the friction zone, and be careful with your right hand.  It's easy to twist the throttle as the bike goes up.  Keep the front brake covered and don't be afraid to use it and the clutch to let yourself catch up and get even with the bike so that you don't drop it. 

I found my ramps.  They're these ramps

[manofthefield]

I found my ramps.  They're these ramps

That's what I have, well, 1 of those.  I got it on ebay a couple years ago.  Works well, constructed well, but the top plate has bent(sagged) off center under the weight of the bike a little.  Nothing where I would be concerned about it breaking though

[Egaeus]

That's what I have, well, 1 of those.  I got it on ebay a couple years ago.  Works well, constructed well, but the top plate has bent(sagged) off center under the weight of the bike a little.  Nothing where I would be concerned about it breaking though

There's nothing really wrong with the ramps, they're just lacking the "finish" of some others that I've seen. 

[squirrel_master]

likes like imma stop buy sears tonight and see what's up on some ramps. 

[afplayboy18]

if i get 1 ramp can i just ride the bike up onto the truck??

[Egaeus]

if i get 1 ramp can i just ride the bike up onto the truck??

You can if you feel really skillful and really lucky.  It's generally not recommended.