Never attempted this before, pull trailers for a living so the trailer itself is not an issue. Just wanted to know what is safest for the bike.
1. Strap bike to the trailer, but where to strap, anywhere convenient on the frame of the bike or are there specific hookups?
2. On the centrestand or just on the wheels? (wheels make sense to me to still let the suspension do its job, but if its on the wheels it would probably be compressed by the straps)
3. In gear or neutral?
Any other tips/past experienses would be great. Thinking about taking the GS on vacation, if I can convince my girlfreind!!! Heading out to P.E.I., N.B., N.S. and NFLD in August.
In case it matters, its an '06 GS500F.
Thanks!
*Just realized I had a typo on "bikes", duh!!!
I just get some ratcheting tie-down straps and 2 pieces of nylon strap that are sewn so that you can loop them over the handlebars so that you don't scratch them (get them at a bike shop). One on each handlebar, and one on each passenger peg. Keep it on the wheels. I don't quite tighten it down all the way, but it's pretty far because otherwise it will bounce around. I learned that lesson the hard way when I picked my bike up. Almost fell over.
For the front I attach Soft-Ties (Ancra makes them) to the forks at either the upper or lower tripple clamp, depending on the bike. Faired bikes usually on the lower as the strap goes under the bodywork. I NEVER tie to the handlebars or clip-ons. I have seen bent bars from this. Plenty of people do it this way but I would rather tie to a hard point, not a flexible one. Plus grips can move, they are only glued on.
On the back I strap to the sub-frame. Use less pressure as compaired to the front.
I have used plenty of different straps over the years and now I only use Ancra.
Also a front wheel chock really helps stabilize the bike. Black & Gray is my favorite.
I don't use the grips. I use the bend right next to the triple clamp. Using the grips is a sure way to screw up your bike.
I'm with egaeus. Never trailered the bike, but I had to put several in the back of pickups, when I picked them up. Side stand, in gear, ratchet straps around the handlebars (around the bends, near the triples), ratchet straps hooked to the tiedown bars/bungee bars/whatever you call em in back, under the passenger seat. worked great for me. Bikes never moved an inch.
Great suggestions to put into mind as I will be traillering my bike to Daytona for Biketoberfest.
I take mine all the time around and use four ratchet straps hooked the frame. Two right under the gas tank at the front on the frame and the other two near the passenger pegs or where the bungee hooks are on the frame. I get someone to hold the bike and then I tighten down equally, a little more pressure in the front. I watch the suspension compress a tad and thats it. Taken it from Cleveland to Charleston, SC and other long trip places with no movement whatsoever.
I am glad I read this topic. I need to get my bike to my Dad's house this weekend to ride. Its a 2 hour drive and my wife is going so I want to take the bike in the back of my truck and ride when I get there. This may be a dumb question but what is the easiest way to get the bike in the back of the truck without having to buy a $120 pair of ramps?
Use the straps to lash together about 4 two by fours. Then have a buddy or two help you get it in the truck. The stonger they are the better.
Even easier. Go to Home Depot. Rent a folding aluminum ramp for $4 dollars for a half day, or $6 for a full day. Use ramp. Return at end of day, pay $6 for convenience.
*Disclaimer* I don't know if ALL HDs rent tools. Mine does. Prices and participation may vary. :laugh:
*Edit*
Meant to hit "Modify" hit "Quote" instead. I'm retarded.
I used "canyon Dancers" which are soft ties that go across your top triple and strap onto the clip ons, allowing you to attach ratchet tie downs to those points but I didnt like how they rode up on the fairing edge. Now I use this method:
(http://www.600rr.net/gallery/files/2/7/5/8/0007_883205.JPG)
on a trailer its best to have the front wheel pushing against something also, or you need to use an additional 2 ratchet type straps on the back of the bike (at passenger pegs, or other sturdy points) to keep bike from moving fore/aft.
I've trailered my bike and carried it in a pickup bed a bunch of times.
also, if you're using boards as a ramp make sure they are long enough so that the transition from the angle of the ramp to the trailer bed isnt too great. its easy to bottom out the lower fairing on the trailer when the bike goes over the transition. thats why true moto trailers are arched.
Dude, best is to get like 3 friends and just pick it up.
I like that method. No silly boards and such.
Cool! Thanks for all the replys, some good tips here... unfortunatly whatever trailer I do end up using for the trip will have to be low and with ramps since its only me and my girlfreind there.... Going to book a trailer with Uhaul I think.
the uhaul motorcycle trailer is great for one bike. I used them often to get to the track. they have their own built in ramp and are really low. easy to load the bike.